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New Gaucho list to champion Malbec
The Gaucho Restaurants chain is looking to change common perceptions of Malbec after launching a new wine menu.
The chain, famed for its Argentine cuisine, is hoping the new list will allow wine fans the chance to sample something completely new.
Additions to the list include: a sparkling rosé from Familia Schroeder in Patagonia; an unoaked Chardonnay from Benegas in Maipu Mendoza; two single varietal Sauvignon Blancs from Mendoza; a Tannat from Salta, and a Pinot Noir made by Hans Vinding Diers. A Mauricio Lorca Torrontés pays homage to the homeland of the Torrontés grape at La Rioja, just south of Salta.
Gaucho’s ‘Fine and Rare’ listings welcome a new Pinot Noir, Chacra 2007, from Rio Negro Patagonia, which has been favourably compared to Burgundy, and at £157.50 the price reflects its exceptional quality.
But the prodigy of the list is undoubtedly an unoaked Malbec, Colomé de Terruño – Gran Altura 2007/8.
Made in Colomé in Salta – a boutique winery owned by Donald Hess and tucked in the Andes Mountains – the vineyard is recognised as the highest in the world.
Phil Crozier, Gaucho’s director of wines, commissioned the unoaked Malbec to be made especially for Gaucho.
Crozier said: “I am so excited about this wine. It’s so different to the Malbec we are used to. For a start, the colour is incredibly rich with this bluish hue typical of vines grown in closer proximity to the sun.
“The aroma blows you away; it’s fascinating to watch people taste this wine for the first time. There’s so much fruit with cassis, black raspberry, wild violet, a hint of pencil lead and liquorice.
“Although it’s not easy, I would encourage other winemakers to create unoaked Malbecs.”
Crozier is also enjoying the prospect of championing his ‘Super Malbec Club’ list, found in Gaucho’s Fine and Rare wine selection.
After ten years of promoting the grape, Crozier has put together a selection of the finest Argentine Malbecs. Some of the wines in this collection are extremely rare and, with a limited allocation, will be subject to availability.
Alan Lodge, 25.08.2009