Best Cuyan Alcoholic Beverage Types
Malbec originally comes from southwest France, but recently it has become one of the most important grape varieties in Argentina, where it developed an entirely different flavor profile. Due to the unique geographic and climatic features, Argentinian Malbec usually displays fruity notes of cherries, strawberries, or plums that are complemented by soft and velvety tannins.
When aged in oak, the wine usually develops chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, or cocoa nuances. Argentinian Malbec is best paired with grilled or roasted beef, especially leaner cuts such as skirt steak, but it can also work well with pork or poultry.
THE BEST Malbec Argentina Wine Varieties
Torrontés Riojano is a white Argentinian grape that is used in the production of the namesake varietal wine. These light-bodied wines are usually perfumed and aromatic, while they typically display a wide array of fruity and floral aromas which are complemented by well-balanced, bright acidity.
They are best enjoyed young and can match a variety of fish dishes, as well as veal or pork based courses. The grape is dominant in the northern Salta and La Rioja regions, and it is related to Torrontés Sanjuanino and Torrontés Mendocino varieties.
Although it originated in Savoie, where it is known as Douce Noir, this red grape variety has shown great potential in Argentina. The grape is dominantly planted in Mendoza wine region, and up until recently, it has been the most commonly planted grape in the country. Bonarda is used in blends, as well as high-quality varietals that are typically light-bodied and fruity, with moderate tannins and well-balanced acidity.
These pleasant and approachable wines usually display aromas of cherries, plums, and cloves, and can match various dishes, from tomato-based pasta dishes to hearty meat-based courses. Argentinian Bonarda should not be mistaken with the Italian Bonarda Piemontese.
Traditionally prepared in Northwest Argentina and the Argentine Chaco region, aloja de chaucha is an alcoholic beverage that is made by fermenting the fruit of white or black carob (Prosopis alba or Prosopis nigra). A paste of crushed ripe carob beans (carob chauchas) is combined with water and it's then allowed to ferment in a dark place for several days or more than two weeks.
The fermentation process gives the beverage a pleasant flavor, an orange-like hue, and alcoholic content that increases with extended fermentation. This alcoholic beverage is typically enjoyed chilled, and it is traditionally consumed during the community ceremony known as the Fiesta of the Chiqui, taking place in the villages of the La Rioja and Catamarca provinces.
Best Cuyan Alcoholic Beverage Producers
Familia Zuccardi is a prominent olive oil producer based in Mendoza, Argentina. The company cultivates several varieties of olives, including Arbequina, Arauco, and Manzanilla. Familia Zuccardi is committed to sustainable agricultural practices in their olive groves.
They employ state-of-the-art technology in their production process to ensure high-quality olive oil. The company's product range includes extra virgin olive oils that have received international recognition.
AWARDS
Olive Japan - Gold
2023, 2022, 2020, 2019
Flos Olei - The Best
2024
Olive Japan - Premier
2023, 2022
BEST Familia Zuccardi Olive Oils
Catena Zapata is a renowned Argentinian winery located in the Mendoza region, celebrated for pioneering high-altitude viticulture and producing world-class Malbec wines. Founded in 1902, this family-owned winery is led by the Catena family, who have played a crucial role in elevating Argentina's wine reputation globally.
Catena Zapata focuses on sustainable practices and meticulous vineyard management, especially in the Andean foothills, where they grow their grapes at various altitudes to enhance complexity and character.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2017, 2016
AWARDS
USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2021, 2020
BEST Artel Inc. Wines
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
BEST Hilbing Gin Spirits
Viña Cobos is a renowned winery located in Mendoza, Argentina, established in 1998 by the esteemed winemaker Paul Hobbs. Since its inception, Viña Cobos has become internationally recognized for its expertise in producing luxury-class wines and is a world leader in Malbec quality.
The winery focuses on creating wines that naturally express the terroir from which they originate, emphasizing elegance, power, and balance. This is achieved through meticulous vineyard management, where craftsmanship and respect for the land are fundamental.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
Vivino - 4.8
BEST Viña Cobos Wines
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2020
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022, 2020
BEST Marqués de la Concordia Wines
AWARDS
USA Wine Ratings - Gold
2021
BEST Cuvelier Los Andes Wines
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2017
BEST Grupo Peñaflor Wines
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2023
BEST Durigutti Family Winemakers Wines
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2019
BEST Finca Flichman Wines
Best Cuyan Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2017
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2017
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2021
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2022
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2023
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2024
AWARDS
International Wine Challenge - IWC Great Value Champion Red 2023
2023
Adrianna Vineyard White Bones Chardonnay 2022 is a premium white wine from Bodega Catena Zapata, one of Argentina's most esteemed wineries. This 100% Chardonnay is sourced from select rows within Block 1 of the Adrianna Vineyard, situated at nearly 5,000 feet elevation in the Gualtallary sub-district of the Tupungato region.
The vineyard's name, "White Bones," refers to the calcareous deposits, limestone, and fossilized animal bones found in the soil—remnants of an ancient river that once flowed through the area. This unique soil composition imparts distinctive floral aromatics and earthy minerality to the wine.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
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