Argentina. Land of the Tango, Patagonia, and Eva Perón. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Argentina, second in area only to Brazil in Latin America, presents tremendous regional diversity with a decidedly European spin. Spanish, Italian and German influences abound, and sumptuous food is an important part of the culture.
 
Argentina is the world's largest producer of grass-fed beef, and is fifth in wine production. Melting snows from the Andes nurture the vines. Mendoza is known by the locals as La Tierra del Sol y Buen Vino (Land of Sun and Good Wine), and has been producing excellent wines for years.
 
Our menu is inspired by Francis Mallman, classically trained in France, who returned to Argentina to celebrate traditional "fire-cooking" and become South America's most venerated chef.
 
We are please to present Tim English of Private Reserve, recently returned from Argentina, and a specially paired menu from Grovewood's award-winning kitchen. All wines will be available to add to your collection at State Minimum Retail Pricing, with case discounts available.


Montecepas Viognier 2007......Pear & Prosciutto-Topped Crostini, parsley-garlic drizzle.
Light yellow color with tropical notes of white peach. Flavor of pineapple and hints of citrus. Balanced between richness and lively acidity.
                                                                                                                               
Montecepas Torrontes 2007......Charred Carrot Salad, grilled baby brie, with orange blossom honey-thyme vinaigrette.
Clear yellow with brillian silver reflections. An appealing aroma that blends distinct orange zest with a heady floral scent. Balanced between richness and acidity.
                                                                                                                               
Urano Malbec 2007......Empanada Mendocina (traditional beef, egg and green olive).
100% Malbec from high altitude vineyards. 25% of the wine is aged for 12 months in 2 years old barrels, primarily French, and the balance is in stainless steel. Urano, god of the skies in Greek mythology, makes reference to the clean and magnificent skies of Mendoza, which, framed by the Andes, create special conditions for vine cultivation. Intense red fruit with hints of spice and a subtle French oak that gives senses of coffee and tobacco. Solid and sweet tannins with pleasant finish.
 
Erales Cabernet Sauvignon 2006......Grilled Lambchop, rosemary-currant cream, with charred zucchini with Parmesan chips.
This Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a dark ruby/purple color. On the nose, it has an intense, rich, black currant fruit nicely infused with toasty oak, spice, and hints of chocolate. This is a concentrated and viscous wine with a sweet, ripe, highly-extracted mid-palate. Its flavor lasts throughout the extraordinarily long finish.
 
Eral Bravo "YBS" 2006......Beef Churrasco (olive oil marinated and grilled,) with chimichurri and humita (fresh corn pudding).
This limited and numbered batch is the year's most important blend. The name "YBS" means "year's barrel selection." Planned for aging, it represents the best of the harvest. In order to achieve a distinguished quality, the highest potential aging barrels are selected so that the wine may continue its aging process. They are then blended to maximize certain varietal characteristics. In 2006, the blend was Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each of these varieties provides different characteristics: the Malbec shows intense purplish colors, red fruit and kind tannins; the Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure, complexity and character as well as black fruit, cassis and eucalyptus aromas. This wine shows great volume and tenacity in mouth. Good wood integration that makes this a complex and interesting wine.
 
Coffee or Tea......Bruléed Oranges with housemade lavender ice cream.

Fellow food tourists, our next dinner will be a celebration of fire and wine.  I promise you won't be disappointed!