Varietals

Malbec:  Malbec originates from the Bordeaux region of France where it is generally used for blending with Cabernet and Merlot.  In Argentina however, the story is quite different.  Malbec is considered the premier grape of Argentina, where it has found its true home.  Argentina's sun drenched climate has garnered for this varietal the world-wide acclaim of wine-lovers. Characterized by a spicy, dark fruit, Argentina Malbecs can be complex, intense, and worthy of aging.

Qualities:  Characterized by a spicy, dark fruit, Argentina Malbecs can be complex, intense, and quite worthy of aging.

Chardonnay:  No doubt the most prominent of the white varieties, the Chardonnay grape is sometimes referred to as the Queen of the whites.  Much of the attraction to this varietal, for wine connoisseurs as well as the winemakers themselves, is its versatility.  Chardonnay is the base for most sparkling wines and as a varietal is often aged in oak which affects the final flavor.

Qualities:  Oak is often used for aging adding a smoky, vanilla, caramel, and butter aroma.  When produced as a "woodless" vendible, it's generally a soft and fruity result.

Cabernet Sauvignon:  Cabernet Sauvignon is arguably the World's most renowned grape variety. This is the number one variety in Bordeaux that is found in the first growths of the Medoc. It is now planted in most temperate wine regions of the world and in few more successfully than Argentina.

Qualities:  It is a wine that ages very well and after maturation turns out a full-bodied wine with intense colors accompanied by aromas ranging from fruit to green pepper, coffee, tobacco, and spices.

Bonarda:  Bonarda originates from Piedmont in Northern Italy and soon became the most widely planted varietal in Argentina; only recently has it been surpassed by Malbec.  Due to the low cost, vigor, and sheer abundance of Bonarda, it has traditionally been used in the production of inexpensive wines and for bulk production of table wines.  However when vinified as a single varietal, it has captured the imagination of world-wide consumers and wine-writers. 

Qualities:  Bonarda gives a candid, full-bodied and colorful wine, with fruity aromas and subtle aniseed-flavored hints.  It can be successfully barrel aged thanks to its good structure.

Syrah:  Prevalently known in the US as "Shiraz", the interchangeable names are occasionally named as such due to the "old world" or "new world" qualities they embody, though this is not always the case.  This is a wine that ages well and while it is commonly vinified on its own, it may often be found blended with other grape varieties.

Qualities:  It has a strong tannin, intense aroma and colors, and a full-bodied texture with a long aftertaste.  Its bouquet is described as being evocative of cloves, pepper, and dark chocolate, and berries.

Merlot:  Produced mainly in France and Italy, this varietal also thrives in Argentina, but certainly on a smaller scale.  Merlot produces sophisticated, elegant and round wines of full body, and is often used in the blending of Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Qualities:  Its palatal qualities include black pepper, cinnamon, spices, and red currant and it presents violet and red tinges.