It’s the weekend, so coffee you’re on the bench. Wine suit up.
A couple years ago I went to my first James Suckling wine tasting. It was an incredible experience and last night I had the pleasure of attending their most recent edition: Taste of the Andes. It did not disappoint. More than 70 different producers from Chile and Argentina set up shop at EAST in Brickell.
Of course, I tried them all – just kidding! I tried quite a few, and can report the following:
#TheFutureisFemale
Several of my favorites are either being made or distributed by women. Take for example the winery Bodega DiamAndes. Which I think roughly translates to the diamond of the Andes. I got to taste theirDiamAndes de Uco Grande Réserve Malbec-Cabernet 2014, which isn’t even on the market yet! It won’t be released until next year. It’s so delicious its adding new meaning to the term diamonds are a girl’s best friend.
Since I love to mix things up it was no surprise that I enjoyed Trinita. Trinita is a blend of the best varietals at Piattelli Vineyards. The artisan behind it, Valeria Antolin, comes from a family of winemakers.
Antolin, who balances being a mother with her craft, said that the best thing about being a winemaker is that it is “muy sociable” or very social. She loves that there are always new things to learn, and improve, and you get to spend a lot of time outdoors.
Veronica Cousino, pictured in the right photo pouring wine for an attendee, is a 7th generation winemaker from the Cousino family. Their Dama de Plata, an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, was created to honor Isidora Goyenechea, who helped build the Cousino brand in the 1800’s.
#ArgentinasNationalBeverage
Did you know wine is Argentinas national beverage? #winning, but don’t count Chile out! Chile’s day to night temperature fluctuations makes for excellent grape growing. I sampled a 2017 Viognier, pictured above, from the Siegel vineyard. I had never heard of this variety but really enjoyed it. It comes from France and is aged in French oak barrels. A sommelier named Alex who was tasting with me said that its a great alternative to Chardonnay if you’re looking for a vino that is not such a “butter bomb.”
Not all wines are aged in wood barrels. MAX, a Pinot Noir from the Errazuriz winery in Chile, is one example and the result is an easy, breezy, get turnt pleasy beverage with notes of strawberries and raspberries. No oaking involved.
#AllDayEveryDay
I think Miami local Ariel Rosario said it best “wine is perfect at all times of the day breakfast, lunch, or dinner!” This list is a small sample of the wines I enjoyed at the event. There were many more, organic wines, wines with cool artistic labels, and a plethora of Malbecs.
I can’t wait for the next time the show comes to town. It’s a must experience for things to do in Miami. Your ticket includes tasty bites too.
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Thank you to James Suckling for using sustainable bamboo flatware, a single-use plastic alternative at the event.