Summer with Bodega DiamAndes

^{This post has been sponsored by Bodega Diamandes. The following message is intended for those 21+. All opinions expressed are my own. Please enjoy responsibly.}

Today we’re revisiting the foothills of the Andes Mountains with a trio of wines that come to us courtesy of the DiamAndes Winery located in Argentina’s Valle de Uco Mendoza wine region.

We’ll be taking a look at their Malbec-Syrah blend, a rosado, and a chardonnay. I’ll be discussing the area, providing you with a crash course on what makes the Andes such an excellent place to produce wine, and of course reviewing the wines themselves before providing you with some pairing suggestions.

Now, without further delay, let’s dive right in.

The Where – Valle de Uco Mendoza, Argentina

Located in Argentina’s Mendoza province, the Valle de Uco is one of the most renowned wine regions in the country. Spanning parts of Tunuyan, Tupungato, and San Carlos departments, and situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, the area is renowned for its high-altitude vineyards. How high? The vineyards in Valle de Uco range from 900 to 1,500 meters (or about 3,000 to 5,000 feet) above sea level, creating a microclimate that is ideal for viticulture.

The region benefits from a continental climate, with significant diurnal temperature variations. That means warm days and cool nights, which helps to develop the acidity of the area’s grapes. In addition to stunning vistas and temperature regulation, the Andes Mountains also contribute to the terroir via a constant supply of meltwater for irrigation, in what would otherwise be a largely arid region.

The soils of the Valle de Uco are primarily alluvial, being composed of sand, silt, and clay – all of which possess good drainage properties. Though the geological formation of the Andes provides high mineral content, this soil composition makes for overall low fertility. For vineyards, this is actually a good thing.

Low fertility means vines have to struggle to survive. This struggle means the grapes produce higher concentrations of flavor enhancing compounds. However, low-fertility naturally means that grapes are harvested in lower yields. Basically, low-fertility means higher quality wines but in smaller amounts.

While Malbec is undeniably the star of the show in Mendoza, there are notable ‘costars’ worth exploring. Here’s a quick rundown:

Malbec: As I said, Malbec is the star of the show, and for good reason. Mendoza’s Malbec is known for its deep ruby color, rich and ripe red fruit flavors, and its velvety tannins. These Malbecs will also usually exhibit intense black fruit notes, deep floral aromas, and a robust structure.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Yes, Cabernet Sauvignon thrives pretty much anywhere vines can grow, and Mendoza is no exception. Mendoza’s cabernet sauvignon features dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and overall excellent aging potential. You can never go wrong cellaring a Mendoza Cabernet.
Chardonnay: With high altitude and a cool climate, naturally Chardonnay is going to do well here. Mendoza produces chardonnays with plenty of citrus and stone fruit flavors, which come balanced by a refreshing acidity.
Sauvignon Blanc: These wines are often best described as fresh and aromatic, with notes of green apple, lime, and a pleasant minerality.
Tempranillo and Syrah: These varietals have met with success in the area, and add overall diversity to the region's wine portfolio.

In closing, wines from Valle de Uco are known for their elegance, concentration of flavor, and balanced complexity. If you haven’t explored the area’s wines, I highly recommend it. Now, let’s get tasting.

The Bottles – A Showcase

Up first, we’ll be taking a look at a 2022 Chardonnay.
Next, we’ll be sampling a 2020 Malbec-Syrah blend.
Finally, we’ll be tasting Perlita’s Rosado.

Aromatics and Tasting – The Review

The 2022 Chardonnay greets with rich citrusy and tropic fruit notes off the top of the glass, such as sliced peach and juicy pineapple, with a squeeze of lime. On the palate, the wine is off-dry, with a medium acidity. The fruit notes from the bouquet carry over quite nicely, creating a very pleasant experience.

The 2020 Malbec-Syrah opens with ripe red fruit notes, such as sliced cherry and dark plum, with hints of tobacco and blackberry. Deeper in the glace, the blackberries mature into currants, and notes of oak and something slightly spicy manifest. On the palate, the wine is full bodied with smooth tannins, carrying the dark fruit notes from the bouquet, ending on a mildly smoky finish. Very pleasant from start to finish.

The Rosado introduces itself with crisp, fresh aromatics of red summer fruits. Lots of sliced strawberry and ripe red cherries, with just a faint lacing of honey or perhaps vanilla. On the palate, the wine features a refreshing minerality, carrying a hint of vanilla and the red fruits from the bouquet. A perfect pink for summer.

What to Eat – The Pairing

With the Malbec-Syrah: Personally, my ideal pairing would be a steak board combining marinated Argentine beef with homemade tortillas and chimichurri. On the other hand, you might also pair this bottle with one of my favorite Provencal classics; sausage and potatoes tossed with sweet onions and cherry tomatoes.
With the Chardonnay: Naturally, I’ll take this opportunity to refer you to my Chardonnay guide. The go-to pairings for Chardonnay with a hint of oak include things like butter-poached lobster, chicken alfredo, and braised herbed pork, and today’s chardonnay is no exception.
With the Rosado: This is the sort of wine you drink on a hot summer day with a nice antipasto spread. You want cured meats like hard salami, prosciutto-wrapped fruits, and mozzarella with fresh basil, Italian ham, and tomato slices. Blue cheese and crostini is also another nice pairing, as would be mature and hard cheeses.

And that’s our review. If you enjoyed today’s feature, or tried any of the wines or pairings, or have any questions or suggestions, be sure to let us know in the comments below, we always love hearing from you.

Cheers!