Argentina's wine industry is the fifth largest wine producer in the world!
Historically, this country had been more concerned with quantity over quality when it came to production. However, in recent years there has been a shift with winemaking as Argentina is now placing a higher emphasis on quality in terms of their winemaking processes. And in referencing their shift to quality, Ferllen wines are at the top!
Ferllen Winery was founded in 1912, after a move to Mendoza, Argentina from Bordeaux, France.
For a long time, the presence of wines from the southern hemisphere was ignored by many winemakers. One may not think of Argentine wines without mention of Medoza, the leading producer of wine in Argentina. In recent years, Malbec has become this region's most popular planting. As Andres, the Wine Director of Ferllen explained, Mendoza is not the only region of Argentina producing such high quality wines. He recommended consumers keep their eye on wines coming from the region of Patagonia as well. The region is growing as producers plant more cool climate varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The tasting began with a Chardonnay. When most consumers think of Chardonnay, you may first recall those from California. While typical California Chardonnay may be considered heavy, full of oak characteristics like vanilla or butter, Ferllen Chardonnay is quite the opposite. It was both elegant and easy to drink. It was fermented on the lees, or as the French would say "sur lie." This process contributes a complexity to the wine and adds additional depth, especially on the finish.
Next we tasted a Torrentes which was very perfumed on the nose
and sweet over the tongue. This wine was composed of grapes from both Argentina as well as Rioja. The class was then lead through the Ferllen Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. At the end of the tasting, we were able to try Ferllen's Special Edition label which is composed of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an incredible wine, and if you have not been able to try it, it is definitely recommended you keep your eye out for it!
There are only two seminars left for this semester's FRIENDS OF WINE tastings! If you have not been able to join us yet, we hope you make it to one of our last!
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