I’m always amazed at the creativity and passion people put into their Halloween costumes.  At one of my consulting projects a few years back, the entire company, over 500 people, dressed up in costume.   Each department had a theme and the entire building was decorated.  It did get out of hand one year when the fire marshal showed up because the smoke machines set off the fire alarms.  I’m sure the firemen were a bit surprised at what they found.

I don’t know if they are passionate about Halloween in Argentina or not, but I do know that they have great passion for wine.  In just Mendoza, Argentina there are over 800 wineries.  Argentina is the largest producer of wine in South American and is the 5th largest producer in the world.  Their currency experienced some devaluation in early 2000s that continues to allow Argentina wines to be great values.  We’ll look at four Argentina wines this week that are great wines at great prices.
Urban Uco Torrentes 2007 ~ $9.99
Reserved aromas of gooseberry and banana.  Flavors of pear and straberry, leading to a surging finish of banana, honey, and mint.  It’s not sweet by a long shot, but it has a fantastic play of flavors! 100% Torrontes
La Posta Bonarda Estela Armando Vineyard ~ $16.99
Intense ruby color with bright aromas of fresh red & black raspberries and subtle smoky oak notes. The flavor of freshly-crushed raspberries is echoed on the palate, along with notes of white pepper, dark chocolate, and atouch sandalwood and mint on the finish.   It will pair wellwith just about any foods with which you would drink Zinfandel or other fruit-driven reds. 100% Bonarda
 

Ben Marco Malbec 2006 ~ $19.99
Beautiful, deep purple color with perfumed aromas of ripe red fruits and roasted coffee beans. It is lush, full-bodied and penetrating on the palate with loads of chewy, currant jam flavors, bright acidity, and a touch of grip on the almost savory finish. Pairs well with a wide range of foods including beef, sausages, grilled pork, veal, medium-strong cheeses, and meat-based pasta sauces. 90% Malbec, 10% Bonarda
Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 ~ $29.99
Deep ruby color with hints of purple. Classic Cabernet aromas of rich red fruits, plum, tobacco, roasted coffee beans, and a touch of fresh mint. The aromas are echoed on the palate, with layers of fruit and spice pushing on and on. It’s a full-bodied wine that has incredible length and purity of flavor. Pairs well with a wide range of foods from beef and pork to lamb, quail and other game birds, and cream-based sauces.  85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 5% Merlot

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