Complimentary Wine Tasting at Monterosso’s Italian Restaurant. Tuesday, August 10th – 5–9 pm.
Dinner Special:
Grilled Halibut with Zesty Peach Salsa served with Capellini drizzled with a Peach Vinaigrette.
Malbecs from Mendoza, Argentina:
One of the traditional French "Bordeaux varietals", Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. A midseason ripener, it can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to claret blends. Malbec has become a decreasing factor in most of France, but has truly come into its own in Argentina, where it is the major red varietal planted. Argentines often spell it "Malbeck" and their wine is similar in flavor to those made in France, but with a softer, more lush structure, more like New World Merlot. Another difference: where French examples are usually considered short-lived, Argentine Malbecs seem to age fairly well.
Mendoza is the largest wine region in Argentina. In the rain shadow of the Andes mountains to the west, Mendoza benefits from a dry climate, and high average temperatures. Mendoza has many high-altitude vineyards, these three wines are all from around 4000 feet above sea level. The soil types vary across the region, but the majority of vines are planted on alluvial soils (sand over clay), reflecting the dependency on local rivers for irrigation. Warm, dry harvest periods mean that winemakers are able to pick their grapes according to ripeness, which affords Mendoza's winemakers the luxury of increased control over the style of wines they produce - a factor which has, no doubt, contributed to the international reputation of the region's wines. Enjoy tasting these three great Malbecs from Mendoza, Argentina.
2008 Alta Vista Classic Malbec
Bright violet-like red color. This wine has an intense nose with aromas of red fruit, particularly plums, with vanilla notes and subtle coffee touches resulting from its storage in oak. On the palate one finds a freshness and soft, rounded tannins, recalling those fruity sensations in the nose.
5.95 glass / 24 bottle / 15 to go
2009 Finca Sophenia Altosur Malbec
Attractive red color with violet hues. Aromas of intense ripe fruit: cherries, blackberries, blueberries and fresh plums combined with spicy and floral hints. In the mouth the sweet and round tannins increase its fruit sensation and balance. Wine of good intensity, concentration and long after-taste.
5.95 glass / 24 bottle / 15 to go
2008 Domaine Jean Bousquet Premium Malbec
Opaque violet, almost black color typical of top quality Argentine Malbec. Intense rich aromas of blackberry fruit with spicy black pepper notes and blackcurrant. Ripe plum and chocolate flavors with a very soft, supple mouth-feel. Excellent structure and length.
5.95 glass / 24 bottle / 15 to go
If you can’t make it in on Tuesday, we will have wine specials most other evenings as well – and of course we would love to serve you as our guest any Monday through Saturday night.
