Achaval Ferrer is mention in a recent article in the Wall Street Journal called, “Two Worlds of Argentine Wines.” The article describes the big challenges that small, artisan wineries like Achaval Ferrer are giving to Argentina’s corporate producers. Achaval Ferrer is “Argentina’s first cult winery,” says the Journal.

To read an excerpt:

Proof of this is found in the dazzlingly complex Malbec wines of Achával Ferrer. Started with several partners in 1998 by Santiago Achával Becú, 49, Achával Ferrer is arguably Argentina’s first “cult” winery, commanding prices in excess of $100 a bottle in both the U.S. and Argentina.

The Achával Ferrer winery is a modest facility in both size and style. “Our winery was built from steel parts we acquired from a factory that was being torn down,” Mr. Achával Becú said proudly. “We got the material—beams, spiral steel staircases, you name it—for the scrap price.”

Mr. Achával Becú is a good businessman—he has an MBA from Stanford—but it’s his you-can’t-fake-it passion for discovering and nurturing vineyards of old Malbec vines that sets him apart. His most collectible wines are his three single-vineyard-designated Malbecs, all boasting vines 80 to 100 years old. They’re compelling red wines of pipe-organ depth and power without excessive alcohol or overripeness.

Source link: Wall Street Journal

MAX’S MARCH MALBEC MADNESS
Max Amore and Broadway Wine & Spirits Present:
“An Evening with Food & Wine”

Five wine and food pairings featuring Malbecs including a few surprises
Guest Speaker: Marissa Ocasio, TGIC Importers
Wednesday March 31, 2010 6:30 P.M.
$69.95 per person + tax & gratuity

Max Amore
140 Glastonbury Boulevard
Somerset Square
Glastonbury, CT
06033

~The Menu ~

Course 1
Duck “carpaccio” with pomegranate reduction
Kaiken Malbec 2008

Course 2
Beef braciola with creamy corn polenta
Montes Classic Malbec 2008

Course 3
Seafood risotto, saffron rice, grilled chorizo, PEI mussels, gulf shrimp
Pascual Toso Malbec 2008

Course 4
Talaggio stuffed procuitto wrapped chicken, over baby spinach, spiced walnuts, golden raisins, ricotta gnocchi
Norton Privada Reserve 2006
(Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet)

Course 5
Salt crusted sirloin, potato Anna, spring morels, sweet onions
Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2008

Join TGIC Importers and Achaval Ferrer for the greatest wine night our nation’s capital! More than two hundred of the world’s finest wineries will pour one of their best wines at each stop.

Reasons to attend:
-All wines are Wine Spectator’s top-scoring selections
-Meet and mingle with many winery owners and/or winemakers
-Taste wines that are hard to find—discover new favorites
-Includes a light buffet to complement your evening

Location:
Ronald Reagan Building
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW

For more information:
WineSpectator.com

Join TGIC Importers and Achaval Ferrer for the greatest wine night in New York City! More than two hundred of the world’s finest wineries will pour one of their best wines at each stop.

Reasons to attend:
-All wines are Wine Spectator’s top-scoring selections
-Meet and mingle with many winery owners and/or winemakers
-Taste wines that are hard to find—discover new favorites
-Includes a light buffet to complement your evening

Location:
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway

For more information:
WineSpectator.com

Join TGIC Importers and Achaval Ferrer for the greatest wine night in Las Vegas! More than two hundred of the world’s finest wineries will pour one of their best wines at each stop.

Reasons to attend:
-All wines are Wine Spectator’s top-scoring selections
-Meet and mingle with many winery owners and/or winemakers
-Taste wines that are hard to find—discover new favorites
-Includes a light buffet to complement your evening

Location:
The Venetian
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South

For more information:
WineSpectator.com

Cincinnati Wine Festival is starts from Thursday, March 11th through Saturday, March 15th.

TGIC Importers will be in Booth 70
We will be pouring the following:
2007 Montes Cabernet/ Carmenere
2008 Montes Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Bodega Norton Reserve Malbec
2007 Pascal Toso Reserve Malbec
2007 Santa Ema Reserve Merlot
2006 Achaval Ferrer Quimera
2006 Montes Alpha Syrah
2008 Pascal Toso Torrontes

2010 Grand Tasting
Duke Energy Center (Convention Center)
Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor
525 Elm Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Friday Evening 6:30 – 9:00 PM
$70.00 prior to event, $75.00 at the door
$105 for Grand Tasting ticket and Special Tasting ticket, $110 at the door

Saturday Afternoon 2:30 – 4:30 PM
$60.00 prior to event, $65.00 at the door
$95.00 for Grand Tasting ticket and Special Tasting ticket, $100.00 at the door

Saturday Evening 6:30 – 9:00 PM
$70.00 prior to event, $75.00 at the door
$105 for Grand Tasting Ticket and Special Tasting ticket, $110 at the door

The Wine Enthusiast reviews two of TGIC’s Argentine Malbecs: Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista 2007 and Pascual Toso Alta Reserva 2007. The article, which appears online, features the Achaval Ferrer bottle in a photograph under the banner “Malbec in the Spotlight.” Both wines received 93 Point accolades through the magazine.

The Finca Bella Vista is described as:

Electric purple in color, with a concentrated nose of mineral, black plum and toast. The palate is lush and giant, which is reflective of Perdriel in Mendoza’s traditional midsection, but balanced by natural acidity and fine tannins. Huge berry and plum flavors are dense, and vanilla, coffee and herb flavors grace the finish. Drink now through 2016.

A tasting note for the Alta Reserva reads:

All early signs say this one is here for the long haul; it is aggressive but serious, with fine acids and tannins hoisting deep black plum and berry flavors. Chocolate, mocha and pepper work the long finish. Best now through 2013.

To read more of this article, please refer to the Wine Enthusiast.

Across the pond, Hamish Anderson pairs Achaval Ferrer Malbec 2007 with roast beef or goose for the holidays. Of the Achaval Ferrer Malbec, Anderson writes:

Argentine malbec can be a frustrating thing.

Too often it is clumsy and one-dimensional, but when it is good, it is really good. Achával Ferrer has got this exactly right, balancing rich flavours of chocolate and blueberries with a perfumed elegant side that lends the wine beautiful balance and, most important, drinkability. If goose or roast beef are your Christmas lunch of choice, look no further.

Source