Argentine Sun

Argentina’s desert-like climate produces tiny grapes packed with intense flavor. Taste three wines: a Chardonnay-Viognier blend, a Malbec-Syrah blend, and a Cabernet Sauvignon tonight from 6 to 9pm at MHW.

XumeK Zonda Chardonnay-Viognier 2009

XumeK means “Sun” in the language of the Huarpe people, which is a fitting name for this consistently hot region. The rich and soft Chardonnay and Viognier grapes grow in the Zonda Valley at the foot of the Andes Mountians in Southern San Juan, Argentina. The valley gets its name from a constant dry wind referred to as the Zonda. This wine is very different and intriguing—an excellent mellow and round blend with florals and soft fruits.

XumeK Reserve Malbec-Syrah 2006

This Malbec-Syrah blend reaps black cherry, dark pepper, chocolate, sweet oak and game. When people request an excellent Argentine Malbec, we always point them in this direction, because the syrah adds just the right touch of deep berry flavor and bold tannins. Steve Tanzer, publisher of Wine Cellar, rated this XumeK at 88 points. Pesticide-free and low in sulfites, it is aged for 12 months in medium-toast French oak barrels, then 12 months in the bottle.

Umbral Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Grown in Mendoza on 33-year-old vines in rich, sandy soil, this vibrantly violet Umbral Cabernet Sauvignon smells like a spice box with dark fruits like black currant and blackberry. In 1973, inspired by Napa Valley, Sigifredo Alonso became the first winemaker in Argentina to plant single varietal vineyards (a total of 130 hectares). Last year, his wines were finally released to the public to the excitement of wine critics and drinkers worldwide.