See below for what happened.........

SOME OF THE BEST WINES OF ARGENTINA

SELECTIONS BY PAUL MANN

The world wide wine expert Paul Mann of L & L Wines in Troy will treat us to some of the best of Argentine wines. 

We invite you to an informative and enjoyable evening as we discover these premium wines from the growing Mendoza region in the lee of the Andes.

 Paul is furnishing this selection and will later make them available for order.

Aperitif

Toso Sparkling Brut

Tasting

Bodega Norton “Lo Tango” Torrontes 2005 (white)

Toso Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Bodega Norton Merlot Reserve 2004

Bodega Norton Malbec Reserve 2004

Kaiken Malbec “Ultra” 2004

Bodega Norton Private Estate Reserve 2003

Cheese and breads will accompany the wines.  Please bring your own glasses.  Coffee and dessert will follow the tasting.

Attendees recognize they will consume alcohol and assume responsibility for having done so.

Members  $12.00            Guests   $15.00

This tasting was organized by Carl and Ruby Dollhopf and Dan and Georgette Willoughby. Thirty members and guests attended.

Paul Mann, a long time friend of the Detroit Chapter, generously brought, at his expense, a fine collection of Argentine wines.

Carl introduced us to the Mendoza region from which come most of Argentina’s wines.  It is a high plateau area between the Andes and the desert with suitably poor soils and dry summers. He explained that Argentina is the fifth largest world producer, and grows a wide variety of grapes.

He then introduced Paul who presented the wines which ranged from the economical to the more expensive. 

The Toro sparkling wine was a pleasant aperitif and the 2005 Montes Sauvignon Blanc, (a Chilean substitution for an intended but unavailable wine), was also well liked.

The Torrontes is a relatively new grape to the region and very good on its own as well as an excellent value. The Norton Lo Tango bottle also has a great holographic label.

All of the reds were much appreciated. The Norton Privada, a Bordeaux style blend from 50 to 80 year old vines, and the Kaiken Ultra Malbec were firmly in the excellent category. The latter is a favorite of Paul and is limited in production.

To accompany the wines Georgette selected two Spanish cheeses, Idiazabal and Queso Mahon, plus Scottish Cheddar from the venerable Hirt’s of the Eastern Market, along with good breads.

Our group greatly enjoyed the tasting and applauded Paul’s presence and generosity.  We ended with coffee, tasty flan cups by Georgette, and Greek pastries.