John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John sang about Summer lovin. They shared how it was a blast and it happened so fast. They met someone that was crazy for them and they were crazy right back. Well, for me I found some wines that gave me a blast. Let me tell you more… tell you more.
With the weather being in the triple digits as much as I love red wine, I often look to lighter wines when I am sitting down to relax. I sampled two wines that fit the bill by Bodega DiamAdes in Argentina. The winery, located in the Uco Valley is the result of the Bonnie family (owners of the Bordeaux chateaux Château Malartic-Lagravière and Clos de los Siete) looking to grab a piece of the amazing Argentinian terroir.
Where is the Uco Valley
Argentina is extremely large. It is the 8th largest country measuring in at 2,791,810 km2 total and is the 5th largest wine-producing country. The Uco Valley is located in northwest Argentina in the region of Mendoza and is considered one of the most prestigious wine regions in Argentina. The region is bordered by the Andes mountains to the west and north. It is marked with low hills to the east and steep valleys and mountains throughout. The vines are grown at high altitudes and experience a continental climate. Uco Valley wines are known for their elegance, freshness, fruitiness, and being full-bodied.
High altitudes equates to decreased temperatures. This allows for a longer growing season which is ideal. The additional time on vine allows the fruit to ripen slowly and fully resulting in a lower alcohol percentage without the loss of acidity. Additionally, the soils at higher altitude contains less nutrition and since there are more rocks, therefore better drainage. These stresses on the berries produce thicker skins which correlates into intense color in the wine, along with increased flavors and tannins.
The Bodega
Bodega DiamAndes is located approximately two hours outside of Mendoza central. Nearly twenty years ago, in 2005, the Bonnie family understood the uniqueness of the region and wanted to build an estate that produced wine that combined the philosophies they upheld in Bordeaux while highlighting the terrior of the Uco Valley.
They found their ideal location of 130 hectares (320 acres) at 1,000 metres (3600 ft) above sea level in the foothills of the Andes. Their dedication to the preservation of the earth and balance of nature is evident in a multitude of areas. The winery itself was designed to harmonize with its surroundings rather than stand out. Their use of sustainable techniques and organic farming provide a balance between producing high quality fruit and preserving the environment. The wines also are vegan certified.
Bodega DiamAndes opened its doors in 2011. The visitors can enjoy their wines while viewing the Andes. Tours are available in which individuals can see the facilities, vineyards and participate in a “Blending Academy.” Its restaurant, DIAMs, awarded the gold medal for “Best Winery Restaurant in Argentina 2021” by the Great Wine Capitals, boasts an acclaimed cuisine.
The Wines
2023 DiamAndes Perlita Rosado
The rosado is pale salmon in color and is produced from 100% Malbec. It is a blend of several vineyards throughout the estate and was perfect as an apertif. With its lively acidity, it would be perfect for a dish with a little spice and hard cheese. Filled with aromas of raspberries and cherries. The red fruit carries onto the palate and the minerality allows for a lingering finish. The fruit was handpicked. This rosé is produced as a direct press, meaning it was picked to be a rosé and was fermented in stainless steel. 13.5% ABV SRP: $17.99
2022 DiamAndes Perlita Chardonnay
The 100% Chardonnay is also aged in stainless steel. The fruit was hand picked from vines in sand, silt and clay soils with a large percentage of pebbles. The wine didn’t go through malolactic fermentation resulting in a crisp styled Chardonnay. It spent 6 months in stainless steel tanks in contact with lees. In the glass, it poured yellow in color with tropical fruit aromas. On the palate peaches and citrus flavors. Once again the minerality is evident and allows for an long enjoyable finish. 14% ABV SRP: $17.99
After enjoying these wines, I must admit that my heart is sayin’, Don’t let go hold, on to the end (of the bottle), So, that’s what I intend to do and I’m hopelessly devoted to this wine. Find out more about these wines and Bodega DiamAndes on their website.
Disclosure: Wines were provided as a media samples. No other compensation was received. All opinions are mine.
~Slàinte!
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