2009 Caminada Malbec Uco Valley Mendoza

Part four of my Valentine’s series brings us to the delicate movement that is part of every relationship. Love and a meaningful relationship is a fined tuned dance. You and your partner trying to be respectful of the other’s space while moving together in very coordinated steps. Caminada Malbec represents this stage well since Caminda is a term which refers to the slow, seductive walk-step in the tango.

Aromas were a little closed at first but a few good swirls opened up to black berries and plum. Plum carried over to the flavor along with cherry and vanilla. Medium bodied but a little high in alcohol. It’s not overpowering and still easy drinking and pleasurable.

Varietal – Malbec
Region – Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
RS – 2.37g/100ml
pH – 3.8
Alcohol – 13.8%
SRP - $11.99

The Argentina based winery sources their grapes from the foothills of the Andes Mountains. The grapes used in their Malbec grow at an altitude of 3,200 feet above sea level. Mendoza, known for their wine and specifically Malbec, can be divided into five main growing regions, Northeastern, Central, Southern & Uco Valley.

The Uco Valley covers the highest vineyards reaching up to 5,500 feet above sea level. The desert soils while organically poor in nutrients provide drainage due to the rocky make up. The region typically produces quality white and red wines that are suitable for prolonged cellaring. Typical varietals are of course Malbec but include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Pinot Grigio as well as sparkling wines.

I wasn’t able to find any info on the winery or winemaker but while looking I see where the wine is carried in Winn Dixie at $11.99. So if you find yourself in the vicinity of a WD, check out the wine.

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2008 Antigal UNO Malbec Mendoza Argentina

I know I’ve said this before but man have I got a great gig. A few weeks ago I received a wine sample and press release from Antigal Winery and Estates located in Mendoza Argentina. This sample was a bottle of their 2008 UNO Malbec. I think this may have been one of the nicest Malbecs I’ve had in awhile.

Aromas of spice, earth and plum waft out of the glass. Refined black fruits and more spice hit the palate. The finish carries a hint of vanilla and oak. The wine is medium to full bodied yet retains silky smooth tannins.

UNO is the winery’s limited-production wine. The unique and beautiful bottle would draw anyone’s attention immediately. Arriving in the US around the same time the Malbec craze began, UNO offered a new style of Malbec by substituting multi-layered elegance for the typical powerhouse intensity.

Antigal Winery is located in Maipú, Argentina which has the honor of being called the birthplace of Argentinean wine. Built in 1897 and having gone through many renovations the winery is state-of–the-art with equipment from France and Italy. By using a gravity-flow system the need for forceful pumps and crushers has been eliminated.

The vineyards are located in Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina and benefit from Mendoza’s highest elevations. Planted in strategic locations to take advantage of the snow-melt from the Andes Mountains. Each varietal location was chosen to take advantage of the best growing conditions. High elevations provide hot days and cool nights, high amounts of ultra-violet rays from the sun, and beneficial air circulations. Each contributes to the flavor and aromatics of the grape.

Hand harvested and pruned the pure flavors and aromatics shine through. This wine was truly a wonderful surprise and I hope to have the opportunity to sample more in the Antigal line in the near future.

2011© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.
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2008 Opi Malbec and nail polish remover.....

Fall has arrived in Florida, at least for the next day or two. Tonight is the first night since May where we can enjoy sitting on our deck overlooking our Koi pond while sipping a glass of wine. Even Wine Kitty is outside enjoying the dry and cooler temps. Tonight’s wine selection is 2008 Opi Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.

It smells familiar but I can’t put my finger on it, later I realize, it’s nail polish remover or acetone. Thankfully it doesn’t taste like nail polish remover but it is medium to even light in body style. The flavor doesn’t linger very long either. I take in lots of berry, oak and spice flavors but as soon as it hits the palate all I’m left with is an alcohol taste.

I tried to find more info on the wine and the winery but I was unable to find a website. All I can tell you is what I get off the bottle. The grapes are handpicked from the vineyard in the Maipu region of Mendoza and the winemaker is Rudolfo Sadler. I did have some left in the bottle the next day and was curious to see if the nail polish scent disappeared. I’m happy to report it has dissipated but when I take another sip the flavors are still there but still not much of a finish.

Oh well, on to the next wine in our wine adventure.

Chickadee word of the day:
Acetone – a wine with a sharp but slightly sweet and somewhat fruity smell typically caused by ethyl acetate.

2009© Kellie Stargaard. All Rights Reserved.