Heat 'em up, then cool 'em down THAT MAKES 8 STRAIGHT! The 2009 Argentine Harvest Report

Down in Mendoza last February, I knew something was up. It was super hot for the first week of February, and they hadn't had much rain lately (and not much the previous winter). Some Sauvignon Blanc was being harvested in the second week of Feb! Fortunately, the Andean Gods provided plenty of snowmelt for irrigation, keeping the vines from being overstressed and preventing dehydration—unlike many regions, Mendoza prefers wine grapes to wine raisins in order to keep alc reasonable and overripe flavors away.

Fortunately, March cooled off as did April and all the way through harvest, and many vineyards were picked just a week earlier than usual. Mendel's Roberto de la Mota told us, “Our grapes were super-concentrated this year, maybe even more than 2008, and our Finca Remota vineyard in Altamira was picked on April 28, so they were mature right on time and with good acidity.” Early general reports of 25% declines in yield turned out to be more like 5% in the better “primera zona” vineyards where our wines come from, so we should have plenty of wine when they are released.

Our tastings in late July were a real treat. Darkly-colored wines from Luca and Tikal (even more than usual), wafting fruit aromas from La Posta and BenMarco, and concentrated Mendel flavors told us that we will have some amazing stuff after elevage in barrel. Malbecs were tasty as usual, and the Cabernets were some of the best we've ever had, so don't forget about that variety. Crios 09 Cab samples tasted like a $20+ wine! I overheard our usually reserved Nick, say, “Susana, these may be the best wines you've ever made.”

Luckily the ‘08s are bottled and tasting great so we can have some patience.

NEW PRODUCT ALERT!
What do a Garage, a Plum, and a Typhoon have in common?

Each one inspired a new VC product! These much anticipated Fall additions arrive this week. Many of you have been hearing a lot about these new wines and sake and we're just excited as you are to get them in your warehouses, on the shelves and onto restaurant lists.

Here is a quick look at what is coming your way.

is a partnership between VC and our longtime friends Master Sommelier Ken Fredrickson and his wife Licy. Inspired by the traditions of the garagiste winemakers of Bordeaux, we craft our vinos del garage with winemaker Roberto de la Mota (Mendel) in a new world style with old world tradition - big and bold yet balanced with loads of expressive fruit, beautifully integrated tannins and excellent structure and balance.

Anoro wines are to be sold on-premise only. (Relative retail prices are $25, $25 and $40, respectively) Click here to read more about the Añoro brand, including vineyard locations, winemaking philosophy, etc. 

Please give a warm welcome to Tozai Plum, our first plum sake, and Tozai Typhoon, a versatile premium sake meant to be enjoyed chilled, mixed into cocktails, or served gently warmed. While most plum wine or sake is made with shochu, fermented plums, or grapes with plum flavors added, Tozai Plum is the only plum sake made with high quality Japanese sake and premium Aodani green plums grown only in Kyoto.

Great chilled, on the rocks, used in cocktails - Plum Bellini, anyone!?

Plum Bellini, anyone! - Tozai Typhoon is delicious not only served chilled but also gently warmed as it is enjoyed during the Japanese winters.

Or substitute Typhoon for vodka or gin to give cocktails an Asain twist.

saké2me
35 and still countin'!

Last issue we announced the VC launch of saké2me, our line of lightly sparkling Junmai sake infused with all-natural Asian flavors. Since then we've more than doubled the amount of new markets , bringing our current total to 35! “The response has been phenomenal. In the Washington D.C. area alone, we've added over 40 new accounts in just 30 days. At this rate, we'll hit our goal of nationwide distribution by early next year,” says Ed. (Word has it that Ginger Mango is Michelle O's favorite flavor.)

While we've all been busy opening these new markets, daytime TV has also been buzzing about this bubbly beverage! Click on the icons below to watch Leslie Sbrocco and Kathie Lee imbibe on the Today Show and Steamy Kitchen's Jaden Hair educate the hosts of Daytime on the finer points of sake and sakeme!

Follow all of our exciting sake2me news on Twitter @Japanesesake and on the VC blog.

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Ed's musings about this curious business of importing wine and sake