The Hedonistic Taster | № 19 | Achaval-Ferrer | Mendoza, Argentina

The Hedonistic Taster | № 19 | Achaval-Ferrer | Mendoza, Argentina

by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML

A Tasse de dégustiation, or tastevin, is a silver tasting cup used by vignerons and negociants in Burgundy to taste wines. Most are presented as christening gifts at birth.

" data-orig-size="289,175" sizes="(max-width: 289px) 100vw, 289px" data-image-title="tastevin" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg" style="border:0;height:auto;max-width:100%;clear:both;display:block;margin:5px auto 10px;border-radius:2px;vertical-align:middle;box-sizing:inherit;" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=289" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2016/04/10/the-hedonistic-taster-%e2%84%96-1/imgres-4/" alt="Tastevin" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg 289w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=150 150w" class="size-full wp-image-13244 aligncenter" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/imgres.jpg?w=289" />

“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer

Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of gorgeous, small-lot artisan pours in an intimate tasting format.

The title derives from the term ‘hedonistic tasting,’ coined by legendary Burgundian vigneron Henri Jayer.

Santé!

Today’s Tasting:

Achaval-Ferrer | Mendoza, Argentina

Achaval-Ferrer produces premium Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon in the wine regions of Argentina.

" data-orig-size="300,188" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" data-image-title="achaval-ferrer logo" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/achaval-ferrer-logo.jpeg?w=700" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/achaval-ferrer-logo.jpeg?w=700?w=300" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2017/04/04/wine-writer-confidential-%e2%84%96-3/achaval-ferrer-logo/" alt="" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/achaval-ferrer-logo.jpeg 300w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/achaval-ferrer-logo.jpeg?w=150 150w" class="size-full wp-image-16429" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/achaval-ferrer-logo.jpeg?w=700?w=300" />Achaval-Ferrer is a boutique wine producer in Argentina.

Think Argentina is all about Malbec? Guess again!

In addition to Malbec, premium Mendoza producer Achaval-Ferrer offers exceptional small-lot Bordeaux blends sourced from their heritage, high-altitude fincas (estates).

To better understand the wines of Achaval-Ferrer, part of the SPI Group that owns Stolichnaya vodka, here’s a little primer on their fincas, which they’ve spared no expense to own and operate:

Finca Mirador

Planted in 1921, Mirador rests at 700 m. above sea level in the town of Medrano. Surrounding vegetation includes olive trees, quinces, and rosemary, it includes four hectares of Malbec planted in alluvial and silt-clay soils.

Finca Bella Vista

Ten minutes outside the city of Mendoza, Bella Vista represents Achaval-Ferrer’s oldest finca (planted in 1910), and produces some of Achaval-Ferrer’s most prized Malbec.

Meaning “beautiful view,” Bella Vista also hosts Achaval-Ferrer’s wine tasting facility and cellar.

Finca Altamira

Altamira perches 1,050 m. above sea level in the La Consulta region of Valle de Uco, surrounded by ancient chestnut trees on the south bank of the Tunyan River. The vineyard, planted in 1925, comprises twelve hectares of un-grafted Malbec.

Finca Diamante

The high altitude estate of Finca Diamante stands 1100 m. above sea level in Tupungato, Valle de Uco.

This vineyard contains “caliche,” a weak mantle of crushed calcium carbonate that imparts a distinctive character to the fruit, fruit used as a basis for Achaval-Ferrer’s Quimera blend.

Diamante includes 19 hectares planted on American rootstock to Merlot (7 ha.), Cabernet Sauvignon (5 ha.), and Cabernet Franc (7 ha.)

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As with any great wine, the difference is in the dirt, as Achaval-Ferrer winemaker Tavo Rearte proves here.

Versatile and charming, Achaval-Ferrer wines suit any social occasion from casual BBQ to Sunday sit-down supper, particularly meals featuring grilled or roasted meats, fish and fowl.

Mendoza-produced Achaval-Ferrer Estates 2012 Quimera Red Blend is made from 50% Malbec, 24% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvingon, and 2% Petit Verdot.

" aria-describedby="gallery-16668-26-16835" data-orig-size="178,178" sizes="(max-width: 178px) 100vw, 178px" data-comments-opened="1" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera12.jpeg" class="attachment-medium size-medium" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera12.jpeg?w=300&h;=300" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2017/05/16/the-hedonistic-taster-%e2%84%96-19-achaval-ferrer-mendoza-argentina/quimera12/" data-image-title="AF Quimera ’12" alt="" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera12.jpeg 178w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera12.jpeg?w=150 150w" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera12.jpeg?w=300&h;=300" /> Achaval-Ferrer 2012 Quimera Red Blend – Mendoza, Argentina.

Wine: Achaval-Ferrer Quimera Red Blend

Vintage: 2012

Alcohol: 14.5%

Suggested Retail: $34.99

Specs

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Opaque garnet robe.

Nose: Plum, white pepper, fennel, rose on the nose.

Palate: Pomegranate, red currant, fig, floral bouche; medium body, acids, tannins, finish.

Achaval-Ferrer Estates 2013 Quimera Red Blend from Mendoza comprises 50% Malbec, 24% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvingon, and 2% Petit Verdot.

" aria-describedby="gallery-16668-27-16836" data-orig-size="178,178" sizes="(max-width: 178px) 100vw, 178px" data-comments-opened="1" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera13.png" class="attachment-medium size-medium" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera13.png?w=300&h;=300" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2017/05/16/the-hedonistic-taster-%e2%84%96-19-achaval-ferrer-mendoza-argentina/quimera13/" data-image-title="AF Quimera ’13" alt="" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera13.png 178w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera13.png?w=150 150w" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/quimera13.png?w=300&h;=300" /> Achaval-Ferrer 2013 Quimera Red Blend – Mendoza, Argentina.

Wine: Achaval-Ferrer Quimera Red Blend

Vintage: 2013

Alcohol: 14.5%

Suggested Retail: $34.99

Specs

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Opaque porphyry robe.

Nose: Bramble, rosemary, thyme notes.

Palate: Blackberry, black currant, black olive bouche; medium body, acids, tannins, finish.

Achaval-Ferrer Estates 2015 Malbec is a blend of 100% Malbec grown in Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo, and Medrano.

" aria-describedby="gallery-16668-28-16839" data-orig-size="500,1466" sizes="(max-width: 102px) 100vw, 102px" data-comments-opened="1" class="attachment-medium size-medium" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/malbec15-e1494888457761.jpg" height="300" width="102" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/malbec15-e1494888457761.jpg?w=102&h;=300" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2017/05/16/the-hedonistic-taster-%e2%84%96-19-achaval-ferrer-mendoza-argentina/malbec15/" data-image-title="AF Malbec ’15" alt="" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/malbec15-e1494888457761.jpg?w=102&h;=300 102w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/malbec15-e1494888457761.jpg?w=204 204w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/malbec15-e1494888457761.jpg?w=51 51w" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/malbec15-e1494888457761.jpg?w=290" /> Achaval-Ferrer 2015 Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina.

Wine: Achaval-Ferrer Malbec

Vintage: 2015

Alcohol: 14.5%

Suggested Retail: $24.99

Specs

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Deep garnet robe.

Nose: Cranberry, rose, balsam, lifted aromatics on the nose.

Palate: Red fruit, red cherry bouche; light-medium body, medium acids, tannins, finish.

Achaval-Ferrer Estates 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from crafted by winemaker Tavo Reale in Mendoza, Argentina.

" aria-describedby="gallery-16668-29-16840" data-orig-size="200,589" sizes="(max-width: 102px) 100vw, 102px" data-comments-opened="1" class="attachment-medium size-medium" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/cs-e1494888481248.jpg" height="300" width="102" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/cs-e1494888481248.jpg?w=102&h;=300" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2017/05/16/the-hedonistic-taster-%e2%84%96-19-achaval-ferrer-mendoza-argentina/cs/" data-image-title="AF Cabernet Sauvignon ’15." alt="" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/cs-e1494888481248.jpg?w=102&h;=300 102w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/cs-e1494888481248.jpg?w=51 51w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/cs-e1494888481248.jpg 200w" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"1"}" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/cs-e1494888481248.jpg?w=200" /> Achaval-Ferrer 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon – Mendoza, Argentina.

Wine: Achaval-Ferrer Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2015

Alcohol: 14.5%

Suggested Retail: $24.99

Specs

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Opaque purple-rimmed garnet robe.

Nose: Red currant, herbal nose with a flinty back-note.

Palate: Prune, fig, cocoa, black fruit bouche; medium body, acids, tannins and finish.

Achaval-Ferrer Estates 2015 Cabernet Franc is made of 100% Cab Franc sourced from Mendoza’s Uco Valley.

" aria-describedby="gallery-16668-30-16854" data-orig-size="178,308" sizes="(max-width: 87px) 100vw, 87px" data-comments-opened="1" class="attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail" data-orig-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/screen-shot-2017-05-15-at-3-31-01-pm-e1494893071210.png" height="150" width="87" data-medium-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/screen-shot-2017-05-15-at-3-31-01-pm-e1494893071210.png?w=173" data-permalink="https://binnotes.com/2017/05/16/the-hedonistic-taster-%e2%84%96-19-achaval-ferrer-mendoza-argentina/screen-shot-2017-05-15-at-3-31-01-pm/" data-image-title="AF Cab Franc ’15" alt="" srcset="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/screen-shot-2017-05-15-at-3-31-01-pm-e1494893071210.png?w=87&h;=150 87w, https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/screen-shot-2017-05-15-at-3-31-01-pm-e1494893071210.png?w=174 174w" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"0","credit":"","camera":"","caption":"","created_timestamp":"0","copyright":"","focal_length":"0","iso":"0","shutter_speed":"0","title":"","orientation":"0"}" data-large-file="https://binnotes.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/screen-shot-2017-05-15-at-3-31-01-pm-e1494893071210.png?w=178" /> Achaval-Ferrer 2015 Cabernet Franc – Mendoza, Argentina.

Wine: Achaval-Ferrer Cabernet Franc

Vintage: 2015

Alcohol: 14.5%

Suggested Retail: $24.99

Specs

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Opaque purple-garnet robe.

Nose: Red fruit, plum, floral nose.

Palate: Plush red raspberry, cherry, plum bouche; medium body, fresh acids, silky tannins, seductive finish. A beautiful pour.

Learn more about Achaval-Ferrer here.

Achaval-Ferrer

Calle Cobos 2601 – Perdriel – (5509) Luján de Cuyo – Mendoza, Argentina

Phone: +54 261 481 9205

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