Our group got an Argentina wine education jump start by attending a formal tasting and food pairing hosted by Anuva Wines at the hip Cilantro Restaurant, and presented by the most fabulous Sarah. (You gotta love it when a class activity involves food and wine!) Anuva seeks out the small, undiscovered bodegas of Argentina to share at its tastings and provide to its wine club (the club is available in the U.S... I'm very tempted to join!). The food and wine pairings were spot on, and we got a lot of great information as well. I learned that Torrontés, Argentina's signature white wine varietal, is called the "liar's grape" due to its super fruity, floral nose, but bone dry finish. I fell in love with Bonarda, and a little homework discovered that it's what we call Temperanillo here at home. Note to self: consume more Tempranillos!Here's a run-down of the pairings, just so you can go ahead and salivate as though you were there. :)
- Course #1: Bodega Vinecol y Cava La Carmela Hom; chopped salad of celery, green apple, roquefort cheese and casancrem on a water cracker.
- Course #2: Carinae Torrontés 2009; melon and jamón crudo.
- Course #3: Mairena Bonarda 2006; two cheeses (fontina and gruyère) and two cured meats (salami and longaniza).
- Course #4: San Gimignano Syrah 2008; empanada bife y queso.
- Course #5: Carinae Malbec 2008 Finca Deneza; two bites of Aguila chocolate - Equador and Costa de Marfil. We also had the Argentine staple, "the vigilante dessert," of provolone cheese topped with membrillo (quince paste).
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