June Featured Wines – DiamAndes Perlita Chardonnay & 2021 DiamAndes Perlita Malbec-Syrah, Uco Valley Mendoza, Argentina

To introduce Bodegas DiamAndes I suggest you go to their website to learn more about the wine estate located in the Uco Valley of the Mendoza region of Argentina and the Bonnie family who own it. You will find the owners use sustainable techniques to produce organic and vegan wines. Their wines reflect the qualities of the terrior just as the wines they produce in their native Bordeaux where they have two wine producing properties. When they introduced their first Argentinian vintage in 2007 it coincided with the opening of the DiamAndes winery. The contemporary design of the winery pays respect to Andean landscape. Bodegas DiamAndes should be a stop on a Mendoza wine tour.

The white selection is 2023 DiamAndes Perlita Chardonnay. This is 100% Chardonnay matured exclusively in stainless steel which produces vibrant acidity, elegant white fruit flavors, and creamy, mineral-driven textures. The red is 2023 DiamAndes Perlita Malbec-Syrah. This 80%-20% blend is aged in used French barrels. Malbec is the star of this show with Syrah providing smoothness for a well-rounded wine. If you are looking for a fresh rose, we also have 2025 DiamAndes Rosado, a Malbec rose on our shelves. These wines are a great value at $15.

2023 DiamAndes Perlita Chardonnay, Uco Valley Mendoza, Argentina $15

Perlita Chardonnay is a 100% varietal wine. Matured exclusively in stainless steel tanks to fully preserve the fruit’s expression and freshness, it offers notes of peach, white pear, and even mango. The vineyard’s altitude allows it to develop a pleasant acidity. Perlita Chardonnay is a balanced wine, ideal as an aperitif or to accompany appetizers and fish dishes. Alcohol: 14%

2021 DiamAndes Perlita Malbec-Syrah, Uco Valley Mendoza, Argentina $15

Perlita Malbec-Syrah is a blend of two great varieties. On the palate, it offers ripe fruit and soft yet firm tannins. This garned-hued wine with purple highlights offers aromas of raspberry, blackberry and subtle herb notesIt is silky and velvety, with a delicious finish. Ideal for pairing with poultry and grilled meats, both white and red. Alcohol: 14%

Featured Wines for May – 2018 Crios Torrontes & 2015 Crios Red Blend, Mendoza, Argentina

2018 Crios Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina $12

This Torrontes produced by Susana Balbo is a beautiful pale green-yellow. It is medium bodied. On the nose, it is floral, youthful and fresh. On the palate, it has a beautiful structure and a great minerality with tangy acidity and notes of fresh grapes. This is a great complement for carry-out Mexican or Asian food. Alcohol: 14%

2015 Crios Red Blend, Mendoza, Argentina $13

This blend, also produced by Susana Balbo, is a deep ruby color. It is intense with a complex nose from each varietal: blackberries coming from Malbec, freshly crushed cherries from the Cabernet Sauvignon, ripe black fruits from the Tannat, bell pepper from the Cabernet Franc, and truffles from Merlot. A good choice for meaty carry-outs! Alcohol: 14%

September Featured Wines – 2017 Santa Julia Pinot Grigio Plus, Mendoza, Argentina & 2015 Dralion Malbec/Syrah, Mendoza, Argentina

2017 Santa Julia Pinot Grigio Plus, Mendoza, Argentina                              $11

This Pinot Grigio has nice overall clarity and balance with delightful, ripe fruit aromas of pears, apple, melon, and some tropical notes of pineapple and banana. It has good balance, nice acidity, and a long, fresh finish. The yellow color has green tones. It is very delicate but has good balance and nice acidity with a long and fresh finish. Pair with shellfish, vegetarian dishes, lean fish and mushrooms. his is a perfect aperitif. Alcohol: 12.5%

 

2015 Dralion Malbec/Syrah Bodega Estancia, Mendoza Argentina           $10

This blend is 55% Malbec  and 45% Syrah. The appearance is bright, deep red with violet hues. On the nose you get complex and intense aromas of fresh red and black fruits, interlaced with notes of vanilla, leather and chocolate that come from a long rest in oak. On the palate this wine is expressive and elegant and structured and with a very good balance between fruit and wood. Intense and concentrated tannins make for a long and notable finish. Alcohol: 13.3 %

March Featured Wines – 2016 Sposato Family Vineyards Chardonnay & 2015 Sposato Family Vineyards Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina

2016 Sposato Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendoza, Argentina

Our third Sposato wine we have featured this is a wine with a fruit focus and attractive color along with aromas of tropical fruit, apples and peaches. The Chardonnay grapes are carefully selected from their own vineyard. Located at 1000 meters above sea level, the combination of warm, sunny days and cold nights make our vineyard ideal for creating wines with excellent maturity and perfect balance.

 

2015 Sposato Family Vineyards Bonarda, Mendoza, Argentina

This is likely a new varietal for you. It is an Old World  grape that is now unique in Argentina where it is widely grown.  On the nose this red shows an intense fruit flavor – strawberry, cherry and blackberry. On the palate it has soft tannins, great volume and concentration. This wine is elegant with a smooth and delicate balance. The Bonarda has a lighter body than Malbec but full of fruit.