RECESSION PROOF WINES?...THE DISCOVERY IS STILL ALIVE!!

When my wine importing company opened for business earlier this year, I had a sense that things were looking kind of gloomy. The market was fluctuating like crazy, banks were failing, unemployment was rising, etc. etc., but I was already way too committed to turn back or even to hold off until things got better. My instincts overpowered all the fear of starting a new business and I knew things were going to be alright with what I had planned. With life tough for everyone in the business, as well as for the wine consumer, Malbec and Argentine wines are now getting much more attention than before all this "economic turmoil" started.

Recession Proof?? Maybe so!

Malbec is bringing excellent quality at a very affordable price point for those wine lovers hindered by the economic downturn. Besides Malbec, Argentina in general has a good range of other varietals and blends that don't break the bank if you drink on a regular basis. If you like experimenting and always trying something new, Argentina is becoming the new "Bordeaux" of the new world due to its unique play on different style of blending.

Have a look at this article if your interests persist: WINE SUR

There are so many good Argentine wines out there that we have yet to discover. If you find anything over $25 don't wast your time !! Specially now! It is either (1) double-tiered at wholesale (meaning the importer brings in the wine in another state and sells it to the distributor in your state, who is really marking up the wholesale price to the retailer), (2) the importer imported a very very limited production (which is doubtful or very seldom), or (3) the winery has enough balls to sell it a high export price giving no other alternative. Argentina has the capacity to produce even much more wine than it is currently producing. So much that it curves its global demand in our favor by keeping its export price at such a low cost, helping us importers bring it to you the consumer at such a great value.

I am a big advocate of not overcharging for a product, and Argentina is in a great position right now to expose their quality through excellent value driven wines. This helps us (importers) to bring you (consumers) new and unique wines at a very accessible price. To all seasoned connoisseur and wine newbies alike, Argentine wines keep you in the game of enjoying and discovering great wine without discouraging the wallet through your wine hunting adventures.

Keep Discovering Malbec!

Salud!!

A CROWD FAVORITE

When having different palates around the table at dinner it can always be a tough choice in deciding which wine to bring and share with friends and family. If you offered to be the one to bring the wine it can be a scary gesture. You don't want to disappoint! In essence, you want to be known as "the wine guy" when invited. In some way it's a badge of honor between us wine drinkers that they come to you to source out a wine for the occasion.

After Thanksgiving dinner, one of the wines that I brought that struck a note amongst the crowd at the table was the 2006 Malbec Reserva from Naiara Wines. The velvety feel of this Malbec paired great with the Thanksgiving feast and everyone wanted seconds. Unfortunately I took only one bottle of the '06 Naiara Wines and was finished quicker than my sister's delicious yams. This is also my favorite Malbec so far, and is one of main reasons I decided to start my wine importing business now rather than later. This is a gem of a wine I couldn't let any other importer in California get it instead of me. Check them out: http://www.argca.com/NAIARA_WINES

What I got out of this wine:

NOSE - The subtle tones of smoke and leather are dressed beautifully with the perfume of lilac flowers and lavender. (A client of mine once said that he hopes Haley Berry's ass smells this good). Ripe plum and cherries are very evident, but hints of black berries with a funky cellar tone that underlines the fruit.

MOUTH/FINISH - The velvety smoothness of this Malbec is accompanied by a delicate tannin structure that demonstrates body and complexity. Being unfiltered, you feel the meatiness and the weight on your palate. The oak is subtle and not over the top. It has an almost creamy plum aspect to it!

I recommended preparing it to serve for a pleasurable experience like this:
1) 30 minutes in Fridge or 15 minutes in the Ice-box (don't get it too cold)
2) Decant for 45 min to 1-hour
3) Serve it with good company and good food


Salud!!