Mendoza province produces quality wines

  South America has had an established wine industry since the 1600s. The fifth-largest wine-producing country in the world is located on the continent. That country is Argentina.

In general, Argentinean wines tend to be inexpensive. This is because they tend to be rather ordinary without much depth and complexity. However, there are exceptions.

There are 10 wine-producing regions in the country, most of which border Chile. Most of the country's wineries are found in the province of Mendoza.

The quality of Argentinean wines created in Mendoza tend to be better than average for the country. Chances are that when you shop for a bottle of Argentinean wine, you may not find one from another province. Non-Mendoza Argentinean wines are not easy to find here.

I did find a few bottles from the San Juan district recently and was very pleased with my tasting experience. As I tasted them, I thought about a few conversations with people who have visited the country and remarked about the great wine culture of Argentina. I have had nothing but good reports about the people and wine of the country.

The malbec grape was introduced to Argentina by the European settlers in the 19th century. They brought a number of varietal cuttings from France, Spain and Italy. Cabernet, merlot, sangiovese, tempranillo, chardonnay, chenin blanc and others were planted throughout the perceived grape-growing areas. The variety that thrived well was the malbec.

I tried a glass of the 2006 Graffigna Centenario Malbec and was treated with a rich bouquet consisting of floral notes that developed to violet and strawberry that developed to blackberry with undertones of mint, black pepper, vanilla, smoke and wood. As the wine developed over the evening, the flavors evolved from prune and bitter coffee to delightful mocha with raspberry.

Try this wine with your next barbecue. The flavors of the wine will match well with a slightly sweet sauce. Pizza would be another good food to pair with this wine.

Graffigna creates three levels of offerings. The Centenario series contains three wines: malbec, cabernet sauvignon and pinot grigio. The Grand Reserve level has a malbec and a cabernet sauvignon. The top wine is the Santiago Graffigna, which is an interesting blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and syrah.

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The 2005 Graffigna Grand Reserve Malbec is a more intense version of the Centenario series wine. The aromas exploded out of the bottle as it was opened. The floral notes of the Centinario were missing but plum and chocolate appeared without even smelling the wine in the glass. As the wine settled sweet ripe blackberry tones took over. Black pepper, cinnamon and clove are easily detected along with more subtle green herbs in the background. Cherry/berry with mint highlight the intense flavors.

I would stick with the barbecue and pizza for this offering, but the sauces can be kicked up with garlic, hot sauce and onions. I tried this with a bit of parmesana regiano and a 10-year-old basalmic vinegar. They went wonderfully together.

Torrontes is the white grape of Argentina. If you want to try a truly Argentinean wine, find a bottle of torrontes. As far as I know, this is the only native grape that is used to create quality wines from the country. I was looking for an offering created from this grape in the Graffigna portfolio and was surprised to see there was none.

I was skeptical about tasting the 2008 Graffigna Cetinario Pinot Grigio. That skepticism was quickly overcome with one taste. The wine was big, bright and bold. Aromas of stone fruit provided the initial pleasures. They developed to separate peach and apricot in a very short time. In the mouth the wine was clean and crisp in a style that indicates wood was never a part of the wine-making process.

Pinot grigio offerings can be thin and subdued. This offering is well suited for food. Try this with a Sunday brunch highlighted with bacon and an omelet. For dinner, grilled tuna or poached salmon would be my choice.

Just as Napa and Sonoma are the Californian gems of the wine world so is Mendoza in Argentina.

Just remember, great wines are made in many other Californian counties such as Santa Barbara and Mendocino. Mendoza may be the most famous and prolific of the Argentinean regions, but my experience showed me that San Juan also produces great wines.