(Imaginary) Interview with Mr Malbec

This April 17th is the Malbec World Day or, as they call it in Argentina, Día Mundial del Malbec. This wine, made from grapes of french origin, has become an iconic part of the argentinian table, and the celebration commemorate the day in which former Argentinian president, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (1868 - 1874) formally decided to transform the wine industry of his country. The grape once was know as the black wine of Cahors, french region where it was produced; but after the filoxera disease (and disaster), the Malbec grapes in France, along with many other varieties, were destroyed.

Today, we will celebrate this amazing wine with an exercise of imagination: What if Malbec was a person, and he (because it would be a HE for sure) could speak with us? Let's imagine meeting Mr Malbec in the beautiful Cafè de los Angelitos in Buenos Aires, a place to have coffee and pastries during the day, and tango and wine at night. He is meeting us at a table for two, and already ordered a bottle of his favorite wine. At the sight of us, he greet us the Argentinian way, no cheeks remained un-kissed.

His perfume reminded us of berries, spices, violets and a hint of leather. He looked formal, but not uptight; mature but not old; and his expression was intense but never aggressive.

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Why Argentina?

"Well, my grandparents wanted to see the world, so they moved from France when a friend invited them to Mendoza. Actually, they were lucky to have left, because just a few years later, a plague destroyed their old home".

Do you ever wish to go back to Cahors, France?

"Sometimes... In fact some of my sons and nephews have moved there lately, while others have left to try their fortune in South Africa, Mexico, Chile, even Australia. Anyway, I am happy here; where else would I enjoy a good asado argentino? (he laughs).

While we talked, a couple walks by and recognizes him. They stop and greet him, and I gladly take a picture of them with Mr Malbec. He is a big celebrity around here, and everyone who sees him smiles and says hello while he waves back".

Who is your favorite character?

"I really like strong characters that are ready for action but never out of style. I prefer the rebel type of heroes; personality over perfection, and always a good sense of humour. Maybe Iron Man, he's cool".

Tell us something we may not know about you...

"I actually like vegetarian dishes a lot, and I a wonderful tango dancer".

For more info on Malbec World Day check out the official Website.

A brief history of Merlot in a funny short video

Merlot is to wine what power ballads are to rock and roll; the mellow option that many believes to be so passé; however, who doesn't love Sweet Child O'Mine, I don't want to miss a thing, o a fruity glass of the soft tannins and generous taste of laid-back merlot?

The grape is protagonist in many great wines from the legendary french region of Bordeaux; and across the New World, awesome bottles come from Chile and California. In fact, California-based, family-owned winery Gundlach Bundschu is the responsible for this funny short video about the rise, fall and big comeback of merlot. The video was launched about a year ago, and it won the 2012 Wine Spectator video contest.

Watch it, and you'll learn a couple of things while smiling... 

Wines to watch Game of Thrones: Gewurztraminer (and why)

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Virtually every character in Game of Thrones, the series inspired in George R. R. Martin novels, enjoys a glass of wine (or two, or maybe three). So, being a fan of the series, and also of the aforementioned beverage, I am planning to combine both pleasures and fill my glass while the Starks, Lannisters and everyone else fill my screen.
Being that my one of my favorite characters is Daenerys Targaryen, I'll remember the episode in which a wineseller offers her a special cask of wine from the Arbor region. That happened to be poisoned, but anyway, it was just the most memorable Daenerys wine-related moment I can think of.

Inspired in the khaleesi, my choice is gewurztraminer. Tipical from Alsace in France, this white wine is stronger than it seems (Gewûrz means "spicy" in german)...

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Its color is light golden and the main aroma you get from it is lychee, mixed with roses and white flowers, with maybe some passionfruit and peach. 

The soft perfumes come with a surprisingly strong body, and the taste delivers what it was first sensed in the nose, and more: a spicinnes that makes justice to the first half of its name.

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Even if just by itself it's an amazing wine, I would normally pair it with sushi; however, I just can't watch Game of Thrones while delicately holding little rolls with chopsticks so, a more regional pairing will do: fondue with mushrooms.

By the way, I found a few quotes about wine extracted from the books...

“ The world is full of wine” – Tyrion Lannister

“ I mean to sail to Westeros and drink the wine of vengeance from the skull of the Usurper” - Daenerys Targaryen

“You see the wonders than can be worked with lies and Arbor gold?” - Lord Petyr Baelish, to Sansa Stark.