Join Robert Fiore Kral for this tasting of exciting new wines from the Bodega Carmine Granata located in Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina. Starting with two outstanding renditions of Semillon and then showing two very different versions of Malbec, this Italian family’s wines are a refreshing change of pace from the increasingly soft, lollipop, cookie-cutter wines emanating from all to many Argentine wineries.Taste, learn, enjoy and save at our Free Saturday Tastings!
2010 Granata Semillon; lujan de Cuyo – Mendoza, Argentina
From high altitude vineyards, this old vine selection (40 years old) exhibits a pretty lemon-gold color as well as delicate fig, pear, white peach and floral aromas. The nice full-flavored, medium-bodied palate offers bright ripe citrus/fig flavors, hints of votive candle wax, all of which are highlighted by tropical fruit notes. A nice varietal expression of a grape that when done right, as in this wine, captures your attention with its fruit-driven charm. Try this with scallops, chicken in cream sauce, grilled poultry, and Indian cuisine.
AWM Regular Price: $14.99 per bottle
Tasting Special: $13.49 per bottle or $12.74 by the case
2010 Carmine Granata Semillon; lujan de Cuyo – Mendoza, Argentina
Their upscale version of Semillon, this wine is sourced from their oldest plots (60 year old vines), and it is aged for 6 months in new French oak barriques. Classic peach, apricot, tropical fruit and ripe citrus notes are evident on the nose. The rich, slightly creamy palate offers loads of bright tropical fruit flavors that are constantly evolving. Rich, yet refreshing, this is a tantalizing white wine perfect to pair with soft shelled crabs or chicken with a lemon cream sauce.
AWM Regular Price: $17.99 per bottle
Tasting Special: $16.19 per bottle or $15.29 by the case
2010 Granata Malbec; Lujan de Cuyo – Mendoza, Argentina
This wine is sourced from 80 year old Malbec vines, all hand-harvested and grown at an elevation of around 2,600 feet. Exhibiting a classic deep ruby/purple color, this is loaded with spicy mulberry/blackberry and dark plum flavors that are ripe but presented in an elegant way that is more old world style than new. The palate has a nice firm tannic structure that makes this wine very versatile and food friendly. Try with rich meat based pasta and ravioli dishes, vegetable lasagna, and would pair nicely with a grilled burger.
AWM Regular Price: $14.99 per bottle
Tasting Special: $13.49 per bottle or $12.74 by the case
2007 Carmine Granata Malbec “Tradicional”; Lujan de Cuyo – Mendoza, Argentina
The Bodega is named after Carmine Granata, the founder of the firm, who was born in Italy in 1897 and emigrated to Argentina in 1922 and started the Bodega Carmine Granata in 1930. Today, Carmine’s descendants continue his pioneering work, producing fine quality wines, This wine sees 12 months of aging in French oak casks which adds hints of vanilla, coffee and tobacco to the suave fruit-filled palate. The nose exhibits notes of crushed red berries, plum and red currants, as well as spices and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate is nicely balanced with juicy fruit flavors that are supported by fine tannins on the long, vibrant finish. This is very Italianate in feel and would be very much at home with grilled poultry or pork and even richer meat-based pasta dishes. Grilled lamb or beef are also a natural fit for this wine.
AWM Regular Price: $19.99 per bottle
Tasting Special: $17.99 per bottle or $16.99 by the case
Special tasting prices: 10% off the bottle and 15% off by the case, mix or match unless already discounted via a special price