Today we embark on a full day of wine touring around Mendoza. Following a great breakfast at the Finca, we are met by Miguel, our remise (private car and driver). We have made advanced arrangements for Miguel to drive us to our previously scheduled winery appointments. Please note that most bodegas in Argentina require that you have an appointment in order to visit them.
Our first winery winery appointment is at 9:30 a.m. at Achaval-Ferrer. Established in 1998, Achaval-Ferrer has made a huge splash onto the world wine stage by producing some of the highest scoring Malbec wines according to The Wine Spectator. Their recent 2007 vintage just rated an astounding 95 points.
The Modern Bodega
When we arrive at the winery we take in the sumptuous view of the Andes Mountains, the vineyards, and the olive groves. This winery is owned by a group of Argentinian and Italian friends and on the morning of our visit, most of the owners are present.
The View of the Vineyard and the Andes
Achaval-Ferrer Panoramic Video
The Land of Sun and Wine
After checking in at the reception area, we and another small group are led on an informative tour of the winery, which highlights some of the wine maker's low yield cultivation techniques. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and clearly enjoys her job.
Achaval-Ferrer's Reception Area
Now That's What I Call A Bottle of Wine!
Oak Barrels
Bottles in Waiting
Following this informal tour, we settle into a tasting room where we will taste taste of four of their wines as well as their olive oil. One of the members in the other group on our tasting, we learn, is the top sommelier in Argentina. He does a great job of telling us more about the wines, from the expert´s opinion. I end up buying a very nice bottle of the 2007 Quimera (91 points, Wine Spectator), which is a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
A Civilized Way To Taste Wine...at 10:00 a.m.
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