Andean Culture, Food, and Wine (Malbec)

“Men are like wine – some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age” -- Athenaeus, author of The Deipnosophistae (Dinner-Table Philosophers in ~200 AD)

Before Argentina took on Malbec, it was a minor grape grown in the southwestern area of France occasionally being incorporated as a blending component in Bordeaux blends. Today, Malbec makes up 75% of Argentina’s vineyard plantings and has seen resurging interest around the globe.

Malbec was introduced to Argentina in the mid-1800’s and has evolved from being a simple, full-bodied red wine to Argentina’s classic style of dark fruit flavor, high in alcohol, and loaded with oak. Today, the industry emphasizes the wine's forward fruit, vibrant acidity, and unique terroir characteristics. Malbec likes sun and the best vineyards are grown near the Andes at elevations of 1,500 feet, 3,000 feet, or more. Argentina is home to some of the highest vineyards in the world.

Argentina’s cuisine dates to Andean culture which was heavily influenced by the Incan Empire. European countries including Spain, Italy, and Germany introduced old-world dishes and cooking techniques that quickly adapted to local crops, livestock, and fish. Today, beef and BBQ are synonymous with Argentina faire, but for Sunday family dinners, pasta is frequently served albeit with an Argentinean twist.

In this Meet Up, we’ll explore the influence of regional terroir tasting wines from several of Argentina’s highest-regarded wine regions and pair several beloved dishes – dishes any visitor to the country should have on their “must try” list.

The cost for the event is $40.00. Please RSVP and pay by Venmo to Lynne Ryno@Lynne-Ryno (last four of the phone number are 5172) or mail a check to Jack Ryno, 75797 Camino Cielo, Indian Wells, CA 92210 to confirm your seat at the event. You will be categorized as “not coming” until payment is received. I will confirm your spot once payment is received. There are fourteen seats available.

Please bring your own wine glasses. I highly recommend six (6) glasses for the event based on the comparison format we will be using. If you don’t have six matching glasses, click on the link for an inexpensive set of eight offered for $19.99 by Amazon https://tinyurl.com/yb455u3w. The box is a handy way to transport the glasses to and from the tasting.