As much as I would love to spend my time traveling the world and drinking wine, it’s not my everyday reality. Luckily, wine has a way of transporting you anywhere in the world with just one sip. This past week, I was invited to a Bodega Luigi Bosca wine tasting at The Setai, Miami Beach, and happily traveled to Argentina through my glass.
Winemaker Pablo Cúneo graciously welcomed us and spoke about Argentina as a whole and how the Andes play a role in their wine. Argentina has a very unique viticulture with over five centuries of development. The altitude, the continental climate, the extent and diversity of terroirs, low soil fertility, dry weather, the purity of meltwater, and the cultural legacy give the wines a unique identity and quality.
Founded by the Arizu family in the early 1900s, Bodega Luigi Bosca is four generations strong with a dedication to achieve the ultimate expression of Argentine wine. Bodega Luigi Bosca owns seven vineyard estates located in Mendoza: Lujan de Cuyo, Maipú and Valle de Uco. The different vine varieties grown in these areas were brought from Europe towards the end of the XIX century, so today’s vineyards are the result of a selection of the best old family vineyards.
For the evening, Cúneo worked with Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena to perfectly pair five of the wines with delicious cuisine because “the right place of the wine is with food and people.”
Luigi Bosca Chardonnay | This bright and fresh Chardonnay was paired with smoked salmon tartare with crème fraiche, Hamachi tartare in cones, grilled salmon, and prawns.
Luigi Bosca Malbec Single Vineyard 2015 | Moving on to the red side, I sipped on this one with brie baked in puff pastry with blueberry marmalade. I’m a sucker for anything with cheese in it. This Malbec D.O.C. is one of the first Argentine wines with a Designation of Origin.
Luigi Bosca Malbec Terroir Los Miradores 2016 |This wine reflects the spirit of a new vineyard (10-year-old vines, to be exact). With notes of dark fruit and spice, I tried this one with lamb sliders.
Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 | Switching gears, I tasted this smooth and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with braised short-ribs in roasted cauliflower puree. It was nice to check out another red varietal in their vineyards and see what the terroir can do.
Luigi Bosca Gala 1 Blend 2016 | My favorite wine of the night was a blend of Malbec 85%, Tannat 10%, and Petit Verdot 5%. This wine was the first blend of the winery trying to show the potential of Malbec. The Tannat provides structure and Petit Verdot adds complexity. I sipped on that with some prosciutto croquettes (croquette, if you’re in Miami).
Between the wine, the food, and the company, I felt like I really was on vacation. Now, I just have to plan that trip to Argentina and stop by Bodega Luigi Bosca in real life!
With winemaker Pablo Cúneo