Cavas La Capilla Mendoza wine tasting, TOCA, Nov 17/13

The Date and Time:  Sunday, November 17, 2013  7Pm to 9PM

The Event: a tasting of Cavas La Capilla Mendoza wines

The Venue: TOCA

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: the wines are available from the agent, CTIL Fine Wines and Spirits (www.ctilwinesandspirits.com)

The Quote/Background: Lorena Meco, Commercial Director of Tradearg, led the tasting, along with Hector Scarsi, company winemaker, and Brijesh Patel from the agency. Noel Gallardo, export manager for Capilla, was also present, giving us a steady stream of facts and figures and prices. Capilla calls itself a boutique winery, with just over a 50,000 case production. Lately, it has been seeking export markets. Its Penitente Malbec won best wine at Intervin, over 1400 other wines.

The Wines: We tasted a range of Malbecs, skipping one entry level, plus a white wine for refresher.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Cavas La Capilla Aldebaran Torrontes 2012 San Carlos Uco, $19 – slightly oily

-Cavas La Capilla Penitente Malbec 2011 Lujan de Cuyo/San Carlos, $43.95 – creamy, long length, ready

-Cavas La Capilla Templum Malbec Gran Reserva 2010 Altamira, $74.75 – very Euro, Bordeaux-like, one more year but approachable now.

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Cavas La Capilla Aldebaran Malbec 2012 Lujan de Cuyo, $24

 

The Food: an international and Quebec cheese plate and a charcuterie plate, garnished with savouries veggies and dried/fresh fruit, plus breads.

The Downside: I had just eaten dinner, and was assured that crackers were on offer, so I was surprised at all the food! I know, I know – I didn't have to eat it. My fault.

The Upside: a chance to taste some really good higher end Argentine wines.

The Contact Person: lorena@tradearg.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com