A GUIDE TO SUMMER WINES FROM ARGENTINA (PART 2 - ELEGANT REDS & EFFERVESCENT SPARKLING)

As the summer draws near, its days drenched in resplendent sunlight, heralding the arrival of a season characterized by its languid, sun-kissed days that give way to serene, warm evenings, there is no better time to immerse oneself in exquisite Argentinian wines. Last week in Part 1, we suggested a few wines that should be added to your summer drink list and these included 2 whites, a rosé and 2 naranjos. Today, Thursday Food will feature light reds and sparkling options that are sure to enhance any summer soiree .

Summer wines offer a delightful escape from the heat, boasting light bodies, refreshing acidity, and a unique ability to harmonize with the warmth rather than clash against it. These wines, with their crisp taste, fruity bouquet, and occasional floral notes, provide a refreshing respite from the hot weather. Designed to not only refresh but also enhance the flavours of summer cuisine, they complement everything from freshly caught seafood to sun-ripened fruits, reflecting the same vibrant energy of the sun that nourishes the vineyards.

Ideal for outdoor enjoyment, summer wines shine whether you're relaxing on a sunlit verandah while during a backyard barbecue or lounging by the gentle waves of the sea. Unlike the full-bodied, richer red wines favoured in cooler seasons, summer wines distinguish themselves with several key characteristics. The bright acidity of summer wines cuts through the warmth, refreshing the palate and preparing it for the next bite of a summer salad or grilled fish.

Moreover, the serving temperature of summer wines is crucial. While wines enjoyed in cooler weather are often served at room temperature or slightly chilled, summer wines thrive when served cooler. This enhances their refreshing qualities without muting their delicate flavours. This meticulous balance of body, acidity, and temperature elevates summer wines beyond mere beverages to essential companions for summer dining, enriching every meal and moment they grace.

While heavier reds can be too much for summer, a light-bodied Pinot Noir served slightly chilled can be an excellent choice as it offers flavours of red berries, cherry, and earthy undertones, with soft tannins and bright acidity. Pinot Noir is versatile, pairing well with grilled salmon, roasted chicken, and summer vegetable dishes. Its light body and complex flavours make it a refined option for warm evenings.


Criolla wines typically have a light to medium body, making them refreshing and easy to drink in warm weather. Their lightness ensures they don’t overwhelm the palate, offering a pleasant and cooling effect during hot summer days. The bright acidity of Criolla wines, combined with their vibrant flavours of strawberries, cherries, and other red fruits, provides a refreshing burst of flavour. This makes them ideal for pairing with a variety of summer dishes, like outdoor dining and barbecues,

enhancing their overall refreshing quality.

Bonarda is known for its juicy red berry and plum flavours, which are both refreshing and satisfying during the summer. These vibrant fruit notes make it an enjoyable and lively choice for warm-weather drinking, with its soft tannins and bright acidity in creating a smooth and refreshing mouthfeel. This balance ensures that the wine remains light and invigorating, making it easy to enjoy in the heat while pairing exceptionally well with a wide range of summer dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and light pasta dishes. 

Both sweet sparkling wines and Brut Cuvées are characterized by their effervescence, which provides a refreshing and invigorating sensation, perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. The bubbles tickle the palate and enhance the overall drinking experience, allowing them to pair well with a wide range of summer foods, from light salads and seafood to grilled meats and fruit desserts. Their acidity and carbonation cut through rich and fatty flavours, while their sweetness balances spicy or tangy dishes, making them versatile companions for summer cuisine.

Thursday Food concludes our 2-part feature with some of the best labels from Argentina:

Chacra Pinot Noir Patagonia Sin Azufre is a 100% varietal made with grapes grown in in the Rio Negro area of Patagonia. The wine is described as being floral and buoyant on the nose expressing notes that are pure, mineral and powerful with concentrated flavours of red plum and dried raspberry. In the mouth it is bright and energetic with Sandalwood accents that linger on the finish, showing caressing tannins.


El Esteco Old Vines Criolla 1958 is made from 63 year old Criolla vines in the Salta province. It is produced by Bodega El Esteco at Finca Las Mercedes in the province’s Cafayate Valley region. This 100% Criolla is an Intense rosé with violet tones and slight ruby edges, presenting fine lees in suspension, similar to Pinot Noir. Its aroma is initially fruity, typical of the varietal and on the palate, the flavour has a fruity start that is refreshing, followed by mineral texture. 


El Enemigo Single Vineyard La Esperanza Bonarda is made by El Enemigo Wines in Mendoza from 100% Bonarda grapes. The wine has violet tones with aromas of cherries, sour cherry, blackberry and black olive as well as a hint of graphite and thyme. On the palate, it is intense yet somewhat sweet with good flavour and tight tannins that end in a long, somewhat rustic finish.


Chandon Délice is a sweet sparkling wine made by Bodegas Chandon and its assemblage is a perfect combination between the classic grapes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as a base and the innovation of the Petit Manseng and Sémillon. Ideal to enjoy with ice and having a twist of flavour and aroma that enhances it, the wine comprises 60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 5% Sémillon, and 5% Petit Manseng. 

The elegant presence of citrus and honey notes provided by Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are mixed with expressive tropical aromas provided by the Petit Manseng and Semillon resulting in lively fruity flavours combining for an explosive sweetness.


Alfredo Roca Brut Nature Cuveé is made by Bodega Alfredo Roca from San Rafael Mendoza using 40% Pinot Noir/ 40% Chardonnay/ 20% Chenin Blanc. Toast notes, provided by the yeasts that are assembled finely with white flowers and hints of peach, are detectable on the nose. Pinot Noir was incorporated into the sparkling wine to provide it with remarkable quality, as well as body and persistence. Chardonnay allows the wine to have typical aromas of ripe white fruit and flowers; and the Chenin completes it by providing refreshing acidity, thus achieving, in the combination of the three varieties, a complex and elegant sparkling wine.


Serving your summer wines at the right temperature and in the right glassware can enhance your drinking experience. Here are some tips to get the most out of your summer wines:


Chill Whites and Rosés, ie, serve them well-chilled, typically around 45-50°F (7-10°C) as this enhances their refreshing qualities and crisp acidity. Lightly Chill Reds, ie, serve light-bodied reds slightly chilled at around 55-60°F (13-15°C) as this can make them more refreshing and enjoyable in the heat. If you’re outdoors, use a wine chiller or an ice bucket to keep your wines at the right temperature. Avoid direct sunlight, which can warm up the wine quickly and alter its taste.


Choosing the right wine for summer is all about finding refreshing, light, and vibrant options that complement the season’s activities and cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of crisp whites, aromatic rosés, sparkling wines, or even light reds, there’s a summer wine out there that’s perfect for you. Choose wisely and enjoy! Salud!




CREDITS:
PUBLISHED IN THE DAILY OBSERVER - THURSDAY JUNE 20, 2024

ANDRE' WAYNE REID, A JAMAICAN IN ARGENTINA
NOVIA McDONALD-WHYTE, SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR, LIFESTYLE & SOCIAL CONTENT

RORIE ATKINSON, ART DIRECTOR 




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