Value and diversity in Argentina’s wines

March 9, 2011

Argentina has been making wine since Spanish missionaries brought vine cuttings to the South American country more than 400 years ago. Through the centuries, the wine industry has steadily evolved to quench the growing demand of both the Argentine people and wine consumers around the world.
However, until the early 1970s, most of the wine produced was rustic in nature and intended mostly for domestic use. The wine landscape changed dramatically during the last decade of the 20th century, when the wine industry turned to an old standby, malbec, a grape varietal of French origin that was brought to the country in the mid- 1800s.
The rising popularity of malbec on the international wine stage, combined with a stable government and rebounding economy, was just what the Argentine wine industry needed to jump-start their exports. This permitted wine producers to begin to invest in modern winemaking equipment and bring some of the top winemaking consultants in the world to Argentina. As demand for Argentinean wines began to increase, producers expanded their plantings beyond the traditional torrontes riojano and pedro gimenez to include syrah, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling and sauvignon blanc. But it is malbec that continues to be Argentina’s wine mascot, particularly in the United States.
Today, Argentina has emerged as one of the most diverse wine-producing countries in the world, making affordable wines based on both old and new world techniques, with more than 600,000 acres of land planted to vineyards and more than 1,500 wineries producing almost 500 million gallons of wine per year. The Mendoza region, located in the center of the country, is the most prominent wine-growing area, producing more than half of Argentina’s wine. Located just to the north of Mendoza are the regions of San Juan and La Rioja, where hotter, drier weather caters to spicier red wines. As Argentina’s wine industry expands, many other fertile areas of the country continue to be explored and developed annually. Retail prices are approximate.
The 2009 La Linda Unoaked Chardonnay from Mendoza ($11) is a refreshing break from the over-oaked club. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, this wine features bright scents of green apple and white peach that are repeated on the palate where they are joined by flavors of pear and nectarine.
The 2009 Aymara Torrontes from Mendoza ($12) takes its name from the Aymara people who inhabited the Cafayate region of Argentina long before the Inca civilization. This aromatic white wine has a floral bouquet of white peach and acacia on the nose. The mouthwatering acidity keeps the flavors of peach, pear and papaya balanced between fruity and dry. The finish is long and persistent, with just a touch of orange blossom at the end.
Cabernet sauvignon is beginning to find its voice in Argentina and the 2008 Bodega Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza ($15) is singing the right song for the money. Remarkably smooth and elegant, it offers a mouthful of flavors toward the blackberry end of the spectrum, with notes of dark plum and cassis in supporting roles.
Of course, malbec is the peg upon which Argentina’s wine industry hangs its hat, and a very good example of that varietal is the 2008 Bodega Septima Malbec from Mendoza ($12). The bouquet offers up scents of blackberry and dried herbs while the palate features flavors of black plum, dark cherry and cocoa.
For a special treat, try the 2008 Bodega Septima Gran Reserva from the prominent region of Agrelo, in Mendoza ($23). This blend of malbec, cabernet sauvignon and tannat is powerful yet elegant with layers of black fruit, raspberry, licorice and warm dark chocolate on the palate. The smooth finish is balanced and lengthy, with just a touch of dark fig at the end.

Source: http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/02/value-and-diversity-argentinas-wines

Foodies and wine lovers travel north from Manila to wine and dine at Philippines’ best fine dining restaurant in Pampanga Clark Freeport worth the 60-minutes drive for a memorable evening of good food with vintage wine at Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar

This fine dining restaurant is also famous for its low carbohydrates “low carb” dishes highly recommended for frequent diners who are on a low fat food and favor healthy food. This is a unique restaurant that can help frequent diners maintain a healthy diet and enjoy delicious fine dining cuisine at the same time. Vegetarian dishes are a specialty here also and so are “halal” cuisines also.

Favorites of frequent diners, foodies and wine lovers are steaks, Wagyu, Foie Gras, lobsters, venison, kangaroo loin, osso buco, veal chops, Kurabuto pork, escargots and a good selection of cheeses to enjoy with fine Vintage port and Sauternes. Cuban cigars such as Monte Cristo, Cohiba, Upmann, Partagas, Romeo Julieta and Trinidad are also available in the Magnum Room which is a wine bar and lounge for before and after dinner relaxation. A good selection of Armagnac, Cognac, Single Malt, Vodka and other liquor is served in addition to the wine vintage wines some served by the glass.

Recent opinion survey of frequent travelers heading north towards Subic and Clark Pampanga revealed that the number one most frequently visited fine dining restaurant in Pampanga is Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar located in Clark Philippines.

Inquiries and reservations

Restaurant@Yats-International.com

(045) 599-5600
0922-870-5178
0917-520-4401

Ask for Pedro and Rechel

Http://www.YatsRestaurant.com

Getting to this fine dining restaurant of Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Pampanga Philippines
How to get to this fine-dining restaurant in Clark Philippines? Once you get to Clark Freeport, go straight until you hit Mimosa. After you enter Mimosa, stay on the left on Mimosa Drive, go past the Holiday Inn and Yats Restaurant (green top, independent 1-storey structure) is on your left. Just past the Yats Restaurant is the London Pub.

Yats Restaurant & Wine Bar
Mimosa Drive past Holiday Inn, Mimosa Leisure Estate,
Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, Philippines 2023

Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 Rea or Chay

For assistance in hotel and resort booking in Clark, Philippines, log on to http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com

For assistance in locating a suitable venue for wedding reception, log on to
http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com