Our second best meal during our trip in Argentina (very close to O. Fournier). I only bring this to light because they did an exceptional job of pairing the wines with the food and bread. Yes, bread. Bread baked for each course to pair with the wine and food. Fun idea. The chef, Pablo del Rio, is a local guy who has his hands in a half-dozen projects throughout the region. More on the food in a bit. Now let's talk about Andeluna wines.
For those of you who read our Lima post (if you have not, then read it first), you already know we ventured into Andeluna territory. Naturally, this made us want to chase down the winery when we got to Mendoza. A wise choice on our part!
Andeluna is located in the Uco Valley high on the hills near the town of Tupungato. Michel Rolland is a consultant (though we were told that he has little to do with it these days) and Silvio Alberto is the winemaker. The winery is now owned by Ward Lay (of Frito-Lay lineage). And with his ownership comes some flair American style as the tasting room and restaurant are modeled in the style of a grand mountain lodge.
Andeluna produces over a 1 million liters of wine annually through 4 labels: Basico, Reserve, Grand Reserve, and Limited. Wines are labeled and marketed for Argentina and the Rest of World. However, unlike Catena Zapata, they are the same wines. In our Lima post, we introduced the Basico and Reserve Malbecs. As noted, they were yummy but it only got better. Along with Malbec, they also produce Torrontes, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and some blends.
The vineyards are all estate owned. In terms of the vines, their philosophy is to prune early in the season (while the clusters are green) to allow the remaining clusters to produce more concentrated flavors.
The facility is immense.
Lunch was served over 6 courses and showcased 4 wines from 3 of the labels.
We started with the Torrontes from the basico line. This was paired with a trout ceviche and a whole wheat roll. Wow. That's right. Unlike the majority of Torrontes, this vineyard is not in the Salta region (the north). Instead it is in the Uco Valley. The higher altitude and more moderate climate produces a muscat grape that is not as sweet as the ones from the north (hotter climate). In turn, you have a very well balanced white wine with a hint of muscat.
Sorry No Picture - Next up was Reserve Chardonnay paired with a beetroot ravioli stuffed with blue cheese and eggplant. Bread served was herb foccacia. In terms of the juice, not overwhelmed by oak. Unfortunately, my traveling partner (aka - wife) chucked the tasting notes on this one.
Third course was a traditional humita (sweet corn meal based grits) with crossaint. This was paired with the Reserve Malbec. Refer to Lima blog for our two-year vertical tasting and comments.
The main course was veal served medium rare on top of a bed of squash puree. Brioche made only with olive oil. For this course we tasted the Grand Reserve Pasionado. This is a Bordeaux blend with Caberbet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Yummy....
Fifth and six courses were desserts. A pre-dessert pallet cleanser and a dulce de leche flan which was paired with the Reserve Chardonnay.
Bonus picture because this looked really cool.
Recap:
Winery
Andeluna Cellars - Traditional Estate, Green Cluster Prunning, MUST VISIT
Wines
2008 Andeluna Torrontes, QPR Very High, USD8, Buy for summer
2006 Andeluna Reserve Chardonnay, QPR Mid, USD16
2006 Andeluna Reserve Malbec, QPR Mid, USD16 (note this is the real price not the Lima price which was our error), Buy the '05 vintage and enjoy over the next 3 years
2004 Andeluna Grand Reserve Pasionado, QPR High, USD40
What we bought to drink
2008 Torrontes
Restaurant
Andeluna Bistrot - Make sure Chef Pablo is in the house or that Ward Lay is still plunking down good $$$ for top notch cuisine
Contacts
www.andeluna.com
