Argentina is becoming a major player in the world wine market and the newest releases from Bodega Elena De Mendoza are one of the reasons why. Bodega Elena De Mendoza was founded by Italian immigrants during the late 19th century. The family staked out property in Mendoza Province and began grape growing and wine making. Many of the grape vines were brought over from the “old country” by the immigrants and planted in various parts of the country, but Mendoza proved to be the best of them all and Bodega Elena De Mendoza took full advantage of that by growing grapes that made excellent wines.
The grapes of Mendoza Province are irrigated by water running off of the Andes Mountains. This water has a very high mineral content which is imparted to the grapes. The wines made from these grapes have an extra layer of flavor derived from the minerals in the water.

Bodega Elena De Mendoza 2010 Malbec ($10.99). More and more, malbec wines are becoming specifically identified as the red wine of Argentina. The grape variety, which was considered a minor player in European vineyards, has found a new home in the western hemisphere and most specifically in Argentina’s Mendoza Province. The grape is in the same genetic category as the merlot and cabernet sauvignon. In fact, it’s only claim to fame was that it was used as a blender to soften and color cabernet sauvignon wines while introducing a touch plums and cherries to the aroma and flavor. The Bodega Elena De Mendoza 2010 Malbec is dark in color and endowed with the distinct aromas of blackberries, cherries and cranberries. These aromas carry over to the flavor where they merge with plum and a suggestion of blueberries. The finish is long, fruity and very complex. This is a truly regal wine that has all the finesse and character of a classical Bordeaux combined with the mineral lased fruit derived from its Argentinean birthplace. This is a wine that can easily win you over and perhaps even become your new red wine favorite.

Bodega Elena De Mendoza 2010 Chardonnay ($10.99). The full flavor of the Chardonnay grape along with the signature mineral background comes through with the first sip. The nose is very much a classical chardonnay with its very obvious apple and citrus aromas. The flavors that emerge are crisp and clean. While still stressing fresh apple and citrus there is also a suggestion of tropical fruits and spice ending in a long and fruit filled finish. It has become a trend to judge the quality of a wine by its selling price. In the case of the Bodega Elena De Mendoza 2010 Chardonnay, this philosophy does not hold up. Regardless of the price, this is a fine wine, and a lot finer than many selling for three and four times their price.

Bodega Elena De Mendoza 2010 Red Blend ($10.99). Here is where the winemakers had a little fun. Starting with malbec (what else would you expect) they created a new wine. This new wine is a blend combining malbec with syrah and bonarda. Bonarda is a grape variety which was formerly, before malbec, the most widely planted grape in Argentina and used mostly for table wines but was also capable of producing a quality wine if properly handled. The combination of these grapes produced a delightful, full flavored wine that has a good bit of character. The aroma displays dark red summer fruits, vanilla and spice. The flavor is a kaleidoscope of all of the red fruits you can imagine with cherries and plum being the most obvious. These flavors carry through to the long and intensely fruity finish. The wine is very soft and easy to enjoy and pairs with many of our modern meat and poultry dishes. This variety can prove to be an excellent choice when one tires of the “usual” fare and offers a chance to delve into the world of insightful blending.