A google search shows that this winery is located in the Maipu section of Mendoza which is the largest wine growing region in Argentina.
Wine Searcher gives this particular wine an 88 scoring based on a score of 91 by James Suckling and 84 from Wine Enthusiast. Median cost of the bottle in the US is $12.
I think for a very reasonably priced bottle of Cabernet, I agree whole heartedly with James Suckling who considers it an outstanding value.
It is much milder than the California Cabernets that I normally drink. More reminiscent of the French Wines that I have been exploring and enjoying. I will definitely be serving up this wine again in the future and would have no qualms about giving it as a hostess gift.
I served this wine with a Spice Crusted Standing Rib Roast that I served my family at a gathering the Sunday following Christmas. I was busy entertaining and enjoying my time with my kids and didn't take many photos of the roast but it was delicious and I am happy to share the recipe with you. The wine paired very well with the roast and was enjoyed by those of us who love wine.
Spice Crusted Rib Roast
adapted from Cuisine at Home Issue #102
1/2 c. Dijon Mustard
1 T. minced garlic
1 t. kosher salt
1 t. freshly ground pepper
1 t. ground coriander
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. allspice
1/2 t. cumin
1/4 t. ground cloves
1 (4 bone) rib roast, 8-10 lbs. (I have the butcher remove the roast from the bones and retie it onto the bones for roasting
Preheat oven to 450* with rack on bottom 1/3 of oven. Allow roast to come to room temperature. Combine the mustard with the spices and set aside. Place the roast in a shallow pan, bone side down and roast for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 325*. Rub the roast all over with the mustard mixture, reserving 1 T. for the marinade. Place roast back in oven and continue baking until and instant read thermometer reads 125* for medium rare. This should take about 2-3 hrs. Remove to a cutting board and tent with foil allowing to rest for 30 minutes.
For Sauce:
3 c. red wine, divided
3 T. butter
1 T. tomato paste
1 T. reserved mustard rub
1 pkg. Demi glace powder
Discard drippings from roaster, leaving the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Place the roaster over a burner set to med-high heat and allow the bits to dry for a minute. Add 1 c. of the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the tomato paste, reserved rub and demi glace powder. Add the remaining two cups of red wine and bring to a boil until reduced in half. Strain into a clean sauce pan, discarding any solids. Whisk in the butter until thick and glossy. Serve alongside the roast. Print Recipe
Here's what the #WinePW Bloggers poured...
These are listed alphabetically by post title and I'm excited to see new vintners, new countries, and wines from Turkey, Croatia, and even Lebanon.
- A New Vintner for #WinePW by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Exploring English Sparkling Wine by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
- Something New for #winePW: Faire la Fête + Dinner to Go by Pull That Cork
- It's Time to Wine Something New by Dracaena Wines
- Lubyee Bi Lahmi + Château Musar Jeune by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Middle Eastern Chicken Orzo and Croatian Wine by Cooking Chat
- Out with the Old, In with the New by Rockin Red Blog
- Wine and Dine: Turkish Wines and Zucchini Patties with Feta by Grape Experiences
Isn't it amazing how different a rating score can be? This is one of the things that I believe whole heartedly. You need to drink and try what you want, someone else's palate is not yours and what one rates an 84 (which isn't bad) another rates 91. If you only listened to the 84, people may have never tried it. Nice read. And fanastic that you didn't take a lot of pictures. That means you really were enjoying your family time!
ReplyDeleteI agree...I like to read what others think but then make my own decisions. I do the same with movie and restaurant critics. Thanks for the kind words. Happy New Year
DeleteGood for you to drink and decide for yourself! And the rub on the roast looks wonderful- thanks, Wendy!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Cindy. It was really good, I wish I would have gotten some pics before we sliced it.
DeleteMmmmm... A nice rib roast with a glass of Cabernet... What could be better? Thanks for the recipe and the wine review. I will definitely keep an eye out for this one!
ReplyDeleteI think you will enjoy it Vickie.
DeleteSo excited you like the Argentinian Cab! Sounds like a delicious pairing with your rib roast! YUM!
ReplyDeleteIt was Michelle, thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow! Does that ever sound delicious - the roast and the Cab!. I'll have to keep an eye out for that - love a good value. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Christy.
DeleteYou make that wine sound quite tasty, Wendy!!
ReplyDeleteIt was very tasty Paula. I like dry wines so this was delicious to me. If you like sweet wines then this wouldn't be on your list.
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