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Commentary: Argentina’s Premium Wines Rival the World’s Finest
Previously, we shared our experiences of sampling some budget-friendly red and white wines from Argentina, typically found at local stores. It’s worth mentioning that Argentina also boasts a range of high-end premium wines capable of vying with the world’s finest.
The sequence of wine-producing regions in Argentina extends in an extraordinary length, covering more than 1,200 miles from Salta in the north all the way to Patagonia in the southern tip. These regions, nestled against the Andes Mountains, in their eroded peak soils, export exceptional wines. Contributing to the reach of their grape cultivation are significant diurnal temperature fluctuations and an arid climate which helps stave off pests and diseases.
In recent times, we had the opportunity to sample a range of high-ranking red and white wines. We were quite taken with them. Here’s what we thought.
Trapiche Gran Medalla Chardonnay Mendoza 2020 ($35-40). This chardonnay was very pleasing, offering notes of citrus and apple, finished with a touch of creaminess.
Vina Cobos Vinculum Chardonnay Mendoza 2019 ($55). This Chardonnay originates from the project of Paul Hobbs. The influence of California is notable in its beautiful tropical fruit notes, a hint of light toasty oak, and a splash of lemon, making it our favorite white wine.
Otronia No. 3 & No. 6 Chardonnay Patagonia 2019 ($90). This Chardonnay, grown in the cool climate of Patagonia, is characterized by mineral-driven apple and citrus notes.
Achaval Ferrer Quimera Mendoza 2019 ($40). This wine stood out, especially considering its price. It’s an excellent blend of 59% malbec combined with the four other classic red Bordeaux varietals. Its production process remained unfined and unfiltered. Yields for this wine were remarkably low — just 1.3 tons per acre, resulting in a hefty, intense wine that features mature plum and blackberry notes encased in soft tannins. This was our favorite from the red wine selection.
Alta Vista Single Vineyard Albaneve Campo De Los Andes Valle De Uco Malbec 2018 ($50). This pleasing wine, crafted with 100% Malbec grapes and aged in French oak, boasts dominant flavors of plum and cherry with a hint of vanilla.
Fabre Montmayou Grandvin Partida Limitada Red Wine Luhan De Cuyo 2019 ($54). Primarily featuring malbec with hints of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, this red wine has been aged in French oak and offers a smooth experience with notes of plum and vanilla. It is exceptionally easy to drink.
Otronia No. 1 Pinot Noir Patagonia 2019 ($90). This wine is cultivated in the cool-climate Patagonia region in southern Argentina. Estate bottled with organic grapes, this pinot noir leaves a strong impression on the palate, characterized by both ripe and sour cherries.
Susana Balbo Nosotros Single Vineyard Nomade Malbec Valle De Uco Mendoza 2018 ($125). Although the price may be daunting, this was our favorite of the reds. With the ability to rival some of the best that Napa Valley has to offer, this superior wine offers aromas and flavors of plum, cherry, and cedar that work together to create an incredibly enjoyable experience. The wine is aged in primarily new French oak for over a year, further contributing to its extraordinary quality.
When conversing about sparkling wines, most wine enthusiasts can list off a number of varieties such as champagne, cava, prosecco, and a selection of domestic offerings. However, the mention of Trentodoc is likely to be met with confusion.
Despite the limited availability in the U.S., a sparkling wine producer in the northeastern part of Italy has become known for its obscurity. This mountainous region was once under the Austro-Hungarian Empire before the First World War. Following the war, it came under the control of Italy.
The only types of sparkling wine produced here are white and rosé. Produced from the same grapes used in French champagne and utilizing the same production methods.
The result is a truly exceptional sparkling wine that in some cases can even be compared with its French counterpart. Trentodoc, which only has around 2,800 acres of grape-producing land for their sparkling wine, is consumed mostly in Italy, representing 80% of the total consumption.
In order to better understand this sparkling wine, we tasted three rosés from the region. We wished to determine whether this wine, which is difficult to source, should be sought after by consumers.
Our top picks were the 2016 Rotari Trentodoc Rosé ($25), a blend of 75% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay. This sparkling wine featured a yeasty, bready aroma complemented by notes of strawberry and cherry. It’s a refreshingly vibrant and full-bodied wine.
Another favorite was the Ferrari Trentodoc Brut Rosé N/V ($35-40), comprised of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Again, the enticing yeasty aroma was present, this time paired with creamy berry notes. A delightful sparkling wine that is a pleasure to drink.
We were also fond of the True Myth San Luis Obispo Coast Pinot Noir 2022 ($28). The Central Coast region recently became an AVA. This affordable and enjoyable wine delivers classic flavors of juicy strawberry and cherry with a touch of spice.
The San Salvatore Elea 2008 Campania 2018 ($20) also stood out. The majority of this Italian wine from Campania is stainless-steel fermented to maintain the freshness of the Greco grape. With the advantage of Mediterranean maritime influences, it conveys notes of stone fruit and olive interlaced with minerality.
Bodegas Alto Moncayo Garnacha 2020 ($50). From Campo de Borja, Spain, this all garnacha, derived from old vine grapes, astounded us with its depth. It boasts jam-packed strawberry and black cherry flavors, with plenty of spice and pepper adding thrill to the mix.
Cormorant Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2021 ($24). After a 12-year tenure at Fetzer, Charlie Gilmore launched his solo label in 2018. With organically grown grapes, he’s designed a balanced sauvignon blanc that’s high in purity and intensity, minus the mouth-constricting grassy and grapefruit tones. Notes of white peach, citrus, and ginger make this wine not only exclusive but tantalizing as well.
Chalmers Felicitas 2019 ($42). With fresh wines hitting the American market, Australia’s Victoria region is gradually becoming prominent. This sparkling wine, solely composed of the fiano grape, is incredibly extraordinary. The fresh and tasty concoction we found was unexpected, coming from a grape variety native to Italy. It features nice acidity and apple notes.
Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr have been regularly sharing their wine knowledge through a syndicated column since 1985. Visit their blog at moreaboutwine.com. They can be contacted at marq1948@gmail.com.
Massive New Distillery in Kentucky Targets the Thirst of Whiskey Aficionados
Garrard County Distilling Co. in Kentucky with the birthplace of Prohibition pioneer Carrie Nation off to the side.
One of the most ambitious new projects to emerge in Kentucky bourbon in years has the potential to make big waves in the whiskey world. The massive Garrard County Distilling Co. just outside Lexington, Kentucky, began filling its first barrels on January 2. Those barrels will soon be joined by many, many, more, the facility can produce 8.5 million gallons or 150,000 barrels of whiskey per year.
Owned by Atlanta-based Staghorn, the $250+ million independent distillery project in Lancaster, KY, will support the company’s brands and provide much-needed liquid for a bevy of other startup and established brands looking for whiskey.
“We are living in the greatest era ever for whiskey; there has been an explosion of interest worldwide,” says Ray Franklin, the founder and president of Staghorn. “Our goal from day one has been to craft the finest whiskeys in the world, and with our new facility, we can fuel the growth of our brands and help others too, plus bring some much-needed jobs to a region looking for them.”
Ray Franklin, the founder and president of Staghorn.
Construction of the facility began during the pandemic, allowing the project to fly under the radar of most whiskey fans. Situated on a 210-acre site, the large distillery has dual towering column stills from Vendome Copper and Brass Works and two rickhouses capable of holding numerous barrels each. Plans are underway to expand the number of rickhouses to a substantial number by 2030, meaning a vast amount of barrels of spirits can be aged onsite.
If Staghorn hasn’t crossed your radar yet, that’s not surprising. The brand was conceived in 2018 by industry expert Franklin and introduced its first product, All Nations Whiskey, in 2020. This was made with whiskey sourced from reputable Kentucky distilleries. Resisting the urge to expand too quickly, All Nations Whiskey was introduced gradually, initially only being released in a certain part of Kentucky and Atlanta as its new premises was under construction.
All Nations bourbons, named in honor of early Prohibition pioneer Carrie Nation, a Kentucky native, vary from premium to super premium quality. Over the past few years, they have been the recipients of multiple Double Gold medals at the esteemed San Francisco World Wine and Spirit competitions.
All Nations Whiskey, the initial brand launched by Staghorn.
In its drive to boost its presence, Staghorn is set to roll out several other fresh brands and offerings in 2024 while concurrently enlarging All Nations with a perspective for nationwide distribution. They boast of 17,000 procured barrels currently aging in their rickhouses as a reserve for this movement. These are expected to bridge the gap until their in-house whiskies ripen in approximately four years. Garrard County Distilling plans on an announcement for a chief distiller at the beginning of February.
The modern facility is likely to pull visitors to the celebrated Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. In order to leverage this influx, Garrard County recently revoked its dry status, a rule dating back to the era of Mrs. Nation, a notable resident. To underscore the significance of Carrie Nation to their brand, Staghorn sponsored the relocation of her actual birth house situated nearby onsite. This stone house will be integrated into a visitor center that will comprise a separate tasting room and a restaurant, scheduled to open by the end of the year.
“The first distillery from Staghorn, Garrard County Distilling Co. showcases their immense devotion and the ambitious scale at which they are venturing into this category. This reflects the global allure of bourbon originating from our wonderful commonwealth,” stated Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. “The investment by Staghorn is a pleasant supplement for the Lancaster and Garrard County communities, as well as for tourism in Kentucky. I express gratitude to the company’s leadership for their vision to progress within the commonwealth, thereby endorsing Kentucky’s status as the world’s bourbon hub.”
‘Woke-free’ Beer Venture Receives F Rating from Better Business Bureau
JOHNS CREEK, Ga. – Any entrepreneur will attest that coming up with an innovative idea is often the easier piece of the puzzle. The real challenge lies in the execution of promises made.
This fact is exemplified by a beer company in Georgia. This company has chosen a specific target audience for their products.
Ultra Right Beer was created nine months prior, capitalizing on the conservative criticism of Bud Light’s trans marketing campaign.
The spearhead of the initiative, Seth Weathers, aged 39, has positioned Ultra Right as a “100% Woke Free American Beer”. Initially, he had partnered with a brewery situated in Lawrenceville. Currently, he utilizes the services of a larger brewery in Lakeland, Florida.
He also sells calendars, hats and t-shirts on his website promoting his conservative values.
But more than 100 would-be customers have instead headed to a different website, the Better Business Bureau,
filing complaints that they paid Weathers for beer that never arrived.
The company currently has an F Rating at the BBB.
“I don’t care what product or ideology you’re doing,” Tony Leuci of Tampa, Florida, told the FOX 5 I-Team.
“This is horrible customer service.”
Leuci’s spouse submitted a request in September for a unique version of Conservative Dad’s Revenge six-pack featuring Donald Trump’s photo.
After four months, the order still hadn’t arrived. The only communication Leuci received from the organization was a non-specific email proposing reimbursements, delivered after the FOX 5 I-Team began probing.
“It’s unbearably annoying that there’s no one to respond to your concerns when they claim to be a business.” Leuci vented. “That is not a real business operation.”
Walker Means who resides in Edinboro, Pennsylvania has been anticipating his beer since November. The company’s website had assured him of delivery within one month.
“I placed an order for two reasons,” he explained. “One to obviously give a pretty nice gift but also to support the kind of company I thought was kind of spearheading the movement of not shoving things down our throats all the time.”
And now?
“Absolutely not,” Means said. “They’ve just chosen not to communicate. And that’s a shame.”
Weathers explained to the FOX 5 I-Team his four-person company was overwhelmed with orders, and no one bothered to pay attention to the BBB complaints.
“If someone doesn’t want the beer at this time, we’ll offer them a refund,” he said. “We’re doing the best we can to put it in the cans and get it out as fast as we can.”
Criticism of a socially-conscious company’s shoddy customer service isn’t unique.
Two years ago, the FOX 5 I-Team investigated identical complaints about Support Black Colleges, created to raise awareness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities or HBCUs.
That company also scored an F with the BBB. Customers were furious that their hoodies and shirts had yet to arrive, and no one from Support Black Colleges seemed to care.
The proprietors assured the public that they would take steps to change the current scenario, even as their business maintains an F-rating.
Weathers remained true to his commitment of channeling part of the proceeds from beer sales towards conservative causes. $50,000 from the sales of the Trump mugshot beer was donated to the GA GOP by Ultra Right Beer. Additionally, an equal amount has been pledged to aid David Shafer’s defense fund, who is one of the alleged fake electors charged in Fulton County.
Various others such as the 1776 Project PAC, Let Them Live, and Red Renaissance have also received donations from Weathers’ company.
According to Weathers, he is fond of his customers and extends his sentiments even to those irked by the present delay.
Dawn Young of Orange Park, Florida, at last received her beer following lodging a complaint, personally to Weathers on X. Furthermore, she was refunded.
“I sincerely hope it’s genuine and provides help to the conservative movement,” she expressed.
Best Cocktails & best mixed drinks
Best Cocktails & best mixed drinks
Stumble into any place that serves alcohol and you’ll commonly find yourself overwhelmed with the possible choices for you to get your crunk on. Many poor souls fall into the repetive cycle of ordering the same mixed drink over and over again.
It gets old drinking that red bull/vodka after the 500th time. This article lists out the recipes for great mixed drinks and cocktails. You no longer have an excuse to order the same drink everytime you go out.
Mixed Drink & Cocktail Recipes
Popeye the sailor
1.3 oz Vodka
0.7 oz Martini Bianco
0.3 oz Blue Curaçao
4.0 oz Orange Juice
White Russian
1.5 oz Vodka
1 oz Kahlua
1 oz Heavy Milk Cream
Caipirinha
2 oz Cachaça
2 tbsps Brown Sugar
8 Lime Wedge
Apricot Sour
1 oz Apricot Brandy
1 oz Lemon Juice
1 tbsp Simple Syrup
Long Island Iced tea
0.5 oz Tequila
0.5 oz Bacardi
0.5 oz Gin
0.5 oz Vodka
0.5 oz Cointreau
1 dash Orange Juice
2 oz Coke
3 Lime Wedge
Mai Tai
2 oz Jamaican Rum
0.5 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Orgeat Syrup
Cosmopolitan
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Orange Liqueur
1 oz Cranberry Juice (Frozen Concentrate)
0.5 oz Lime Juice
Whiskey Sour
2 oz Whisky
1 oz Lemon Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
Margarita
1 oz. Liqueur, orange
1 oz. Tequila, gold
1 oz. Tequila, white
1 oz. Triple Sec
1 oz. Lime Juice
Bloody Mary
3 oz. Vodka
1 1/2 oz. Pickle Juice
5 oz. Tomato Juice
2 dashes Pepper, white
1 pinch (celery) Salt
1/2 tsp. Horseradish
3 drops Steak Sauce
6 drops Tabasco Sauce
3 drops Worcestershire Sauce
Tom Collins
2 oz. Gin
Fill with Carbonated Water/Club Soda
1 oz. Lemon Juice
1 whole Cherries/Maraschinos
1 tsp. Sugar, powdered
1 slice Oranges
Tequila Sunrise
1 1/2 oz. Tequila, white 1 oz. Curacao, blue 1 oz. Jack Daniel’s 2 1/2 oz. Champagne 2/3 oz. Schnapps, peach 2 oz. Cognac (Hennessy) 2 oz Cuban Rum
1/2 oz. Grenadine
3 oz. Orange Juice
1 oz. Rum, light
1 oz. Cream of coconut
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
1 whole Cherries/Maraschinos
1 slice Pineapple
1 Cup Ice
Lynchburg Lemonade
1 oz. Triple Sec
Fill with 7-up
1 1/2 oz. Sour Mix
Mimosa
2 1/2 oz. Orange Juice
Sex on the beach
1 1/3 oz. Vodka
1 1/3 oz. Cranberry Juice
1 1/3 oz. Orange Juice
Incredible Hulk
2 oz. Hpnotiq
Mojito
1 oz Lime Juice
4 oz 7UP
6 Mint Leaves
2 tsps Brown Sugar
Gin and tonic
1 1/2 oz. Gin
Fill with Tonic Water
1 twist Lime
Kamikaze
1 oz. Triple Sec (Cointreau)
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Lime Juice
1 wedge Lime
Hot buttered rum
2 oz. Rum, dark
4 oz. (boiling) Water
1 whole Cloves
1 tsp. Sugar, brown
1 tsp. Butter
Black Russian
2/3 oz. Liqueur, coffee
1 2/3 oz. Vodka
Alice in wonderland
1 part Amaretto
1 part Grand Marnier
1 part Southern Comfort
Pina colada
1 oz. Rum, white
1 oz. Coconut Milk
3 oz. Pineapple Juice
Martini Dry
1 83/100 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Vermouth, dry
1 whole Olive
Amaretto Sour
2 oz. Amaretto
1 oz. Lemon Juice
1 slice Oranges
Electric smurf
1 oz. Curacao, blue
1 oz. Rum, coconut
Fill with Pineapple Juice
Fill with Sprite
Irish Car Bomb
1/2 oz. Irish Cream (Bailey’s)
1/2 pint Stout (Guinness)
1/2 oz. Whiskey, Irish (Jameson)
Jager Bomb
1 shot Jägermeister
1/2 can Red Bull
Discuss! #cocktails