Vertical tasting of Trivento Malbec with Brand Ambassador Silvina Barros at Cafe Maxx

"Hey, pour some wine in MY bowl!  I'll take a little of that fine blend of the Maggie Merlot and the Pooch Pinot...the one with the great tail-wagging finish."

There is nothing cuter than a wine drinking dog!  We saw a few winery dogs in Argentina on our recent visit. 

Malbec is the recent star varietal in Mendoza and can be a very worthy candidate for the cellar.  Here you have a chance to check out one of the most cellar worthy Malbecs from Argentina with the brand ambassador from Trivento Winery along with a few small courses from chef Oliver Saucy on Tuesday, September 22nd. 

This varietal is originally from the South West wine regions of France including Bordeaux and Cahors but since its migration to Argentina Malbec has become the belle of the ball in Mendoza.  This unique varietal reaches its ultimate expression of quality here and it could have something to do with the high altitude or the arid environment that lends itself to this grape and we have found that the greatest examples of Malbec from Mendoza don't have a rival in this country or anywhere with maybe the exception of its neighbor Chile and in some regions of SW France but these examples are far and few between while they just keep turning out more and more great examples from Argentina particularly in Mendoza.

it was only a few short years ago that Malbec became popular as a varietal and our friends at Fabre Montmayou were the first to release a varietally labeled Malbec and the rest is history.  For our serious Malbec fans we have included a list of all the Malbec we have in the store at the end of this e-mail.

Several of Chile's top producers have crossed the Andes to make wines from this famous Bordeaux varietal and the biggest dog on the block Concha Y Toro was one of the first as Trivento Bodegas y Viñedos was founded in 1996, they focus on producing brand-name wines distinguished for preserving the character of the winds. These wines have received numerous recognitions at international contests and in wine industry publications.

TRIVENTO has become the most diversely distributed Argentine wine brand in the world, positioning the company among the preeminent Argentine exporters.  At this company they have a dream: to build the TRIVENTO brand into a symbol of premium Argentine wine around the world.

The quality of the wine begins in the vineyard, which is why they have selected with the utmost care the locations of their 1,289 hectares. The winery has eight vineyards which are equipped with the latest drip irrigation systems and are situated in prestigious winegrowing areas of Mendoza. Among them, a truly wide variety of topographies, soils and microclimates exists.

Tonight we will experience a vertical selection of Trivento’s top Malbec EOLO along with a few courses prepared by Chef Oliver Saucy.  There is only room for 26 tasters in the back room at Café Maxx so call 954-523-9463 if you would like to attend; the fee for this event is $55 + Tax + Gratuity. 

Vertical tasting of Trivento Malbec with Brand Ambassador Silvina Barros
at Cafe Maxx
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
7:00 PM

Tasting Line-up:

Trivento Amado Sur Torrontes

Price: $14.00  Sale $12.32  Case $143

Graceful assemblage of Torrontés, Viognier and Chardonnay, presenting a brilliant yellow color with greenish tones. Refined aromas of rose and jasmine, displaying notes of citrus, white peach and apricot. Exquisite freshness with a fruity, everlasting finish.

Trivento Amaso Sur Chardonnay

Price: $14.00  Sale $12.32  Case $143

Graceful assemblage of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Viognier. Delicate yellow with refined green tinges. Generous aromas of pear compote, notes of pineapple, white peach and apricot. Well-structured mouth feel, fresh, with excellent acidic character, length and great weight.

Trivento Malbec EOLO 2005
NA

 EOLO, the Keeper of the Winds, was seduced by a refuge in Luján de Cuyo. At a privileged point 983 metres above sea level, this vineyard spreads out 10 meters above the northern bank of the Mendozan River. This is the origin of our Malbec grapes. Soil, the climate and its winds, water, and man´s guiding hands have tended the vineyard for generations so that each vintage reveals the terroir´s true expression.

Trivento Malbec EOLO 2007
NA

Trivento Malbec EOLO 2010
NA

The Keeper of the Winds protects four hundred-year-old hectares of Malbec on the banks the Mendoza River. This is the origin of our icon wine. Enrique’s precision unites with Victoria’s serenity to yield an unrepeatable creation.

Trivento Eolo Malbec 2010, in its new form, is daring yet sensible in the liberty it takes to express all its elegance and balance.

Trivento Malbec EOLO 2012
Price: $92.25  Sale $81.18  Case $941

 The 2012 vintage of the most prized Luján de Cuyo Malbec, Trivento Eolo, received a gold medal. This creation of winemakers Enrique Tirado and Victoria Prandina celebrates one hundred years of harvests in vineyards located at 983 meters altitude along the northern bank of the Mendoza River. Planted in 1912 using Double Guyot vine training, irrigation is supplied by a generations-old system of ditches that flood with river water.

Here is a list of their vineyards that go into the blend to make EOLO.

Los Zorros -
Located in Rivadavia, this ten year old vineyard possesses a total surface area of 123 hectares. At 630 m, the soil is alluvial and the trellising system used is pergola. Varieties planted at the vineyard: Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Los Vientos -
Located in Maipú, this 17 year old vineyard possesses a total surface area of 154 hectares. At 809 m, the soil is alluvial, and the trellising system is vertical shoot positioning (VSP). Varieties planted at the vineyard: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.

Cruz del Alto -
Located in Luján de Cuyo, this nine year old vineyard possesses a total surface area of 180 hectares. At 1050 m, the soil is alluvial and the trellising system is vertical shoot positioning (VSP). Varieties planted at the vineyard: Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

Los Ponchos -
Located at the foot of the Andes Mountain Range in Tupungato, this 16 year old vineyard possesses a total surface area of 150 hectares. At 1100 m, the soil is alluvial and the trellising system is vertical shoot positioning (VSP). Varieties planted at the vineyard: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Tempranillo.

Los Sauces -
Located in Tunuyán, this seven year old vineyard possesses a total surface area of 309 hectares. At 1100 m, the soil is alluvial and the trellising system is vertical shoot positioning (VSP). Varieties planted at the vineyard: Malbec, Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Tres Porteñas -
Located in San Martín, this nine year old vineyard possesses a total surface area of 106 hectares. At 612 m, the soil is alluvial and the trellising system used is pergola. Varieties planted at the vineyard: Malbec, Syrah, Tempranillo and Viognier.

Los Portones -
Located in Rivadavia, this 14 year old vineyard possesses a total surface area of 134 hectares. At 649 m, the soil is alluvial and the trellising system used is pergola. Varieties planted at the vineyard: Malbec and Syrah.

Los Indio -
Located in Maipú, this 10 year old vineyard possesses a total surface area of 154 hectares. At 1086 m, the soil is alluvial, and the trellising system is vertical shoot positioning (VSP). Varieties planted at the vineyard: Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.

The fee for this tasting event is $55 + Tax + gratuity, for reservations call 954-523-9463.

Menu

Pass arounds
Artisan cheese platters with fruit and crostini

First course
Short rib empanada, black bean sauce, queso fresco, charred poblano and corn salsa

Second course
Spiny lobster enchilada with seasoned sour cream, Andoullie sausage, salsa verde, jack cheese, scallions and black olives

Other Argentina Malbec in the store:

2011 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terrior Uco Valley
Price: $17.00    Your Price: $14.96
Quantity in Stock: 11

This vivid ruby Malbec has a beautiful bouquet of bing cherry, fresh cranberries, herbal tea and Andean mountain grass. Crisp and round on the palate, the wine adds violet and mint nuances to the bright red fruit. The finish is fresh and long, maintaining a wonderful balance of acid and tannin structure. Drinking well now.

2013 Altos Hormigas Malbec Mendoza
Price: $10.25    Your Price: $9.02
Quantity in Stock: 11

This is their entry level Malbec a blend of Lujan de Cuyo and Uco valley fruit, around 70,000 cases produced annually mostly estate fruit but they do use some purchased fruit.  Very fruit forward bouquet with a light smoky nuance to the black berry fruit, notes of black licorice spice and fresh plowed black earth.   A very fruity style with smooth round tannins with notes of floral and fresh earth tobacco spice and that  light smoky nuance through the finish.  Finish 30+ very good

2011 Achaval Ferrer malbec Finca Mirador
Price: $137.25    Your Price: $120.78
Quantity in Stock: 5

single vineyard very low yielding vines and using smaller barriques they increase micro oxigination making the wine more supple this is their lowest vineyard site at 2400 feet. Very intense and concentrated bouquet of blackberry liqueur like fruit, espresso and violet perfume dark chocolate, very aromatic. Big and chewy on the tongue with lots of concentrated black berry and red berry fruit very intense with a firm hand of acidity and lots of that nuance from the nose lasting through the finish. Finish 50+ Most Excellent

2011 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Finca Bella Vista
Price: $137.25    Your Price: $120.78
Quantity in Stock: 3

At 3100 foot elevation, this is the vineyard where the winery is located, very densely planted, this wine has a very intense bouquet of blackberry liqueur like fruit with notes of licorice spice and violet floral notes, very well endowed. Wow- this wine is explosive on the tongue with a firm hand of tannins, smooth and silky with a firm hand of tannins and lots of fruit, very rich and layered on the tongue, very long finish. finish 50+ Most Excellent +

2012 Bodegas Allamand Malbec Altamira
Price: $24.75    Your Price: $21.78
Quantity in Stock: 10

this label is the one from the Uco Valley and this is a single vineyard and Achaval Ferrer made this name famous but there are several producers in this region they only made only 7234 bottles of this vintage. This wine has a very different minerality to it with rock and active limestone, has a good amount of blackberry fruit,dark spices, espresso and graphite like mineral, very complex bouquet of aromas. A good amount of dark berry fruit here but lovely freshness and some dry tannins at the end but lots of fruit here just very young, this wine needs a bit of time or a steak. Finish 45+ Excellent +

2011 Bodegas Fin Del Mundo Malbec Single Vineyard Patagonia
Price: $37.00    Your Price: $32.56
Quantity in Stock: 4

This is from the El Potrero Vineyard also and is 100% Malbec with a dark violet color. A good amount of terroir showing the nose here with black berry fruit, fresh plowed black earth and pretty violet floral nuance, sweet soy notes. Lots of ripe delicious black berry fruit on the tongue with full bodied tannins but fairly ripe and round with that distinct earthy character showing through the finish along with pretty floral highlights and sweet soy notes through the finish, a big but balacned style of Malbec. Finish 45+ Excellent +

2010 Bodegas Norton Malbec Reserve Mendoza
Price: $17.75    Your Price: $15.62
Quantity in Stock: 6

(90 Points) A ripe red, offering ample acidity to support the jammy kirsch, plum sauce and wild berry coulis notes that are framed by medium tannins, with the finish pumping out hints of smoke, spice box and graphite. Drink now through 2017. 60,000 cases imported. –NW Wine Spectator Issue: Oct 15, 2012

2011 Bodega Iaccarini Malbec Mendoza
Price: $17.00    Sale Price: $6.75
Quantity in Stock: 38

A wine with seductive dark ruby hues tinged with purple highlights. It offers aniseed aromas of fennel and orchard, and some subtle smoky and spicy hints. Intense, long and rich, with subtle garden notes in the mouth, reflecting its aromas. An ideal wine to accompany grilled pasta and smoked foods, including cheese. SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16-18 Cº

2009 Bodega Cuarto Dominio Malbec Mendoza
Price: $48.00    Your Price: $42.24
Quantity in Stock: 12

2012 Catena Malbec Mendoza (375ml)
Price: $11.00    Your Price: $9.68
Quantity in Stock: 10

The Catena Malbec presents a deep violet color. This microclimate blend of four unique vineyards offers intense aromas, a soft texture, and concentrated flavor. Deep aromas of ripe red and dark fruits are joined by delicate violet and lavender notes, with traces of vanilla and mocha. A rich, concentrated mouthfeel is highlighted by flavors of blueberries and blackberries with a touch of sweet spice, and leather. The wine finishes with bright acidity, well-integrated and silky tannins, and a flinty minerality that lingers on the palate.

2011 Catena Alta Malbec Mendoza
Price: $51.75    Your Price: $45.54
Quantity in Stock: 11

(92 points)   The 2011 Catena Alta Malbec is a blend of wines produced with Malbec grapes from different zones within Mendoza from their signature vineyards Angelica (Lunlunta), La Piramide (Agrelo), Nicasia (Altamira) and Adrianna (Gualtallary). It has a showy, ripe nose full of flowers and blueberries, very classic Malbec with nicely integrated oak aromas of spices. The palate is dry with fine, sweet tannins and some balsamic notes ending very fresh. Comparatively, I was more impressed with the 2011, but set side by side with the vintages of yesteryear this is a superb, austere Malbec. Some 60,000 bottles were produced.  eRobertParker.com #220, Aug 2015

2011 Capataz Malbec Mendoza
Price: $40.50    Your Price: $35.64
Quantity in Stock: 5

The name Capataz pays tribute to the team leader in the vineyards of Argentina, and this is a project by Darioush Khaledi who owns Darioush winery is Napa Valley. Darioush came to the USA in the 1970s after having grown up in the Shiraz region of Iran. In 1997 he realized a long term goal of having his own winery, with the opening of his Napa property. The Darioush winery has made a name for itself in a decade and a half with high scores, a gorgeous if not somewhat ostentatious visitors’ center and wines that offer Napa weight with old world sophistication.

The Capataz project is the realization of another dream by Darioush, to produce the best Malbec possible by using the best fruit and using the best people available. The same principles that gave his Napa property success are being applied to the Mendoza project. The Capataz project is only a few years old but if the success of the Darioush winery is any indication, then we can expect the Capataz Malbec to follow the same path to a cult status wine.

2012 DiamAndes Malbec Mendoza
Price: $16.50    Your Price: $14.52
Quantity in Stock: 11

This wine is 100% Malbec that is a blend of 50/60 barrel and stainless steel fermented juice. A very fruit driven wine with lots of blackberry, pretty violet floral aromas and black licorice spice. Very rich with a smooth silky texture, forward and seductive with a nice freshness and a long finish. Finish 40+

2013 DiamAndes Perlita Malbec-Syrah Mendoza
Price: $15.00    Your Price: $13.20
Quantity in Stock: 11

A blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Syrah this is the entry level wine with 6-8 months of oak with lots of ripe delicious forward fruit blackberry and black cherry with a good amount of pretty floral violets and licorice spice. Finish 35+ Very Good

2007 Familia Barberis Malbec Mendoza
Price: $15.00    Your Price: $13.20
Quantity in Stock: 2

Everything comes together handsomely in this elegant rendering of Argentina's premier red grape. A full, briary nose with dark-berry, earth and chocolate aromas opens to a smooth palate, with very good fruit to wood balance. The finish is solid and spicy, with tangy tannins and pepper notes. Very Good

2013 Fabre Montmayou Malbec Reserva Mendoza
Price: $14.00    Your Price: $12.32
Quantity in Stock: 13

Tasting notes: deep red color with violet tones. Very intense bouquet with red fruits like cherries and spices. Complex and well balanced with notes from the oak like vanilla and chocolate. Big on the mouth. A modern style wine, with sweet silky tannins.

2011 Fabre Montmayou Grand Vin
Price: $39.75       Your Price: $34.98
Quantity in Stock: 76

A blend of Mostly Malbec with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from vineyards planted in 1908 in both Vistalba and Lujan de Cuyo.  A very deep dark colored wine with blackberry, black raspberry fruit and cassis like fruit with a full complement of black licorice, sweet tobacco, bittersweet chocolate, espresso and more, a very complex bouquet of aromas.  Dark and rich berry fruit on the tongue with a firm hand of acidity and quite large in size but has wonderful freshness with layers of dark spices, espresso, violet and a long layered finish, this wine needs time but has everything in the right proportion.  If you like big and fruit driven wines these wines are hard to compare to wines at this price point.  Finish 50+  Most Excellent

2011 Hess Select Salta Malbec
Price: $15.00    Your Price: $13.20
Quantity in Stock: 19

Aromas of blackberry and black cherry blueberry fruit a bit subdued with fresh black earth and espresso and a touch of floral notes, which start to really come out after a few minutes of breathing. A brigth and fresh style of Malbec with zesty blackberry fruit and pretty floral notes with distinct minerlaity showing through. Finish 40 Excellent

2012 Humberto Canale Gran Reserva Malbec Patagonia
Price: $29.00    Your Price: $25.52
Quantity in Stock: 15

This wine presents an attractive purplish red color, intense and deep. On the nose, the notes of mature prunes and comfiture combine with hints of vanilla and toasted bread thanks to the ageing in oak. It has a good structure in the mouth, long and  well rounded, very powerful. It is a big wine, apt to be enjoyed during memorable occasions. Its character makes it the ideal wine to pair with many different types of dishes.

2012 La Posta Malbec Paulucci
Price: $15.00    Your Price: $13.20
Quantity in Stock: 8

vibrant red color with aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and violets waft from the glass along with notes of toasty oak. On the palate, the fresh berry flavors mingle with spice notes and there’s a hint of soft caramel on the finish. This is a creamy, medium-bodied and well-structured wine that is incredibly full of life. It goes great with everything from hamburgers and chicken to pasta and mild cheeses. Unique recipe ideas include Duck and Smoked Pork Cassoulet, Lamb burger with aged Manchego and Smoked Paprika, or Caramelized Onion and Butternut Squash Tart with Goat Cheese and Thyme.

2013 Las Perdices Malbec Mendoza
Price: $15.00    Your Price: $13.20
Quantity in Stock: 12

This is a small estate bottled wine from Agrelo and Lujan de Cuyo and this wine sees 8 months of oak treatment both American and French, some roasted coffee notes. Nice richness on the tongue with juicy red and black berry fruit on the tongue with ripe round tannins and nice freshness with just a touch of oak spice through the finish. Finish 35+ Very Good

2009 Nieto Senetiner Malbec Terroir Blend Mendoza
Price: $27.00    Your Price: $23.76
Quantity in Stock: 5

There are three different vineyards that go into the blend here, from three different elevations. A good amount of dark black berry like fruit, dark earth, black spices, dark mocha and licorice spice, nice complexity here on the nose. A good amount of blackberry fruit, very well endowed on the tongue with a host of that dark spice, licorice and mocha and dark earthy notes from the nose through the finish. Finish 45+ Excellent +

2013 PASCUAL TOSO MALBEC
Price: $12.75    Your Price: $11.22
Quantity in Stock: 9

The Pascual Toso Estate Malbec offers a clean and fruitful nose. Plums and quince aromas, with a touch of elegant oak. Blackberry and licorice fruit in the mouth and a rich and long finish with smoky accents of vanilla and lingering oak.

2012 Pascual Toso Malbec Alta Reserva Las Barrancas Vineyards
Price: $37.50    Your Price: $33.00
Quantity in Stock: 14

They produce a very small amount of this wine and this is one of the big boys of Argentina, they produce a lot of Sparkling wine they are the second largest producer here.  Blueberry and blackberry fruit on the nose this wine is very well endowed, black licorice spice, violet floral notes and dark chocolate notes, nice concentration from the  80 year old vines for this cuvee.  A big and chewy style of Malbec with dark berry fruit, black licorice spice and a host of tannins but fairly ripe and round, excellent structure here this wine needs a bit of time but has everything in proportion.  Finish 45+    Most Excellent

2013 Bodegas La Flor Pulenta Estate Malbec Mendoza Argentina
Price: $15.00    Your Price: $13.20
Quantity in Stock: 4

TASTING NOTES: In color it is bright purple, with an aroma full of fresh red fruits and light floral notes, accompanied by delicate hints of vanilla from the oak aging. On the palate, it is round, with a good character, remarkable structure and soft, gentle tannins.

2011 Pulenta Estate Malbec Mendoza
Price: $28.00    Your Price: $24.64
Quantity in Stock: 2

The wine has a very bright and intense violet color. Its aroma expresses red fruits like strawberries and cherries, balanced with the spicy notes of the oak. On the palate, it is round, with soft tannins and delicate mineral notes proving to be a wine of great character and remarkable structure.

2009 Puro Uno Malbec Mendoza
Price: $25.00    Your Price: $22.00
Quantity in Stock: 17

Dark cherry and blackberry fruit on the nose with notes of dark licorice and espresso notes, dark mocha, fairly complex bouquet. Only 600 cases produced, spends 1 year in French and American oak barrels, this was a good vintage but difficult as 2 months before harvest cold weather and hail damaged around 2/3 of the crop for them. A nice core of dark berry fruit and fresh black earth along with some dark mocha spice through the finish. Finish 45 Excellent

2012 Rutini Cabernet/Malbec Mendoza
Price: $24.50    Your Price: $21.56
Quantity in Stock: 1

A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Malbec.  Cabernet from Tupungato, Malbec from La Consulta, San Carlos; Mendoza.  One of the most important wineries of Mendoza, this sees 12 months of oak both American and French, a good amount of blackberry and black raspberry fruit with violet floral notes, sweet tobacco spice and coco, nice complexity on the nose. Rich berry fruit on the tongue with nice structure and balance, fresh zesty finish with notes of that spice and earth along with floral highlights through the finish. Finish 40+ Excellent

2011 Solo Contigo Premium Malbec Mendoza
Price: $26.00    Your Price: $22.88
Quantity in Stock: 6

2008 Terrazas Single Vineyard Las Compuertas Malbec
Price: $56.25    Your Price: $49.50
Quantity in Stock: 4

(93 Points) “The 2007 Afincado Malbec Single Vineyard ( planted in 1929) spent 18 months in new French oak. Purple-colored with an expressive bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, exotic spices, lavender, black cherry, and black raspberry. Medium-bodied, elegant, and velvety-textured, this is a stylish Malbec with impeccable balance and the structure to evolve for several more years. It offers a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2022” Wine Advocate Jay Miller

2010 Veramonte Primus Malbec Mendoza
Price: $15.75    Your Price: $13.86
Quantity in Stock: 4