Wine Enthusiast names Mendoza, Argentina the Wine Region of 2008
Wine Enthusiast names Mendoza, Argentina the Wine Region of 2008
This relatively unfamiliar wine region has a surprisingly long history and is one of the largest wine producing regions in the world.
The region currently known as Mendoza was first introduced to grape vines by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The wine was mostly inconsequential and all consumed locally. With the end of Spanish rule in the 1800s European immigration began, many old world winemakers came in the 1890s to escape the phylloxera epidemic that was devastating the vineyards of Europe. The presence of the French, Italians, and Spaniards added another flavor to the developing Argentine wine. Argentina was a relatively low profile, with mainly local consumption, until the 1980s,when inspired by the successes of California and Australia, Argentina began to export their wine showcasing them to an international audience.
Mendoza has nearly perfect grape growing conditions, it has a temperate, semi-desert continental climate, with abundant intense sunlight –320 days per year on average – and rainfall that rarely exceeds 8 to 10 inches per year. With plentiful sun and little rain, Mendoza yields ultra-ripe grapes. The dry Argentine vineyards are mostly free of fungal diseases, virtually eliminating the need to spray preventive chemicals. Irrigation is no problem, as the snow fed rivers originating the Andes Mountains provide plentiful, fresh water.
There are a multitude of grape varietals in the country, of significance are several major red and white varietals that excel and thrive in Argentina. The usual favorite reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo and Sangiovese have adapted very well to Argentina. But the one grape synonymous with the country, is Malbec. Every self-respecting bodega in Argentina makes Malbec. It is widely planted, thrives and dominates the Mendoza landscape. Likewise the noble whites: Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon, have also found a home here. Strongly influenced by immigration, the wines of Argentina are European in style with extensive use of oak aging and blending, they are great food wines.
2009 Cru Select RQ High Altitude Argentinean Trio
RJ Spagnols is pleased to release an Argentinean trio hailing from Mendoza in this year’s Cru Select RQ line up. Available in February 2009 this wine is a delightful blend that highlights the apricot and floral notes of Viognier, the minerality of Riesling with the tropical aromas of Chardonnay. Fresh and balanced fruitiness complimented by hints of vanilla this brilliant golden wine has a lingering finish. Talk to your retailer today to try an Argentinean Trio and see why Mendoza was named wine region of the world 2008!
Introducing the latest innovation in peel & stick labels!
Each year Cru Select offers winemakers outstanding wines from the world’s leading vineyards. Winemakers eagerly anticipate the Restricted Quantities program as it has become the industry benchmark of quality & innovation.
We’ve brought the same quality and innovation into the Cru Select RQ09 labels inspired by the topography of the unique grape growing regions. This year we are excited to bring you the industry’s first perforated peel and stick label which can either be used intact as a side label or torn off and used as a back label. We’ve left the choice up to you! We strive to be the industry leader and will continue to bring to you new and exciting ideas!