Latest news with #Malbec
Time Out
an hour ago
- Time Out
What are Pét-Nat wines and which ones to try?
This bi-varietal Pinot Noir and Malbec is made with grapes from high-altitude vineyards, located at 1,400 meters above sea level, in Gualtallary, Uco Valley. The manual harvest took place in early February to maintain the integrity of the clusters. You might also be interested in: Juan Ventureyra, the world's tomato seed collector It's a low-intervention sparkling wine, so it has no added sulfites, is neither clarified nor stabilized. It presents a salmon pink color and aromas of white fruits and citrus; its acidity makes it fresh and elegant. The tip: This winery houses Riccitelli Bistró, the restaurant awarded a red star and a green star by the Michelin Guide 2025, thus retaining the one obtained in 2024. Juan Ventureira is the chef who conceived the in-house garden and designs sustainable gastronomy.
New Statesman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New Statesman
Rosés to share in the sun, CabFranc on the go, and a Malbec not to be wasted on a stag do
Illustration by Charlotte Trounce I f you walk down Hatton Garden in central London, you will encounter a slew of jewellery shops, a Pret, one Dickensian pub down an alleyway. You might also witness the occasional brawl, the semi-regular police horse appearance, and the offshoots of the hectic food market one road over. If you are lucky you will also spot some bookish types scuttling along the pavement, almost certainly on their way to work in the NS offices. It was a rare treat, in recent weeks, to have some great wine to share with the aforementioned bookish types. First, thank you to the jauntily named Yapp Brothers for sending over six bottles for us to try. In a feat of modesty and temperance, the case sustained the NS for the best part of two weeks. One languid Friday and the atmosphere on Hatton Garden was like a Tennyson play – stifling, on edge, soporific. It felt only right to decant the 2024 house rosé into tumblers and hand them out in the office. It had been chilling since the morning and was a nice colour, not exactly pale but thankfully not lurid Ribena either – a fairly standard Grenache and Merlot blend. Rosé, more than its red and white counterparts, is a context-dependent beast. Just how fish and chips are best enjoyed in view of the sea (rather than under a bridge on the M25, say), rosé should be enjoyed as an aperitif sur la terrasse along the Mediterranean. Well, how about in a fluorescently lit office in Farringdon with an NS associate editor, commissioning editor and business editor? No match for the romance afforded by the vesperal light of the French Riviera… but we thought it worked great: light, unobtrusive, red fruits with an ever-so-barely-there touch of minerality. Keeping rosé on ice on a sunny Friday isn't standard procedure here. But maybe it should be. Later, we found ourselves on the Central Line on our way to east London for drinks in a colleague's garden (how collegiate!). Stuffed in one bag was the Domaine des Oullières 'Harmonie' Blanc 2024, a Provence white enjoyed as we perched on garden furniture in the sun (a fate unfortunately denied to the rosé). This is a Vermentino heavy blend (Sauvignon Blanc makes up the rest). It's good, not particularly light but fragrant and… was that fennel? The real heads will tell you something like this is best served with seafood. I found it just as successful with takeaway pizza. High, low, and all that. Also stowed in our bags was the 2021 Château Fouquet from Saumur, pure Cabernet Franc and – as the merchants recommend – better enjoyed CHARLOTTE TROUNCE with a bit of age. Cab Franc has a tendency towards the vegetal. But no such problems here. Meanwhile, we had packed another NS staffer off to a stag do in Brighton that evening, screw-top Malbec in hand (touch of class…). It came with good reviews, in the only way a Malbec like that can come with good reviews: jammy, uncomplicated, probably good for a stag do. Fast-forward a few days and I received a wonderful text from the arts desk at 7pm on a Tuesday. 'Is there wine here and can we have it,' they wrote to me, before promptly following up with a simple: 'It's urgent.' I have good news for you, arts desk: yes… and yes! They picked out a 2021 Côtes du Rhône and sent me the tasting notes over WhatsApp: peppery, woody, spicy. This is just as you might expect from a wine with this spec. And they told me it was delicious, just as you might expect from a wine with this spec. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe At some point in 2023 – bear with me – something strange happened: a sweet, pale green leafy vegetable by the name of hispi cabbage took over every menu in town. And almost out of nowhere, hispi was general all over London. I contend that viniculture's hispi counterpart is Picpoul de Pinet: it burst on the scene and asserted itself on the wine lists of London's middlebrow restaurants with great, almost admirable, force. It's ubiquitous: few can explain why. But what I can tell you is that the Picpoul in this case is a very good example of the form: citrussy, saline, easy going. And so, there is the New Statesman's editorial staff's whistlestop tour through this selection. Good for parties in the garden, urgent office emergencies, slow and hot Fridays on Hatton Garden, stag dos in Brighton. I think the word for that is versatile. By Finn McRedmond Take advantage of offers on these wines and more, exclusively available to New Statesman readers, by ordering online today. Related
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
These merlots are best things to come out of Chile since Pedro Pascal
While Argentina was laying claim to Malbec as their own variety, the Chileans were doing the same with Merlot to the extent that Chilean Merlot became a marketable entity in a way that Merlot from other countries didn't. The style is rich, plummy, generous and not terribly expensive and despite its historic ties with Spain, their winemakers have been far more influenced by France, due to the influx of large numbers of French settlers in the 20th century. They brought knowledge of stainless steel fermentation tanks and the use of oak for aging and created a style distinctive enough to be recognised in its own right. So let's raise a glass to Chilean Merlot Louis Phillipe Edwards Gran Reserva Merlot A high altitude Merlot with black cherries, autumn fruits and a silky texture. An outstanding wine for the price. Well done, Majestic. Majestic Wines £10 per bottle or £9 mixed six Pichikura Merlot, Videos Marchigue 2023 A friend bought me this and I am glad they did. Fresh and lively on the nose with a soft almost mature easy style of fruit and tannins on the palate. Complex, refined and gorgeous. Corney&Barrow, £9.95
Time Out
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Discover Gran Dante 2021, the world's best Malbec winner
Malbec is not only Argentina's most iconic wine but also a gateway for those who fall in love with the local terroir. That's why, and in honor of this remarkable grape, we want to introduce you to Gran Dante Malbec 2021, crafted by Bodega Dante Robino in Mendoza. This wine was crowned the Best Malbec in the World at the prestigious 2024 International Wine Challenge, one of the most rigorous competitions in the industry. This Mendoza label scored 96 points and took home three trophies: Best Malbec from Uco Valley, Best Malbec from Argentina, and the most coveted of all, Best Malbec in the World. Held in London, the competition assessed over 6,000 wines from around the globe in blind tastings conducted by a panel of experts and Masters of Wine, including Tim Atkin and Sam Caporn. 'It's like a Grand Slam for the winery,' says Gonzalo Funes, head winemaker at Dante Robino. The 2021 harvest was marked by exceptional weather, allowing grapes to ripen perfectly, resulting in an elegant and complex expression. The wine offers intense flavor, aromas of fresh red fruits and violets, and subtle oak notes. It has intense flavor, aromas of fresh red fruits and violets, and subtle oak notes Gran Dante Malbec 2021: A Wine That Speaks of Its Origin Gran Dante Malbec 2021 comes from a vineyard located in Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, a high-altitude region (1,150 meters above sea level) internationally acclaimed for the quality of its terroir. This wine perfectly reflects the vintage's characteristics. The 2020–2021 growing season featured a warmer, drier spring with low humidity, which led to rapid vine growth and excellent grape health. Greater temperature variation resulted in an early veraison. All of this yielded a Malbec with an intense aromatic profile and flawless structure. 'The harvest was excellent. This place gives us freshness, even in a high-end, concentrated wine. That fresh fruit character is what consumers are loving right now,' explains Funes, adding, 'What the judges highlighted was precisely the terroir, the grape quality, and the aromatic expression it still holds.' That signature freshness combines with aromatic intensity of red fruits, violets, and a gentle touch of oak. On the palate, it stands out for its volume, structure, smooth tannins, and balance —making it enjoyable now or years from now. It's a Malbec with full varietal expression, showcasing fruit, silkiness, and balance, with a cellaring potential of ten years. A Malbec with full varietal expression, featuring fruit, silkiness, and balance, with a cellaring potential of ten years Technology, Passion, and Teamwork Bodega Dante Robino has also embraced key technological innovations to achieve the high quality seen in Gran Dante Malbec. Starting with the 2021 vintage, the winery implemented an oxygen control system during vinification, which helps preserve aromas and ensures controlled wine evolution. They also developed new tools to monitor fermentation parameters and define model winemaking curves. 'We've been working for years to create wines that represent us on a global scale. Gran Dante Malbec 2021 is the result of that journey—from vineyard selection to bottling. It's a powerful, balanced wine with lush fruit and freshness, representing the pride and passion we pour into each of our wines,' says Gonzalo, who leads the winery's winemaking team. Beyond the technical side, he emphasizes the human factor: 'I like to talk about the team. No matter your expertise, the mark you leave on your team is what truly lasts.' Because Gran Dante Malbec is not only a reflection of its terroir but also of the collaborative spirit driving a winery with more than 100 years of history. Dante Robino was acquired in 2020 by Cervecería y Maltería Quilmes, a move that boosted its commitment to quality, technology, and international reach. When it comes to his personal winemaking philosophy, Gonzalo shares: 'I believe in simple, easy-to-drink wines. I think that's what the consumer wants—me included. A wine that needs no explanation, that's enjoyable on its own, and takes you to happy moments.' Awards That Make a Statement The impact of the award was immediate. 'It was a big surprise. We know this kind of recognition doesn't come every year, but now the challenge is to maintain this level and bring the same quality to other labels like Bonarda or Cabernet Franc,' says Funes. In addition to the International Wine Challenge, Gran Dante Malbec 2021 was selected for the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection 2025, where sommeliers from the world's top restaurants (including those in The 50 Best) choose the wines they would include in their wine lists. Only 123 wines worldwide were selected; from Argentina, 13 made the list—six of them Malbecs, including Gran Dante. The jury included 32 professionals, only one of whom was Argentine: Pablo Rivero, owner of the acclaimed parrilla Don Julio. Gran Dante Malbec 2021 was also selected for the World's Best Sommeliers' Selection 2025 'Having our Malbec chosen by the sommeliers of the world's best restaurants fills us with pride. It's confirmation that we're on the right track,' he highlights. The winery offers a wide range of wines, from young and fresh labels to high-end icons like Gran Dante. 'We like to say we make wines from another planet,' jokes Funes, proud that the winery's creations are enjoyed at both everyday meals and the world's most demanding tables. How to Enjoy, Pair, and Find Gran Dante Malbec 2021 Gran Dante Malbec 2021 has the versatility to be enjoyed in different settings. According to Gonzalo, 'It's a wine ready to drink, but it also invites experimentation. You open it, let it breathe, and it changes its nuances over time. It's very expressive.' As for food pairings, Funes suggests pairing Gran Dante Malbec with rich, fatty meats: 'I'd go for a three-finger-thick steak, seared on both sides. But it also pairs well with cheeses and chocolates. It works across several stages of a meal'. The ideal serving temperature? 'I like wine served cool. If it's at 15°C or if the bottle is just slightly fogged, that's perfect. With its refreshing acidity, it gives a very pleasant sensation,' says the winemaker. A Malbec to Celebrate, Toast, and Take Home Gran Dante Malbec 2021 is available at the winery or through its online store, with nationwide shipping. But it can also be the perfect excuse to plan a trip to Mendoza, visit the winery, and take home a bottle as a souvenir. Because Mendoza is not only something you drink—it's something you live.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Argentina Was Made Malbec Into Its Signature Wine By Pioneer Luigi Bosca
Only in this century has the European grape Malbec shown itself to be worthy of being enjoyed as more than a Bordeaux blending varietal. Indeed, today it is the dominant grape that has come to define Argentina's fine wine industry and global reach. Crucial to Malbec's rise in favor and quality was the Bodega Luigi Bosca, whose international sales director, Roberto Meli, and winemaker Pablo Cúneo I interviewed in New York. How long has Malbec been recognized as perhaps the premier grape in Argentina, and why? Cúneo: Malbec has been cultivated in Argentina since the mid-19th century when the original plants came from pre-phylloxera populations brought over from France. They multiplied and did extraordinarily well in adapting to the terroir of Mendoza and Argentina. Although in the 1950s Malbec accounted for only 22.5% of Argentina's vineyard surface, it wasn't truly appreciated until the late 1980s. Over time, this led to the development of a unique, diverse, and high-quality population, making Malbec a viticultural heritage of our country. Until then, all wine produced was consumed domestically. Then, Argentine viticulture began looking for international markets, so we needed to identify a type of wine or a grape that could deliver quality and distinguish us internationally. Malbec emerged as a variety capable of producing expressive, high-quality wines with a distinctive character. The first concrete step in elevating Malbec's status was the creation of the Luján de Cuyo Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC), which not only highlighted the grape but also the old Malbec vineyards and the Lujan de Cuyo region. Leoncio Arizu came from fourth generations of pioneering winemakers in Europe, and settle Mendoza, where he found Luján de Cuyo reminded him of his native land, so he became deeply inspired and began planting vineyards with European vines, including Malbec. Under the guidance of the Arizu family, Luigi Bosca became a driving force and founding promoter of Argentina's first DOC. From the late 1990s, Malbec established itself as Argentina's flagship variety. Owing to its ability to produce deeply colored wines with expressive fruit and a smooth, silky texture that quickly won over consumers in Argentina and abroad. It is also a variety capable of producing wines across various price points without losing its identity or character. Pablo Cuneo is winemaker for Luigi Bosca Luigi Bosca What does adding Cabernet Sauvignon do for Malbec? Cúneo: Malbec naturally has a deep color and low tannin levels, which gives it its smooth and fleshy texture. When blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, it gains body and structure, thanks to the latter's tannins. Aromatically, Cabernet Sauvignon contributes richness and complexity, adding spicy, peppery and herbal notes. When did you begin focusing on Chardonnay? Your Chardonnay De Sangre is a blend with two other varietals. Why? Cúneo: At Luigi Bosca, we've been making Chardonnay since the 1980s; the first vintage was in 1986, and it became a benchmark for the variety in Argentina. De Sangre White Blend is a wine based on Chardonnay (50%) with Semillon (35%) and Sauvignon Blanc (15%). With this wine, we aim to express the high-altitude character of our mountain vineyards through aromatic freshness and mineral acidity, as well as the harmony and flavor richness achieved by blending Chardonnay with the other two varieties. Semillon adds herbal aromas, weight, and sweetness on the palate entry, while Sauvignon Blanc brings freshness, acidity, and tension to the mouthfeel. The result is a wine with great aromatic complexity and consistency on the palate. Paraiso is Luigi Bosca's new flagship wine. Luigi Bosca Paraiso is now your newest red wine and your most expensive. What is unique about it? Cúneo: Paraiso is a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced each year from selected plots within our best vineyards in Mendoza. It reflects the Luigi Bosca style, which is defined by purity of aroma, complexity, harmony, and elegance. To craft Paraiso, we taste over 800 barrels or lots of wine and select those that best embody our style. The name pays tribute to "El Paraíso," the house where four generations of the Arizu family lived and where the entire Luigi Bosca story and inspiration began. Cúneo: The alcohol levels of your wines seem quite reasonable at a time when so many other producers aim for 14.5%. How have you maintained your levels, especially with global warming? Wine's expression and grace depend on the balance of all its components. Alcohol contributes weight, volume, and warmth, but if it's not balanced with the rest, it can negatively impact the grape's typicity and terroir expression. The combination of vineyard location, vineyard management and the timing of the harvest are fundamental factors in achieving balanced ripeness with moderate alcohol levels. To reach this, we start with vineyards located in temperate to cool, high-altitude areas that are balanced in terms of production. We aim for controlled yields and water management that allow the vine to work efficiently and healthily. The decision of when to harvest is crucial for ensuring varietal and terroir expression while avoiding over-ripeness. We begin sensory and analytical monitoring of the grapes more than a month before harvest. At this stage, it's essential to be out in the vineyard, walking it, and staying closely attuned to its development. How do the climates of Argentina and Chile—both along the Andes—differ? Cúneo: The main difference between the winegrowing climates of Argentina and Chile is that Argentina has a strictly continental climate with no ocean influence, while Chile has a maritime-influenced climate thanks to the Pacific Ocean. Argentina's wine regions stretch from 23° to 45° south latitude, at the foot of the Andes. The terroir conditions are defined by a desert climate—dry, with naturally healthy conditions for grape growing, strong sunlight, and high temperatures. Irrigation is essential and, when combined with the region's alluvial soils low in organic matter, becomes a powerful tool for vineyard management. Elevation is the only way to seek cooler climate conditions and balance latitude. In short, Argentina's wines combine mountain coolness with intense sun, resulting in wines with energy, color, concentration, and freshness. In Chile, the main temperature regulator is the Pacific Ocean. Argentina has the highest rate of inflation in the world. How does the wine industry cope with that? Are all international sales in U.S. dollars? Meli: Operating from Argentina does come with well-known macroeconomic challenges. In our case, we try to stay focused on what we can control: the quality of our wines, building a strong brand, and working closely with our international partners. Most of our exports are handled in U.S. dollars, which provides a more stable basis for planning. In the end, what keeps us moving forward is consistency year after year, offering wines with identity and authenticity that resonate with consumers at a stable price. According to the president of Wines of Argentina, Alejandro Vigil, 'Argentina has gone through a complicated economic process, with an extremely backward dollar and serious supply problems . . . especially in markets like the United States at the base of our pyramid, in wines that are below $35 per case, which is practically impossible to export, given the dollar we currently have. . . and where wine consumption has decreased sharply, especially for countries like ours.' How are you coping with these problems? Meli: Entry-level wines are indeed under pressure in today's environment, especially in competitive markets like the U.S. Our focus has always been on the premium segment, where there's more room to build long-term value and where quality is clearly recognized and can support the increasing costs. At the same time, we believe success in any market comes from strong local partnerships. We work closely with our importers and distributors to adapt our strategy—adjusting pricing, portfolio, and trade programs based on the market context. It's a hands-on approach, but it's what allows us to keep growing. How do you feel the Trump tariffs will affect Argentina's wine industry? Meli: There's always some uncertainty when the rules change, but we prefer to focus on the fundamentals. U.S. consumers are increasingly drawn to wines with character and authenticity—that doesn't change with a tariff. If new trade measures come into play, we'll adapt alongside our partners. The most important thing is to maintain strong, long-term relationships, deliver on our promises, and continue to rely on quality as our main driver. You have a history of progressively buying more vineyard land over the past couple of decades. Where do you see Luigi Bosca positioned five years from now? Meli: Luigi Bosca owns 530 hectares (1,309 acres) of vineyards located in the various oasis of Mendoza. Many are old, high-quality vineyards in areas like Vistalba (Luján de Cuyo), along with newer ones in the Uco Valley. We also source grapes from neighboring growers and other regions, maintaining long-term relationships with them. This approach allows us to ensure both diversity and quality in our grape supply. Looking ahead, we're not planning to substantially increase our vineyard surface. Instead, we want to strengthen our ties with our current growers and, perhaps, plant new vineyards in specific high-altitude areas of the Uco Valley.
