From: Cafayte, Argentina
Varietal: Tannat
Taste: Rich aromas of raspberry, plum, and rose petal evolve to show-off a savory side with notes of white pepper, blackberry, blackcurrant, figs, menthol, and eucalyptus. The palate holds soft, smooth tannins that escort the fruit to a velvety and seamless finish. For a single-varietal Tannat, its tannins are exceptionally refined, making the wine both refreshing and complex.
Pairing: This wine showcases its best when partnered with grilled meats – from beef, pork, lamb to game, capturing the smoky essence of the grill. Contemporary favorites like burgers find a delightful partner (and is our favorite pairing, check out the recipe below) in this Tannat. The wine's rich profile also marries well with marinated and barbecue, be it meat or vegetables. For a rustic touch, consider wild mushroom dishes, and of course, Mediterranean inspired dishes with black olives, eggplant, and mushrooms are also sublime choices.
Duck provides a slightly elegant counterpart, while the gamut of cured meats, ranging from salami to meat stews like cassoulet and wild boar, finds a worthy companion in this wine. For those who appreciate robustness in both food and wine, venison and game stews are unbeatable.
However, a word to the wise: while this Tannat pairs delightfully with a range of foods, overly spicy sauces may overshadow its nuances. On the flip side, its affinity for tomatoes and pasta dishes can't be overlooked.
Juicy Lucy Burger
Recipe from 5-8 Club and Matt’s Bar
Adapted by Alexa Weibel
About. High in the mountains of Argentina's northwest, the small family-owned El Porvenir de Cafayate winery crafts wine that defies elevation, battling the elements to produce something extraordinary. In a desert region known for its dramatic landscapes and extreme viticulture conditions, the 2021 El Porvenir 'Amauta Absoluto' Tannat stands tall, a testament to the region's capacity for remarkable winemaking.
From Family Roots to Sustainable Growth
Established in 2000 by the Romero-Marcuzzi family, the El Porvenir winery has been a beacon for quality viticulture within the Calchaqui Valley. With an altitude soaring to 5740 feet, the family's vineyards are among the world's highest, a unique characteristic that amplifies the region's innate ability to produce top-notch grapes. Despite the desert climate and poor soil, or perhaps because of it, the vines yield grapes of outstanding quality, contributing to some of the most highly esteemed wines Argentina has to offer.
Lucia Romero-Marcuzzi, the founder's granddaughter, leads the current operations with dedication, aided by winemaker Mariano Quiroga Adamo, agronomist Santiago Bugallo, and wine consultant Paul Hobbs. Under their meticulous care, the vineyard remains true to its roots while incorporating modern viticulture techniques. Their philosophy? Quality begins in the vineyards. Every process, from planting to manual harvest, is attentively managed. Their love for the craft continues to the gravity-flow winery and the wines' aging in French and American oak barrels (except in this wine, which is raised in tank).
All about the varietal, here.
This wine. Made from 100% hand-harvested Tannat grapes of the Calchaqui Valley, this wine bears a character distinct from the typical, often tannic Tannats of South West France. It is an immaculate blend of vibrant fruit flavors and a crisp acidity that originates from the high altitudes of Cafayate. A standout from Bodega El Porvenir de Cafayate, it showcases the potential of Tannat as a variety that can be fresh, delightful, and easy to drink, whether immediately or aged for a few years.
Vineyard and Winemaking Notes:
Sourced exclusively from El Porvenir's Finca Río Seco vineyard—bordered by a river that's typically dry save for summers—this wine enjoys the benefits of sandy soils situated 1700 meters above sea level. The altitude, coupled with Salta's intense sunlight, arid climate, and distinctive soil, begets grapes of unparalleled ripeness and concentration. Every grape is hand-harvested and double-selected during harvest to ensure only the finest make it to fermentation. All processes, from bottling to labeling, are executed at El Porvenir's winery nestled in downtown Cafayate. With a commendable 91 points from Tim Atkin and a remarkable price point, this wine promises to be an exciting journey for any wine lover.
