THE WINE CONNECTION 

 MENDOZA

 FEB. 21, 2013

Today was a rest day where we slept in and relaxed with coffee on the deck.  We tried to go shopping in the afternoon but have now discovered that all of the shops close for siesta between 1:30 and 5:00pm.  So walked around the squares for a while but decided it was too hot and went back to the apartment until we were scheduled for our next wine event.

This was a private wine tasting at a place called the "Wine Connection".  We made our reservation and when we arrived we were welcomed into the owner's private home and the tasting was set up for 6 different Malbec wines.  We were joined by a couple from Denmark and 2 couples and a thurd wheel from Chile. All 5 were originally from Mexico City and the 2 guys worked for Boeing in Chile  Our two favourite wines of the evening were 2010 Zagal from Hacienda del Palta and 2009 Terruno Lunlunta from Enrique Foster.  

As we tasted we had to guess the price range of each of the wines.  Our host told us that if we guessed at least three of them right he would open a 7th wine to taste.  Luckily our new friends from Chile were up to speed on retail prices and did quite well.  Our 7th wine was called Bacan which was the same wine we had purchased to drink at our closed door restaurant.  The price range was between 50AR - 180AR.  Each of the wines were very good and as a side note the  Meixican/Chileans provided us with some information on good tequila.

 

After our tasting ended we walked out the door to Mendoza's first wine event of their fall harvest festival.  Wine tasting on the streets of Mendoza for 80AR each.  About 50 wineries were set up and you just purchased tickets to taste full glasses of wine.  No small pours in this country!  There was live music as well as DJ's.  We even got our picture taken by the radio station as we sat and enjoyed their music and drank our vino. 

    

    The square was alive with lights and entertainment getting ready for the weekend events.  

I will be sad to leave this city and country.  We only have one day left.  

Marcelo, our guy at the Modigliani Apartments has been the best guy to have at your finger tips.  Anything we needed or wanted he was there for us.  He made reservations, called cabs, arranged for a Dr. to make a house call and then stayed to interpret, provided information, maps, and details.  He made spending time in Mendoza the best week so far.

I've often said I would spend months in Thailand when we retire, but I have to admit this place has given Thailand a run for her money.  The food has been amazing, the people friendly and the wine, while what can I say, its the best damn Malbec in the world.

Cheers!