|
Here we will to give you a look a closer look at various wine regions of Argentina and the wineries we have visited.We also will be reviewing restaurants, Hotels, wine shops and anything else we think will be of interest to you. In October RWT presented its findings to the Catholic University of Montevideo focusing on wine tourism and discussing our findings. RWT are more than committed to Ururguay and her wines, We Believe that Uruguay will soon become heralded as a new wine growing region and we will shortly pre presenting our latest tasings sheets of the Wines from Uruguay. Robertsonwinetours are the only operator of Gourmet and Wine tours in the country and we take this position very seriously. In Janaury 2008 to show that commitment RWT will open an office the captial Montevideo, we are also interested to hear from Importors and Exportors in the following months to guage market reaction to the wines. In July 2008 we look at the following:-What does Responsible tourism actually mean? The definition can be looked at from three different perspectives CODE FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISMWe, the responsible host population
I, the tourist
We, the travel business
Robertson Wine tours advocates responsible tourism although we recognise that we do not sometimes go far enough in our efforts. As our business grows we hope to ensure as far as possible our business partners are in accordance with these codes.
Download powerpoint presentation about enologic tourism in the region |
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & TOURISMCode of Sustainable Agriculture, RWT attempts to work with Wineries that adhere to this code.
For further infomration regarding sustainable tourism see these links: |
CATAMARCALike in the adjacent San Juan, fine wines are a new phenomenon in Catamarca. This is much newer though. The new winegrowers have been planting Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon as recently as 2001 and continuing, currently around 200 acres and without doubt this will increase dramatically. Gone are the days when only table wines come from this area. There are only three producers of note so far. The high altitude potential, much like in northern Salta’s plantings, makes for wide temperature swings. Bodegas Don DiegoWith only a little less planted than Tizac, this Winery appears to be doing the same. In a brief period of time Austral Spectator has moved the ranking of their full range of wines up several notches, deservedly so. The energies and belief of Elvio Centurion shine by example. The strangeness of the vines is accounted by the fact that they are grafts onto old vines, not of wine making (non-vinifera vines). The Winery could claim that they are organic although they don’t, because of the higher regulatory requirements and the costs that go with that. Cabernet de los Andes/ TizacThe export name of these wines tends to be Vicien, named after Pedro Vicien, Carlos Arizu’s partner in this venture. With currently 130 acres under vine, Tizac has found a healthy market for its Cabernet Sauvignon in 2002 and the Syrah appears to be following the same trend and is becoming known. Bodega la RosaThis is a joint venture, not a small one actually (with over 220 acres of vines). Penaflor and Lavaque are two very important firms in Argentina. |
TORRONTES VARIETYTorrontes is a white grape variety that is practically unknown in other parts of the world. It appears to have been introduced into the Argentina from Spain, probably from “La Rioja” region. Surprisingly the Torrontes ranks as Argentina's No. 1 white variety, with over 22,000 acres. This however is changing. While Argentina attempts to push itself into the wine psyche of the world, this unknown grape is losing ground to the classic white grape varieties, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Recently we are also seeing some Vignonier and Pinot Gris that will be able to compete at international levels. In Argentina the Torrontes is known by three different names: Torrontes Riojano, Torrontes San Juanino and Torrontes Mendocino, obviously pointing to the area it is being cultivated. Hugo Torres of Augusto Pulenta Winery makes a strong case that each variety has adapted differently to its environment and hence the regional differences in the wine are quiet marked. Sun, sun and more sun is the key to its success, with the major concentration of the vines planted in hot deserts like the one in the northwest of Argentina (San Juan and Salta). The grape requires so much sun predominantly due to the large size of the grape/berry. The plants produce berries that are large loose clusters, with rich yellow gold colours. It produces higher quality fruit in dry soils with low humidity and little rainfall, which is exactly the climate Cafayate enjoys. When we look at the premium examples of this grape in the market, there is not a great deal to choose from. The Etchart Family’s San Pedro de Yacochuya makes a fine wine but it is very limited production. Colome, the Winery based further north and at high altitude makes an exciting Torrontes but like most of the good things in life there is only a small production making it scarce in overseas markets. Altavista, a winery that we love for its consistency, makes a very fine example in their premium range, which is actually their entry level. This is a wine ideal for lunch: it never crowds out food yet it has a full-bodied structure. The recent vintage was disappointing. Our favorite example is Finca Las Nubes, in Cafayate. This is not an expensive wine: José Mounier and his wife Mercedes are slowly building their reputation. José, a wine maker at Etchart (Pernod Ricard), has built up his finca gradually, adding every year. Hard to get hold of due to the limited production, well worth it. You can contact the Mouniers at japmonier@yahoo.com.ar. Tel 54 3868 422129 The interesting note of these wines is the abundance of floral nose, some with distinctive rose, citric and fruit finish. Other notes to be found, blossom, jasmine and melon. As palettes search for something more than Chardonnay and less fresh and green than Sauvignon Blanc, you could do well to explore this variety. |
CASA ANTUCURA AND POSADA
Since its inauguration in March 2008 Antucura has become Robertson Wine tours favorite Lodge in the Mendoza region, We were the first Company to put paying customers into the lodge and I am so pleased we did, My clients and guides were in absolute agreement this is First Class. Nothing is too much trouble, a cooking class was arranged within hours. You need two nights here at least to just sink into the delights the Uco Valley Mendoza has to offer.
Anne Caroline and her husband have opened up their private home to the public and much to our benefit it is. The photos speak for themselves; the service is discreet and impeccable.
Considering the Posada works on an all-inclusive basis this actually offers incredible value for money. Uco Valley has needed something like this for years; the fateful Postales de Plata should now be completely discounted as an option, with the service being worse than horrific and the food equally dreadful.
Our Clientele Require excellence and Antucura provides this. The house red is an amazing blend of Merlot and Cabernet that is simply a great wine. The other Wines have already gained international Acclaim.
On the doorstep of Antucura you have the wineries of Andeluna, Altus and their incredible Bistro La Tupiña run by the incredible Karen and the most sort after chef in Mendoza Lucas. Lurton, O Fournier, Clos De Siete and Salentein to name but a few. Congratulations to Melisa Ivanchi the Manager of the Posada and all at Antucura we wish you the very best. |
RESTAURANTSEl Palenque Montevideo. Mercado Del Puerto. Tel (598 2) 917 0190 If you are a little bored of Lomo and all the different cuts of meat this is Uruguay's finest option for seafood and the Owner Luis Emilio is a force to be reckoned with. Truely a fantastic inventive dishes, a sushi bar and restaurant opposite and great wines to boot. If you are in either town you should eat here. reservas@elpalenque.com.uy | www.elpalenque.com.uy
BUENOS AIRES DINING GUIDEThis is the definite Guide for over 2500 restaurants in the Buenos Aires area. Voted by the public with both English, Spanish and Portuguese. |
