Corked Club

In Argentina, wine production and consumption dates back from more than 400 years ago, when the first specimens of “vitis vinifera” were brought to America by the Spaniards, in the early 16th century. Catholic priests who came to America settled vineyards around their monasteries, so as to assure the wine to celebrate holy mass. Cabernet, Malbec, Pinot, Semillon, Merlot and Chardonnay discovered ideal weather conditions and prospered successful and rapidly, originating the first Argentinean fine wines. A proper temperature, long sun exposure sessions, low rainfall levels and humidity, and no strong winds together with exceptional soils, created the best ecological ambience for the production of top quality grapes.It is important to highlight that quality and an abundant grape production, within such a favorable ecosystem, make substantial corrections unnecessary, for which reason sugar addition to wines is legally forbidden in Argentina.

Cruz Alta President’s Reserve 2005
Facts:
1. Varietals: 85% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah
2. Aged 14 months in new barrels and was produced by Bedegas Escorihuela Gascon out of Mendoza, Argentina. Limited edition wine from the company president’s personal cellar.
3. Paula Witkowski signed the bottle…hmm, Witkowski doesn’t sound like an Argentinean name to me…calling fubar on that one.

Gascon 2008
http://www.wine.com/V6/Gascon-Malbec-2008/wine/97640/detail.aspx
Winemaker's notes:
Full-bodied wine with deep violet color, showcasing flavors and aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, dark cherry, and a hint of mocha. This wine is elegant and rich in texture, with soft and round tannins and a long velvety finish.

Alamos Torrontés
Info about the wine:
Torrontés has a unique expression in Argentina and has often been called the country's signature white varietal. Alamos Torrontés captures all of the explosive aromatic character of this Argentine grape, with lively notes of citrus and peach fruit interwoven with delicate layers of jasmine blossom and fresh herbs. The wine is light and fresh on the palate with excellent balance and finishing with bright, crisp acidity.

Pinot Gris Mendoza, Bodega Lurton 2008
1. Rare in Argentina, the Lurtons harvest this variety first each year to retain the delicate bouquet and the rich complex flavors of peaches, apricots and raisins.
2. J & F Lurton was set up in 1988 by twin brothers Jacques and François Lurton, sons of Bordeaux producer André Lurton. Their firm background in wine and the experience gained as international consultants has been brought to bear on a range of wines from around the world, which aim to keep up with current trends and offer value for money.
3. In 1997 the brothers bought 225 hectares of land in the Valle de Uco, Argentina, which has been turned into a 125 hectare vineyard and a substantial winery. In order to keep up with demand, they also control many neighboring vineyards in the same region of the Uco.

Rose of Malbec, Crios de Susana Balbo
1. This rose is produced by using the traditional "saignee" method, a bleeding of the lightly colored juice from the skins of the fermenting old vine Malbec grapes at just the right time to generate the brilliant red color.
2. Old vine Malbec grapes create a richer, spicier wine than most from around the world.
3. Can be paired with many different types of food.
4. Bottle says it is extremely lovable and fun to be around!