Terrazas Reserva Malbec 2009: a Glass of Argentina

Terrazas Reserva Malbec 2009: when great wine comes from the New World

I am Italian and very attached to my country, despite everything, despite its contradictions, its flaws, its political class and many other negative aspects of our nation. We live in a wonderful country, which has given birth to geniuses and artists, made up of breathtaking landscapes and evocative places.

Even when I drink wine I am proudly nationalistic, but that doesn't mean that when an foreign wine is offered to me, I approach it with prejudice.
One evening, by chance, at the wine shop this Argentine wine was suggested: Terrazas Reserva, Malbec 2009.

Like all countries in Latin America located below the Equator, Argentina has seasons reversed compared to our northern hemisphere, and this allows industry professionals, experts and those seeking experience to often participate in two harvests! Of course, during this period in Mendoza, the capital of the region of the same name, the "Festa de la Vendimia" is celebrated, during which the Princess of Wine is crowned.

This wine comes from the area of Mendoza, close to the Andes and near Chile, another excellent wine producer. Summers here are very hot, while winters are cool but not harsh; rainfall, on the other hand, is quite scarce.
In short, a climate that can yield, for certain grape varieties, great results — and in an area where there are significant communities of Veneto and Piedmontese immigrants, it's hard to imagine no one trying to produce good wine!

This wine we are about to pour into our glasses comes from the province of Lujàn de Cuyo, identified in 1950 by Renaud Poirier, wine analyst on behalf of Maison Moët and Chandon, as "the best place in South America for the production of good wine". And so the company, which had set its sights on the lands of South America, heeded the advice of its expert and began producing there.
That is why we find this Malbec so far from its original roots.

The grapes come from vines planted at 1,067 metres above sea level, and this wine has spent twelve months in French oak barrels for 80% and the remaining 20% in American oak barrels, of which 30% are new.

In the glass we have a wine of a very dark and deep red, impenetrable; the aroma released in the glass reaches my nose from a distance of 40–50 centimetres: things are starting to get serious!
Strawberry, sour cherry, plums, violets, vanilla, blackberry, raspberry, spices, undergrowth, wet leather, tobacco and smokiness: it feels like being in a tannery!
On the palate it has a very substantial body, a rich flavour and very present yet elegant tannins that on the first sip catch you a little off guard, but, like a woman of strong character, will end up making you fall in love. Excellent persistence. The oak is noticeable but not invasive — a skilful use that enriches without overpowering.

I would prefer to drink it on its own; it pairs well with well-aged cheeses, game, wild boar and red meat dishes cooked in a flavourful and well-seasoned way.
Price between 15 and 18 euros: a great discovery — and I didn't even need caravels, I just had to visit the right wine shop!