I struggled to come up with a great subject to put in this sample newsletter in order to entice you to buy a subscription. And on a whim I chose Argentina...

...a country with a landscape as diverse as its people and politics.

There are tropical forests in the north and sub-Antarctic in the south. Fertile grasslands in the center bordered by the Andes mountains on the west and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.

The people arrived from:

• Spain
• Italy
• France
• Germany
• Croatia
• Poland
• Russia
• Romania
• Ukraine
• Greece
• Switzerland
• the United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Scandinavia (especially Sweden)
• Australia
• South Africa
• the United States
• and some from Arabic countries.

I guess I found them all. I apologize if I missed a couple of countries. Politically and economically Argentina has been on a roller-coaster ride. Since Argentina declared its independence from Spain in 1816, the country has had a rather tumultuous history.

• Presidents elected by its citizens
• Universal suffrage
• Military dictatorships
• Government nationalization of industry, schools and hospitals
• Periods of economic growth, economic crisis and economic reform

I have included a list of references that offer more detailed information.

And then there is wine...

This wonderful beverage seems offer some calm and regularity to this story. In fact, I found it interesting while doing the research for this newsletter, that in a book I have on my shelf, "The Great Book of Wine" (1970), there is a comment on page 338 that could have been written today...

"The reds are well-balanced, dry, strong and full-bodied wines...The white wines...have a rich bouquet; they are well-balanced and have a very pleasant taste. The roses are also well-balanced".

I know many people recognize Malbec as a wine from Argentina. This certainly is the most planted red grape variety in the country. However, did you know?...

Malbec originally arrived in Mendoza from Bordeaux during the mid-19th century.

But there is more to savor. Argentina wine producers offer us a wide variety wines made from the red grapes of:

• Bonarda
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Pinot Noir
• Syrah
• Merlot
• Tempranillo
• Sangiovese
• Barbera

Virtually all the reds I have tasted are rich and savory, just like The Great Book of Wine stated in 1970.

The country's most recognizable white grape variety is Torrontes which seems to be of unknown origin. This is a wine that is aromatic and full of flavor. I can tell you, from personal experience, this is a wine that is versatile, flavorful, and DELICIOUS.

Gaining in prominence are Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.

I received a list from "Wines of Argentina", dated June 16, 2009, that includes twenty-eight producers using sustainable, organic, or biodynamic methods. (See the kennuncorked.com Prodicers Index for this list as well as sustainable, organic, and biodynamic producers from around the world.

In the last section of this newsletter are tasting notes for three wines produced from organically grown grapes.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter as much as I did gathering all the information and learning as I went along. If you have any comments, suggestion, or ideas about this newsletter or future newsletters, please email me.

Sincerely,
Kenn Pogash ("the guy wearing the bow tie")
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13,000 to 10,000 BC	Hunters from the north first settled Argentina
1480	the Inca began extending their empire into northern Argentina
1516	Juan Diaz de Solis, a Portuguese explorer working for the Spanish, led the first European expedition into Argentina
1520	Ferdinand Magellan sailed along coast of Argentina
1527	Sebastian Cabot established small settlement, but Native Americans destroyed it
1536	Pedro de Mendoza founded first significant colony with 1500 people at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata. Mendoza called the town Santa Maria de los Buenos Aires. Grapes vines may have arrived in Argentina by four different routes
1541	Directly from Spain. Planted along Río de la Plata near Atlantic coast. Vines did not thrive. Viticultural activity abandoned
1542	Seeds of dried grapes germinated as a result of expedition from Peru planted near the Salta Province east of the Andes
1550	Another expedition from Peru brings vine cuttings
1556	Cuttings from Chilean Central Valley brought to San Juan and Mendoza wine regions. Ampelographers suspect one of these cuttings brought the ancestor grape of Chile's Pais and California's Mission grape. This grape was the forerunner of the Criolla Chica variety that would be the backbone of the Argentine wine industry for the next 300 years. Then the real work began...
1557	First recorded vineyard planted at Santiago del Estero by Jesuit missionaries
1561	City of Mendoza founded
1569 - 1589	Vineyards in province of San Juan, north of Mendoza, established on commercial scale. Missionaries and settlers began construction of complex irrigation channels and dams bringing water from melting glaciers of the Andes to sustain vineyards and agriculture
1580	Juan de Garay founded Buenos Aires at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata and survived (unlike Mendoza's attempt in 1536)
1800s	First wave of immigrants from Europe escaping phylloxera epidemic (blight in the vineyards) that ravaged European vineyards. They brought vine-growing expertise and winemaking knowledge
1820s	Massive influx of immigrants following independence from Spanish colonial rule by General San Martin
1885	Railway between Buenos Aires and Mendoza completed
1900	Second wave of immigrants, many from wine-producing regions of Italy, Spain, France bring new vine varieties and their own vine-growing and wine-making skills
1920s	Argentine is 8th richest country in the world with domestic market feeding a strong wine industry
1929	Great Depression dramatically reduced vital export revenues and foreign investment and lead to decline in wine industry
1943 - mid-1950s	Brief revival in economy during presidency of Juan Perón
mid-1950s	Peron deposed
1960s and 1970s	Social and political unrest. Economy declined under military dictatorship and wine industry sustained by domestic consumption of cheap vino de mesa
Early 1970s	average Argentinean consumed nearly 24 gallons (about 120 bottles of wine a year (each bottle = 750ml). (United Kingdom and United States averaged less than a gallon person)
1980s	Hyper-inflation (nearly 1000 per cent per year) and wine industry suffering from lack of investment. Producers made cheap rustic "Table wine". Foreign investment stagnant. Under presidency of Carlos Menem, Argentina has some economic stability and favorable exchange rate on Argentine peso saw influx of foreign investment. Period saw dramatic drop in domestic consumption
Late 1980s	Drop in domestic wine consumption and need to earn foreign currency, producers decide to go up-market and became serious about exporting wine
1990s to present	Foreign investment along with expertise from France, California and Australia brought modern technical know how for viticultural and winemaking techniques

Link & McCarthy (2004)
Robinson (1999)
Wikipedia - Argentina Wine (n.d.)
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I guess you know the 1978 Broadway musical Evita and the film that followed it. Especially the song "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" (music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice). Sung by the title character Eva Peron, it was titled "It's Only Your Lover Returning" before Rice settled on the eventual name.

The Broadway musical and the film depicts the infamous real-life story of Eva "Evita" Duarte de Peron. From leaving her rural home for Buenos Aires in the company of Latin singer Agustin Magaldi to eventually becoming the wife of President Juan Peron and a heroine to the people of Argentina. It is a story that follows Evita's early life, acting career, rise to power, charity work, feminist involvement and eventual death.

To learn more about the real life Evita Perón go to go to

(Scarpa) (Return to Top)

I am almost positive that many of you have seen couples dance the Tango -- women wearing fabulously seductive dresses and men in elegant attire. I don't know about you, but I notice the notice the intense facial expressions, the intricate dance steps, incredible synchronization and precision of the dancers. Male and female moving in an alluring, erotic, exciting, intriguing, seductive, and suggestive manner. However, I was surprised that is not how the dance began...

It was men, dancing as couples that were part of the origins of this art form that is so much a part of Argentina, especially the city of Buenos Aires. Men awaiting their turn with prostitutes in port city bordellos danced with each other, locked in an embrace and engaging in intricate footwork.

The music and dance evolved over time, influenced by the immigrants arriving in Argentina during the 19th and early 20th centuries from Southern Italy and Eastern Europe along with those from Southern Spain and Africa. The dance borrowed steps and rhythms from the African "candomble" and the Cuban "hababera". What I see in the male dancers is the strong influence of the macho gaucho from the pampas -- the "cowboy attitude" that is a fierce, tough and tumble, attitude of masculinity and independence.

I also found it fascinating that a German instrument, the bandoneón, which is an accordion played with buttons rather than keys, became the instrument most closely associated with the Tango although there usually is the accompaniment of piano, bass, and violin. The lyrics of Tango tell stories of broken hearts, the down-and-out, and the remembrance of better days gone by. I have included below the lyrics of Mi Noche Triste (My Sad Night) which has a closely connected to making Tango popular around the world.

I found, in an article by Angela Morgan (1992), that the original "artistic" center for the Tango was located at Hansen's Caffee, founded by Juan Hansen, a German expatriate, in 1877. During my research this seems to be either fact or legend, depending on who is writing the article. A visitor to downtown Buenos Aires would visit the "Caffee", the meeting place for the upper-class prior the midnight hour. Then, after midnight, it was the rich young men mixing with the underclass who listened to and danced the tango.

Hansen's Caffee seems to be point of departure for the music and dance of the Tango to infuse itself into the entire culture of Argentina and eventually the world. Apparently, the city of Buenos Aires planned to build a street above Hansen's Caffee and during 1912 destroyed the structure. The project never happened and during 1992 Dr, Daniel Schavelzon, University of Buenos Aires, planned an archeological excavation of the site because the site remained untouched with all the remains of the Caffee inches under the surface. (Morgan 1992)

The Tango gained popularity due, in large part, to Argentina's greatest Tango singer, Carlos Gardel (1890-1935). During 1917, Gardel introduced a tango called "Mi noche triste" (My Sad Night) which was described by Gardel's biographer Simon Collier, "as a decisive moment in the history of South American popular music, the moment when the tango song as such was born."

By the early 1920s Gardel almost was almost synonymous with the tango. Many descriptors of Gardel imply that the tango fit his personality perfectly -- he was a suave and elegant but display hints of a rougher tougher side. In addition, he seems to have had a natural manner in using the "lunfardo" Buenos Aires slang that appears in tango lyrics. He radiated sophisticated romantic despair. The are a number of DVDs available with Gardel in the staring role so you can see this man's personality up-close.

When I read that Gardel was known as "el zorzal criollo", "the songbird of Buenos Aires" and was mourned by all of Argentina when he died in a plane crash on June 24, 1935, I thought of France's greatest popular singer, Edith Piaf, who was known as "The Little Sparrow". Her funeral procession drew thousands of mourners onto the streets of Paris. Or think about John Lennon and Elvis. I guess all of our cultures have similarities.

Listen to Carlos Gardel sing Mi Noche Triste. (Be sure to click ON next to the Gramophone). This website, Welcome to Argentina, is one of the best I visited to listen to the music and lyrics of tango, read and view videos about the history of Tango, and more.

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Music by: Samuel Castriota
Lyrics by: Pascual Contursi
Translated by: Alberto Paz

Woman, you dumped me
at the prime of my life
leaving my soul wounded
and dullness in my heart,
knowing that I loved you,
that you were my joy
and my burning dream...
There is no solace for me,
that is why I’m getting drunk
to forget about you love.
When I return to my room
I find it all messed up,
very sad, abandoned,
I feel like crying,
and I spend long hours
staring at your portrait
to find solace.

At night when I go to bed
I can't close the door
because leaving it open
I make believe that you're back.
I always bring cookies
to accompany the mate
like if you were still here.
And if could see the bed
how upsets it gets
when it does not see us both.

There are no longer in the room
those pretty little bottles
decorated with ribbons,
all of the same color,
and the mirror looks foggy,
it seems that it has cried
for the absence of your love.

The guitar in the closet
is still hanging
nobody ever sings anything
or makes its strings vibrate...
And the lamp in the room
also has felt your absence
because its light has not wanted
to light up my sorrowful night

(Mi Noche Triste)

Listen to Carlos Gardel sing Mi Noche Triste. This website, Welcome to Argentina, is one of the best I visited to listen to the music and lyrics of tango, read and view videos about the history of Tango, and more.

In my effort to immerse myself in Argentine culture while writing this newsletter, I watched Jorge Gaggero's film "Live-In Maid".

Although my kids would call it a "chick flick" I found the film to be a remarkable examination of a relationship between people of two different social strata -- the complicated relationship between Beba (Norma Aleandro) an upper-class Buenos Aires woman and Dora (Norma Argentina), her longtime housekeeper of almost 30 years.

At the beginning of the film I felt somewhat uncomfortable watching Beba spout orders to Dora as though she were the queen and Dora a lowly servant. While Beba leaves a mess throughout the apartment without a care in the world, Dora cleans up after her, keeping the apartment emasculate.

As I watch, I realize that there is an intimacy between the two women, a sense of comfort gained after many years together. A shared understanding. However, it is clear that there is a line that neither will cross because of the difference in social status and, as we observe, the relationship is dependent upon Dora getting paid for her work.

The movie takes place during the severe economic downturn during 2001 in Argentina. And, as I watch these two women, I realize that they have a closer relationship to each other than to any other people in their lives.

As the film reaches it final moments and Beba begins to sell off her belongings, she eventually must move to a smaller apartment which does not have the room for all of Beba's furniture. So, in keeping with their relationship of 30 years, Beba, without discussion with Dora, brings the furniture to Dora' house on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.

As I expect, Dora is there for Beba, unconditionally, and accepts the furniture. The two women sit and have iced tea at a table outside Dora's home while the furniture is put in place. Dora tells Beba it is too late for Beba to return to the city and invites her to stay the night. Then the camera moves to get a glimpse of the interior of Dora's home and the last thing we see is the bed. The bed that Dora used for 30 years while living in Beba's home and now, with an ironic twist of fate, this is the bed that Beba will sleep on tonight.

Afterwards, as I thought about the film, I began to see it as a wonderful start for evaluating our lives and its many relationships. So...

open a bottle of Argentine wine. Watch with friends and family who want to have a thoughtful discussion about the meaning, the development, and the different types of relationships.
Is it a metaphor for the parent-child life-cycle?
What is loyalty?
Does a marriage slip into distinct roles? Does one spouse over-compensate for the other?
What is a healthy employee-employer relation?

What's your thoughts? Let us know.

Appeared at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival Jorge Gaggero's astutely observed comedy of manners examines the complicated long-term relationship of Beba (Norma Aleandro), an upper-middle-class Buenos Aires divorcee, and Dora (Norma Argentina), Beba's indispensable live-in maid. Alas, after a 30-year near-symbiotic partnership, things are about to change as Beba confronts the fact that she is broke and will have to work for a living. Praised by Salon as "subtle and pitch-perfect, exquisite, diamond-tipped filmmaking," LIVE-IN MAID won the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. (Sundance Channel; Aqua Films)

View clips of the film (Return to Top)

If you would like to receive information about Cultural Events for Argentina taking place in the United States visit Embassy of Argentina - United States

These is a small glimpse of living and working with people from Argentina. This is, in part, the list from eDiplomat.com Cultural Etiquette - Argentina:

• A handshake and nod show respect when greeting someone.
• Argentines are touchers and stand close to each other when speaking. Do not back away.
• The “O.K.” and “thumbs up” gestures are considered vulgar.
• Meals are for socializing. Refrain from “talking business” unless your Argentine colleague brings it up.
• Avoid pouring wine, which is a complex ritual in Argentina. Let an Argentine do it
• For social events, arrive thirty to sixty minutes late. Arriving at a party on time is impolite.
• Argentines are extremely fashion conscious. Dress well if you want to make a good impression. Conservative, modest clothing is best.
• Women are expected to dress with a flair that does not detract from professionalism.
• Don’t compare Argentina with the United States or with Brazil, which is considered a rival.
• Avoid talking about Great Britain or the Falkland Islands (Las Malvinas). These are sensitive subjects to many Argentines.
• Be careful when discussing the Perón years. People either love or hate the Peróns.
• Although Argentines may be very vocal about politics and religion, avoid adding your opinions to these discussions.
• While machismo persists in Argentina, it is being challenged and women are gaining visibility and influence in politics and business.
Argentine businesswomen are similar in status to North American businesswomen.
• A kiss or a hug is considered a compliment to a woman.
• Piropos - flirtatious comments - are common. Men may call out "Hey, gorgeous!" while you’re walking down the street. Just smile, say, "Thank you very much" and keep walking.
• Defensive behavior will damage your credibility. Emphasize status and responsibility.

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As with many wine producing regions there is a festival celebrating the harvest. Argentina is no different. In the heart of the Cuyo, in the Mendoza wine region, the Vendimia Wine Festival takes place during the first week of March. (Found somewhere on the internet, I believe the festival begins on the first Saturday of March, but actually begins in January in various locations around the province and then zeroes in on the city of Mendoza.)

In the City of Mendoza, the Parque San Martin serves as a center for the activities, including music and dancing. Traditionally, Argentine beauty queens participate by stomping on grapes. The celebrations include folkloric festivals, religious ceremonies to bless the grapes, crowning of the Reina Nacional de la Vendimia, sports events and a lot of wine and merriment on into April.

I found this website with video of the festival. The recording download is VERY VERY so but its various links give you a real sense of the festival, the crowning of the queen and more. The website also has some video about tourism and wine. (also very slow and in Spanish).

Also visit Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia 2009 (Spanish but the pictures are wonderful.

If you want to visit Argentina, or just get a wonderful look at what the country looks like and what it has to offer visit Secretariat of Tourism website which is translated in to English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

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One thing I found throughout my research ...Argentine cuisine evolved from its diversity of immigrants -- Spanish, Italian, French and other European cuisines. I found some recipes that are "really" Argentine so you can have a taste of the country. http://www.amigofoods.com/

Appetizers

Appetizers are international in origin. You could make a tomato and mozzarella salad garnished with basil or you can serve various cheeses with the European style. The choice of cheese is left to you. You also can serve a variety of olives.

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Main Dish

Stuffed Rolled Beef (Matambre)

Matambre means hunger killer, and this is usually eaten hot as a main course for lunch or dinner. Cold slices are often eaten with sandwiches.

Ingredients

• 1 piece (1 1/2 to 2 pounds) boneless round steak about 1/2 inch
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs
• 4 slices ham
• 1 carrot, peeled and cut into strips
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• Metal skewers or string

Directions

1. Trim fat from beef.
2. Pound to about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Sprinkle beef with salt, oregano, and pepper
4. Sprinkle with tomatoes, chilies, onion, garlic, and bread crumbs.
5. Lay ham slices over the beef.
6. Arrange carrots and egg pieces down the center of ham.
7. Carefully roll up beef around ham, vegetable, and egg filling.
8. Fasten with metal skewers or tie with string.
9. Warm oil slowly in a Dutch oven or a deep skillet until hot.
10. Put in beef roll and brown all over.
11. Drain fat.
12. Add water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
13. Cover and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until beef is tender, for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
14. Remove skewers/string.
15. Cut beef roll into 1 inch slices.
16. Serve hot with meat juices, and potato (see next recipe). or cold in a bread roll as a snack.

(Jacob, J. & Ashkenazi) (Return to Top)

Salad - Accompaniment

The original “russian salad” apparently was by a French chef named Lucien Olivier at the Hermitage Restaurant in Moscow, Russia around the 1860’s. This salad is part of the cuisine of many countries, including Argentina. Each country seems to put its own identity to the recipe. The Argentinean version of ensalada rusa is quite simple: potatoes, carrots, peas, and mayonnaise. I found some recipes adding beets, eggs, ham, or anything else to give it the personality of the cook.

This recipe, as I personally found while preparing it, is one that you make to your taste instead of strict measurement -- More potatoes, less potatoes, more peas less peas, more mayonnaise less mayonnaise. Well, you get the idea.

Ingredients (amounts are a guide not the absolute):

• 2 cup boiled potatoes
• 1 cup boiled carrots
• 1 cup boiled sweet potatoes
• 1 cup boiled beets
• 1 cup boiled or steamed peas
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cut the potatoes into small same-sized cubes.
2. Cook the potatoes however you like (I prefer to keep skins on)
3. Cut the vegetables into small same-sized cubes. (I use a frozen mix of carrots and peas, or canned beets so I do not need to do the cutting).
4. Cook the vegetables. (I either steam or, with the frozen vegetables use a microwave to heat the vegetables so the are warm and crisp - not over-cooked)
5. In a large bowl, add potatoes, carrots, and peas.
6. Gently fold in mayonnaise spoonful by spoonful, so as not to break up the potatoes, until the vegetables are lightly coated or whatever consistency you prefer. One suggestion: Do not go overboard with the mayonnaise because some people cringe when they see too much mayonnaise. You can always place extra mayonnaise on the table at serving time for those who like their salads heavy.

You'll find that many restaurants omit the beets and sweet potatoes, but that may be due to cost restrictions rather that culinary creativity and desire.

(asadoargentina.com) (Return to Top)

Dessert or a Sweet Breakfast

The South American confectionary field also features small sweets made of corn or wheat flour, as well as caramel, coconut, and other ingredients from the region. These sweets, mainly loved by children, are usually sold in stores known as dulcerías and are nowadays also industrially manufactured. Some of these are candied coconut, soursop, or milk; the alfajores (made in the whole Andean zone), which are floury cookies filled with a sweet milk preparation (dulce de leche).

Alfajores (Argentina)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
• 1/2 cup wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 pound butter (at room temperature)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 teaspoons lime rind, grated

Directions

1. Lightly cream the butter.
2. Add sugar little by little while continuously beating until well mixed.
3. Add the egg and egg yolks and continue beating until a smooth and foamy cream has formed.
4. Add vanilla and grated lime rind.
5. Sift together cornstarch, baking powder, and wheat flour
6. Add to the butter cream; and mix well.
7. Knead until the dough is smooth.
8. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
9. Preheat the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin to a thickness of 1/3 inch.
11. Cut the dough into rounds with a round cookie cutter or any other similar instrument (trying to obtain an even number).
12. Place them on a buttered baking sheet.
13. Bake for 20 minutes or until slightly brown.
14. Remove from oven and let cool.
15. Sandwich the cookies together with dulce de leche (sweet milk dessert)see below. (makes 15 to 20 sandwich cookies)

Dulce de Leche ( Argentina)

Dulce de leche is a common dessert in all South American countries and can be prepared in different ways. There is the dulce de leche cortado (of lumpy consistency, seasoned with orange leaves), the spread used to fill the alfajores, as well as the solid variety.

Ingredients

• 2 cans condensed milk
• Enough water to cover the two cans placed in a pot

Directions

1. Set the water to boil over high heat in the pot, where the cans have been placed.
2. Let simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
3. Add hot water as needed to make sure that the cans are always covered by the liquid.
4. Let them cool. (If you want to accelerate cooling, carefully place the cans under running water).
5. When the cans are completely cool, open them and fill the alfajores with the obtained dulce de leche using a spatula or a spoon. (8 to 10 servings)

(Lovera 2005) (Return to Top)

Michel Torino CUMA Malbec 2007

Production Practices: Made with "Agencert Certified" Organic Grapes.

Appearance:: With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a deep cherry core with bluish highlights that is consistent almost to the dark pink narrow rim.

Nose/Aromas: Clean with light intensity of a red fruit jam and a hint of sweet leather (but you really need to swirl the glass to get this aroma).

Palate: Dry, medium bodied with low plus tannins and medium mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics seem to be pronounces ripe black cherry with a slight hint of bitter-sweet dark chocolate. There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 13.5%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length: Clean with a long sweet fruit (ripe black cherries or red grapes) finish.

Approximate Retail Price: US$13.00.

Producers Notes: A intense crimson red is followed by distinct aromas of fresh plum combined with spicy notes of rosemary and eucalyptus. Flavors of exuberant blueberry and plum are combined with mouth-filling mint and a spicy character.

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Michel Torino CUMA Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Production Practices: Made with "Agencert Certified" Organic Grapes.

Appearance: With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a deep cherry core with bluish highlights that is consistent almost to the dark pink narrow rim.

Nose/Aromas: Clean with light intensity of licorice and vanilla.

Palate: Dry, medium bodied with medium minus tannins and medium++ mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics seem to be hints of blackcurrant, black cherry and licorice. There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 13.5%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length: Clean with a long sweet blackcurrant finish.

Approximate Retail Price: US$13.00.

Producers Notes: Introduced by a deep ruby and vivid purple color, there are aromas of black currant, paprika and leather with hints of wild-flower. Flavors of cassis and leather are in a rustic style with a finish of black olive and pepper.

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Michel Torino CUMA Torrentes 2007

Production Practices: Made with "Agencert Certified" Organic Grapes.

Appearance: With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a very pale gold color that seems consistent to the rim.

Nose/Aromas: Clean with light to medium intensity of peach, papaya, and tangerine.

Palate: Dry, medium bodied with no tannin and mouth-watering acidity. The fruit characteristics seem to a tropical fruit cocktail of peach, papaya, tangerine, and pineapple. There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 13.5%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length: Clean with a long finish.

Approximate Retail Price: US$13.00.

Producers Notes: There are pale tones of green/yellow followed by aromas that are floral - combining roses, jasmine and orange. Flavors of peach come through accompanied with floral notes, lemon and a light acidity.

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References

1. Argentine wine (n.d.). Retrieved June 5, 2009 from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_wine
2. Aqua Films (2005). Live In Maid. Retrieved June 15, 2009 from Aqua Films website: http://www.aquafilms.com.ar/ingles/films_camaadentro_ing.html
3. Chiori, S., & Groisman, A. (1993). The tango is more than a dance--it's a moment of truth. (Cover Story). Smithsonian, Vol. 24 (8), Retrieved June 7, 2009 from: ebscohost.com Database: MasterFILE Premier History Reference Center http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=9311107623&site=ehost-live
4. Cultural Etiquette - Argentina (n.d.). Retrieved June 10, 2009 from eDiplomat.com website: http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_ar.htm
5. Ensalada Rusa (n.d). Retrieved June 10, 2009 from the Asado Argentina website: http://www.asadoargentina.com/russian-salad-ensalada-rusa/
6. Evita (musical) (n.d). Retrieved June 6, 2009 from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evita_(musical)
7. Gale, T. (2006). "Carlos Gardel." Contemporary Musicians (2006), Vol. 57. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Gale, 2009. Document Number: K1608004648. Retrieve June 6, 2009 from http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/BioRC.
8. Jacob, J. & Ashkenazi, M. (2006). The World Cookbook for Students: Argentina. In The World Cookbook for Students: Vol. 1. Afghanistan to Cook Islands. Santa Barbara, CA: Greenwood Press. Retrieved June 7, 2009 from from Daily Life Data Base: http://dailylife.greenwood.com/dle.aspx?k=4&x=GR3455&=p=GR3455-2655&bc=
9. Link, T. & McCarthy (2004). Argentina: a primary source cultural guide. New York:The Rosen Publishing Group.
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18. "The UnCorked Wine & Food Pairing Guide"

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