Going on the road with Wines of Argentina will give buyers and sommeliers in London and Edinburgh the chance to discover new wineries as well as catch up with those that have long made their name in the UK market.
Tell us about the Barullo events you have coming up?
We will be hosting a winery roadshow in London on October 22 and in Edinburgh on October 24. It will be a great opportunity for the trade to meet winery representatives and discuss new and existing wines in their portfolios. We will have the participation of 30 wineries in London and 25 in Edinburgh, from the big players all the way down to small, independent producers.
You have two events – one in London and one in Edinburgh. Why?
London gets the Lion’s share of tastings, and we felt that we should reach out in Scotland too.
Why Edinburgh?
There is a strong affection for Argentine wines in Scotland, and previous events we have organised have been very well attended, and we are received with a lot of enthusiasm. It will also be an opportunity for us to talk to the trade in Scotland and gauge their needs in terms of the market, as well as forge links to the wine industry. We feel that there is tremendous growth potential in Scotland.
Any special masterclasses?
Yes, in London we are honoured by the presence of winemaker David Bonomi from Bodega Norton and Per Se to talk about the changes in winemaking that are happening in Argentina. I will be presenting a masterclass in praise of Cabernet Franc too. Edinburgh masterclasses will also feature Cabernet Franc and new styles of white wine, which we believe will open the trade’s eyes to how far Argentina has come, with new varietals and fresher styles.
David Bonomi from Bodega Norton will be hosting one of the masterclasses at the London event on October 22
Why specifically should buyers and sommelierscome to these events?
We will be showing a few wineries who are seeking representation in the UK, and so might provide opportunities for those looking to add to their portfolios. As for sommeliers, it will be the perfect opportunity to see the changes that are happening in the industry, with newer styles of wines from both the larger producers and smaller projects too.
How is Argentina vintage this year: quality and production?
Production is a little less than 2018, but the quality is outstanding. It was a cooler vintage, with lovely concentration and acidity.
How is availability?
Availability is very good, with 2018 and 2019 vintages being higher than 2016/17.
Any impact on pricing?
We have seen very steady pricing, with no real rises, despite inflation in Argentina. It is good that the wine industry still plays the long term game in terms of maintaining attractive and competitive pricing policies in the UK market.
Phil Crozier will be hosting a series of masterclasses at the two events
Where is best value to be had by region/ variety/ colour?
I feel that new styles of white wines are very good value, and Semillón is especially a wine for the future. Bonarda is an extremely good option in terms of value and appeal. Malbec still over delivers and sparkling wines sit nicely in the mid price point. Cabernet Franc sits at a more premium price, but then the quality is outstanding. The quality/price ratio puts Argentina in a great position for continued growth.
What styles will be most in vogue 12 months from now?
Semillón, white blends, the new Atlantic wines and the extreme south of Patagonia and high altitude wines from Jujuy. Salta continues to be very popular with the On – trade, with almost all wineries represented in the UK market. Thats quite and achievement. We will start to see more sub – region names on labels as I.G.’s are now being formed, with more single region and single vineyard wines. There is also a trend toward soils being a feature within single vineyard plots. As Argentina sees the differences these soils make to the character of the wines, the more they will feature.
Anything else?
We look forward to seeing you all there. It will be a great day.
The Barullo Sessions Wineries Roadshows
London: October 22, Crypt on the Green, Saint James Church, Clerkenwell Close, London EC1R 0EA
REGISTER HERE (Password: Roadshow)
Edinburgh: October 24, Mansfield Traquair, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BB
REGISTER HERE (Password: Roadshow)
The events will include a group of over 30 wineries, showcasing both new and more established wines from every major region in Argentina. They will also include masterclasses hosted by David Bonomi (Bodega Norton, Per Se) and Phil Crozier (Brand Ambassador, WofA), along with a number of wineries seeking representation. The tasting will also feature themed, self-pour tables that focus on unique Argentine trends.
Amongst the wineries on show, there will be a group of small artisan producers, as well as the more established wineries including: Altos Las Hormigas, Andeluna, Bodega Amalaya, Bodega Argento, Bodega Catena Zapata, Bodega Colomé, Bodega de Arte Claroscuro, Bodega Norton, Bodegas Fabre, Bodegas Salentein, Bodegas Staphyle, Cave Extreme, Don Cristobal, El Esteco, Familia Zuccardi, Finca Flichman, Finca Las Moras, Kaiken, Los Haroldos, Masi Tupungato, Mendoza Red Wines, Montlaiz, Proemio Wines, Riccitelli Wines, Susana Balbo Wines, Trapiche, Bodega Nanni, Valle Arriba, Vasija Secreta, Bodega Gualinchay, Vinos de la Luz, Zorzal Wines
Masterclasses (limited spaces):
London
1:30pm: “New Winemaking Techniques in Argentina” by David Bonomi
3:30 pm: “The Case for Cabernet Franc” by Phil Crozier
Edinburgh
1:30pm: “Argentina´s White Wine Revolution” by Phil Crozier
3:30 pm: “The Case for Cabernet Franc” by Phil Crozier
Reserve your space for our masterclasses: gisela@winesofargentina.com
