Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Drinks
WINE
By now you've probably heard: Argentine wines are world-class. Most famous is malbec,
that dark, robust plum-flavored wine that has solidly stomped the region of Mendoza on
every oenophile's map (the Mendoza region produces 60% of the country's wine). But Ar-
gentina has other fine varietals that are very worthy of a sip or three - fresh
torrontés
,
fruity bonarda and earthy pinot noir.
So how to know which to try? They say there's a perfect Argentine wine for every oc-
casion and a good
vinoteca
(wine boutique) will help you find it. In Palermo, try Lo de
Joaquin Alberdi (
Click here
)
, in San Telmo there's
Vinotango
( 4361-1101; Estados Unidos
488; 10:30am-9pm)
. Aldo's Vinoteca (
Click here
)
is a restaurant that sells wines at retail
prices - even when you eat there.
Supermarket selections are usually adequate, though you miss out on the tailored ad-
vice. Among the mainstay brands are Norton, Trapiche, Zuccardi and Santa Julia, with
different lines that cater to every price range. Spend a bit more to try the elegant Rutini
(from Bodega La Rural) or Luigi Bosca.
For private wine tastings, your best bet is with
Anuva Wines
( 15-5768-8589;
www.anuvawines.com
)
. Try five boutique vintages with food pairings; they'll also ship your
wine purchases to the USA. For informal tastings, inquire at
Pain et Vin
(
4832-5654; Gor-
riti 5132)
, a casual wine and bread shop.
Bar du Marche
( 4778-1050;
www.bardumarchepalermo.com
;
Nicaragua 5946; 9:30am-midnight Mon-Sat)
is a low-key bistro
offering 50 wines by the glass, while Gran Bar Danzón (
Click here
)
is an upscale lounge-
restaurant that also has a good selection of wines by the glass.
Many
puertas cerradas
(closed-door) restaurants offer fine wines with their meals;
Casa
Coupage
( 4833-6354;
www.casacoupage.com.ar
)
, run by an Argentine sommelier couple, is
especially wine-oriented. Finally, if you're really into wines consider staying at Miravida
Soho (
Click here
)
in Palermo; it has a wine bar, cellar and tastings for their guests.
