Bodegas Escorihuela, Mendoza, Argentina

BODEGAS "GASCON", WINEMAKER SINCE 1884.

Miguel Escorihuela Gascon is the face behind Bodegas Escorihuela, one of the oldest wine producers in Argentina. In 1880 he emigrated from Spain to Argentina and settled in Mendoza, at the foot of the Andes. He soon succeeded in buying 17 hectares of land and planting a vineyard. This was in the year 1884; Bodegas Escorihuela, also known as 'Godoy Cruz Winery, was a fact.

'Don' Miguel became a big name in Argentina; his wines are still among the best in Argentina to this day. For example, Bodegas Escorihuela was the first to market a 100% bottling of Malbec in the 1940s. This Malbec forms the basis of the elegant Bodegas Escorihuela 'Estate Grown' Malbec that we also import. In addition to this ripe Malbec, Bodegas Escorihuela still produces several expressive and concentrated wines that are matured in French and American oak. The bodega is currently run by Ernesto Catena . Since March 2008, a second location has opened under his leadership, the Agrelo Winery, located in the heart of the Agrelo vineyards . Agrelo is located just south of Pedriel, along the banks of the Rio Mendoza. The loamy soil of this area, unique to Mendoza, allows for the production of Malbecs with a distinct black fruit profile, full flavour concentration and deep structure.

WALHALLA

Mendoza is located at the foot of the Andes , approximately 960 km west of Buenos Aires. It is the economic heart of the Argentine wine industry. Mendoza has seven different subzones; from north to south these are: Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, Mendoza, Neuquén and Rio Negro. It is about as far from the equator as the best wine regions in France, Italy and California. The province is named after the capital of the same name, Mendoza, where approximately 111,000 people live. Mendoza is the wine paradise of Argentina. Mendoza produces approximately 80 percent of the country's total wine production. The vineyards are located high on mountain slopes, between 600 meters and 1500 meters, which makes this region unique in its kind. Endless vast slopes with vines, varying with autumn-colored deciduous trees, with a view of snow-capped mountain peaks. Wine tours are often made by bike through this beautiful region. The climate is warm and dry . Irrigation takes place with the help of the meltwater that flows from the Andes. Through an age-old system of canals 'acéquias', vineyards are provided with enough water.

OVERSEAS GRAPE VARIETIES

Wine growing started with the arrival of colonists. Many immigrants from, for example, the Basque Country and Italy brought their own grape varieties. Most grape varieties are of Spanish, Italian and French origin, with the most important local favourite: Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Chardonnay were also planted.

The local favorite.
The Malbec (also known as Côt) originates from Bordeaux and has become the national grape of Argentina . The Malbec grape has a thick skin, which releases a high concentration of scent, color and aromas during fermentation. This produces quite powerful wines. Malbecs vary from fruity to extremely powerful examples with wood aging. You could say that Malbec is one of the Argentine specialties. Speaking of Argentine specialties; meat . A perfect combination with the wine style that the country stands for and what is produced. Incidentally, it is customary in Argentina to dilute wine with water at the table....