friday reminder

friday 1/14/11 special mini tasting and South American themed buffet (Argentinian empanada/Chilean chicken /Brazilian meats/panquecas/shrimp/plantain chips/salad) cost 20 dollars for whole package including wine also Tango dancing (or you can just watch) sorry no Groupons for this one..thanks


Bon Appetit, Tango and The Wines of Argentina…dos

Friday, January 14, 2011

2009 Tilia Chardonnay
“Wine Description: The Tilia wines are made at Bodegas Esmeralda, a Catena family winery in the Eastern region of Mendoza. While Argentina is known largely for the success of Malbec, white wines flourish there as well. This Chardonnay offers true varietal character and expression from the desert terroir of Mendoza.

Tasting Notes: Ripe tropical fruit on the nose accompanied with notes of flowers and citrus give way to a full, rich mouthfeel with concentrated pear and fig fruit flavors along with layers of vanilla and sweet spice. The finish is clean and fresh with bright, crisp acidity.”
Normally $11, tonight only $9/bottle



2009 Colonia las Liebres Bonarda
Italian grape originally from Piedmont, Bonarda was brought to Argentina by piedmont immigrants in the first part of the 20th century. In most vineyards Bonarda used to be planted in a mix together with Barbera, many old vineyards are now 100% Bonarda. This improvement happened throughout decades, with growers slowly replacing Barbera with the best performing Bonarda. This is the kind of slow process, performed by people whose life was spent in the vineyard, in which we believe to built quality in wine. Being a grape with a large vegetative cycle it enjoys warm climate and a stable, dry, fall season. In east Mendoza it’s largely cultivated with high trellising. This variety tends to overyield, especially in rich soils. One of our challenges was to get a balanced plant with a reduced yield.
Normally $11, tonight only $9/bottle



2009 Altos las Hormigas Malbec Reserva
The 100% Malbec grapes are hand-picked in high density vineyards located in Valle de Uco. 90% of the grapes are from Vistaflores and 10% are from Eugenio Bustos.Grapes from different vineyards are vinified separately before the final blend. The destemmed and softly pressed grapes go into small stainless steel tanks for 5 days at 10°c, for cold maceration. Alcoholic fermentation then begins using native yeasts whilst cap management is conducted with systematic rack-and-returns. The time between crushing and pressing is approximately 20 days. Immediately after malolactic fermentation the wine goes in to tightgrain French oak barrels for 18 months of ageing. The extended barrel ageing gives the wine its finesse and complexity. Shipping occurs after six months of bottle age.
Normally $25, tonight only $20/bottle =