Tag: Mendoza

Mendoza is the main wine region in Argentina, which is the fifth wine producing country in the world. Mendoza is located in the Cuyo region. It is located to the west of the country and borders Chile and the Andes mountain range. In fact, the Aconcagua –measuring 6,960 metres– is the highest peak in the continent and is located in Mendoza. What is more, most of the Mendocenean territory lays more than one thousand metres above sea level. This peculiarity has turned Mendoza into an excellent terroir for vineyards since the end of the 16th century. The most planted variety in the province is the Malbec –the star grape variety in Argentina–, followed by the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Tempranillo and the Chardonnay. Local varieties Criolla grande and Cereza are still relevant today. By means of Argento’s blog, The Real Argentina, discover the secrets that Mendoza is keeping; secrets that have turned this area into one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country. The province offers trekking routes, high mountain sports in the Andes –skiing in winter– and, of course, the magic of discovering the complex wine production process during guided visits in some of the popular Mendocenean wineries. Wine tradition is so important that since 1936, the province has celebrated the Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (Grape Harvest Festival), which is considered one of the five most important festivities in the world and the second most important harvest festivity in the world by National Geographic. It is celebrated between the last Sunday in February and the first Saturday in March. The festivities include tastings, parades as the Vía Blanca or the Carrusel, the election of the Queen of the Grape Harvest and musical shows where, of course, tango is danced. The main activities take place in the capital, the city of Mendoza, a city renowned by its cleanness and its charming streets and people. The current city was rebuilt in 1863 after an earthquake had destroyed the original city two years before. Thanks to the research work of our collaborators, you can discover other local festivities in the province. You will also know which are the best places to stay in Mendoza, which wineries offer the most interesting visits, which restaurants have the most delicious menus and which bars are the most welcoming ones to enjoy a Mendocenean glass of wine. Moreover, you will see which are the most adequate places to enjoy both Mendocenean and national gastronomy, including traditional dishes, as the renowned empanadas, the Argentine roast or the patitas aliñadas (seasoned small legs).

WHAT’S THE BEEF? OUR INSIDER’S GUIDE ON THE BEST CUTS TO ORDER AND WHERE IN BUENOS AIRES

On the average seven-day visit to Buenos Aires, dining at a parrilla between two and five times is a likely scenario. And as there’s seemingly a steakhouse on every other corner offering up high-protein experiences, it can be often overwhelming to know what the best steak on the menu is. This TRA guide trims the excess fat so you know exactly which cut to order and where.

February 24th, 2016

YOUNG SOMMS RISE THROUGH THE RANKS

The world of wine will turn its attention to Mendoza in April, not because of its bottled goods for a change, but because Argentina’s principal wine-producing province is hosting the prestigious Concours du Meilleur Sommelier du Monde (A.S.I. Contest of the Best Sommelier of the World) for the first time.
Around 50 sommeliers, each who has already succeeded in national and regional competitions to reach this crucial point, will head to Mendoza for the Argentine Sommelier Association organised event. And Argentina proudly has two top noses – Paz Levinson and Martín Bruno – in the final, which comes around every two years. Over the next few weeks, various Argentine sommeliers talk to The Real Argentina about their industry and this competition.
In part one, we meet some young somms who are coming through the ranks: Andrea Donadio from Oporto Almacén; Gabriella Gera from Don Julio; Marco Scolnik from Chila; and María Laura Nuñez from Aldo’s Vinoteca & Restorán.

February 23rd, 2016

BURGERS AND WINE: THE 2016 PAIRING

Along the last ten months, Buenos Aires has seen the inauguration of around 50 gourmet fast food stores that have nothing to do with the large chains, beyond the fact that they share the star dish. Among the alcoholic beverages served in these establishments, initially it was beer that took over the scene. Yet, wine is steadily proving to be the ideal match for gourmet burgers, due to the sophisticated proposals and diversity of sensations that only wine can offer. This will be, then, the 2016 pairing in Argentina, no doubt about it!

February 14th, 2016

PHOTO CONTEST: LIVE VENDIMIA HARVEST IN MENDOZA WITH ARGENTO

Would you like to live the harvest (vendimia) in Mendoza, meet Bodega Argento, harvesting in one of our vineyard estates, enjoy a wine tasting and participate in the National Harvest Festival? Imagine all that, plus: eat at the best restaurants in Mendoza, stay at one of the most luxurious hotels in the city and share all the activities together with Argento team. Participate in this photo contest and if your photo achieves the most votes, you will be the winner of this fabulous prize, for you and a companion.

February 13th, 2016

WHERE TO STAY IN MENDOZA

We’re just weeks away from the perfect moment to visit Mendoza: vendimia. Harvest time is the busiest in the province, and offers up the most fun, too. The vines have kept to their side of the bargain and it’s the turn of grape pickers, agronomists and oenologists to get the latest vintages rolling. You don’t have to be a wine fan to enjoy Argentina’s second-most visited region – though it helps. This TRA accommodation guide will help you choose where to stay in Mendoza’s glorious countryside complete with obligatory Andes panorama.
THE BEST WINE EXPERIENCE HOTELS IN MENDOZA

February 4th, 2016

Think Outside the Glass: Other Ways to Enjoy Malbec

Given its big, bouncy personality, Malbec naturally throws a party for itself every year – and why shouldn’t it? Every 17th of April we celebrate Argentina’s most popular adopted grape with Malbec World Day. But what if you’re pregnant, or under doctor’s orders to give booze the red light? Here are some alternative ways to celebrate Malbec without the alcohol.

April 15th, 2015

Taste the Diversity: A Guide to Argentina’s Wine Regions

From the beaches of the Atlantic coast to the dizzyingly high Andean altiplano, by way of regions as diverse as the Pampas and Patagonia, Argentina folds in an incredible variety of landscapes along its 2,295 mile length. Think of the difference in habitats that are home, variously, to condors, cattle or penguins, and this gives a vivid idea of how the mix of terrain, climate and altitude changes as you travel about the eighth largest country in the world.

October 22nd, 2014

Extra Virgin Olive Oils from Argentina

Taking root in Argentina around 500 years ago, olive trees are a natural companion for vines, enjoying the same poor terroir and hot climes as grapes. But despite the late start, local extra virgin oils (known here as virgen extra – a bottle that says any different is not what it appears to be) that come from Mendoza and San Juan are beginning to have an impact on the world stage as they pick up awards and recognition for their varietals and blends.

October 8th, 2014

Grape Expectations: Less Common Varieties of Argentina Wine

As Argentina is a country made up of immigrants for the most part, it makes perfect sense that its grapes (excluding Torrontés) are also documented aliens. Take our dearly beloved Malbec. We all know it originates from Cahors in south-west France, don’t we? That’s right, the Old World has had its hand in defining Argentina’s viniculture, thanks to big hitters Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and of course Malbec – from Salta in the north to Patagonia in the south…

August 6th, 2014