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Today’s selection from Cas’Almare is only available in the United States at a handful of restaurants and specialty wine shops. If you are fan of fantastic Malbec, you’ll want to stock up on The Wine Spies exclusive allocation of this delicious wine.

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Mission Codename: The View From The Andes Foothills

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of a delicious Mendoza Reserve Malbec

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Cas’Almare

Wine Subject: 2009 Reserva Malbec

Backgrounder: One of the six component varietals that go into a true French Bordeaux wine, Malbec (named for the Hungarian peasant who first brought the grape to France) is a thin-skinned grape that requires more time to mature than its Bordeaux brethren, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Malbec grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. The French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in the South West France region. It is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine and Chilean varietal wine. Argentina, and Mendoza in particular is best-known for producing exceptional examples of this robust varietal.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Deep and dense garnet with deep purple hues that extend to the very meniscus. When held to the light, ruby streaks shine through this wine’s dark but clear core and when swirled long thin legs slowly descend down the side of the glass.

Smell – Rich and fruit forward aromas of savory spiced ripe red fruit including cherry, plum and other red berries. Toasted oak and vanilla hints blend with savory herbs, mocha coffee and earthy notes inviting you to take a sip.

Feel – Rich and plush, this generous and expansive full-bodied and dry wine warmly greets the palate while its soft acidity and plush round tannins linger on the palate. As you sip this wine, the tannins firm slightly and cling on the tongue into the finish.

Taste – Softly ripe and rich red fruit including raspberry, red cherry and ripe plum meld with sweet spice and savory herbal notes. Underneath the fruit are notes of vanilla, toasted oak, cherry liquor and bittersweet cocoa as well as earthy and mocha undertones.

Finish – Long and rich with the spicy and savory fruit fading leaving behind the textured but plush tannins, toasted oak and other flavors.

Conclusion – The 2009 Cas’Almare Reserva Malbec is a delicious, rich and plush wine that will instantly please lovers of new world Malbec. Plenty of ripe red fruit on the nose and palate with a depth of approachable complexity. A soft,plush and round mouthfeel that you’d expect from a well developed Malbec. Enjoy this wine tonight, after letting it open with burgers or other grilled meats or cellar for three to five years.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Cas’Almare is our global brand of wines from South America and Europe. Cas’Almare wines are made by Stepan W. Baghdassarian and his winemaking partners from the finest winemaking appellations in the world.

Cas’Almare brings together luxurious and affordable wines under one brand that people will recognize and enjoy. Whether it is a Malbec from Argentina, a Carmenère from Chile, a Grenache from Spain, or for that matter, a Pinot Grigio from Italy; these are all wines of impeccable pedigree that people enjoy every day and on special occasions.

Each of our hand crafted wines are true expressions of their appellations and meet the standards of the increasingly discriminating public who are demanding wines that are not only easily drinkable but also make great accompaniments to food around the table with family and friends.

Enjoy Cas’Almare wines with your family and friends.

WINEMAKER QUOTE: “We only offer wines to our customers that we like and enjoy drinking them with our friends and family.”

FIRST COMMERCIAL WINE RELEASE: September 2011

WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT WHITE: Greetings Stepan, we are thrilled to be showing your Cas’Almare Reserva Malbec today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

STEPAN: Thank you very much.

WHITE: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

STEPAN: I have always loved and been fascinated with wine. From my college days I’ve had a passion for wine. What finally sealed the deal and made me quit my lucrative law practice and dedicate my life to wine was a trip I took to Bordeaux France. I was blown away by the first growth Bordeaux wines.

WHITE: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

STEPAN: Initially Bordeaux and Burgundy wines and subsequently the New World wines from South America and California.
WHITE: Who do you make wine for?

STEPAN: For the increasingly sophisticated wine drinker who appreciates good quality wines both for everyday and on special occasions. We will only make wines that we enjoy drinking ourselves.

WHITE: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today.

STEPAN: Our 2009 Cas’Almare Reserva Malbec is a special wine. Aged 12 months in new French and American oak barrels, is a handcrafted wine made from 100% Malbec grapes, from Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, 3400 feet above sea level, in the foothills of the majestic Andes Mountains. You should look for intense violet-red color, aromas of red fruits and raspberries, accompanied by notes of vanilla and coffee from its oak aging. Smooth on the palate, well-balanced with flavors of plums, gooseberries, red fruits, violets, chocolate, and coffee. Very long finish.

WHITE: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

STEPAN: Enjoy Cas’Almare Reserva Malbec by itself or pair it with a nice juicy steak, all kinds of BBQ, roasted or grilled pork, hard cheeses or with a nice moist chocolate cake.

WHITE: In your opinion, what makes the Mendoza so special?

STEPAN: World renown Agrelo in the heart of Mendoza is the place to grow Malbec in the shadows of the majestic Andes mountains. Malbec loves this region where it is thriving. Because of its sun soaked high elevation, Malbec grapes mature to their full potential, developing rich flavors of plum, earth, spices and berries.

WHITE: How would you recommend people approach your wines and wine in general?

STEPAN: “To each his own” is the motto we go by. But in general what makes our wines more special if you share them with family and friends.

WHITE: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

STEPAN: Drink what you like but always experiment. There is whole world of wines out there waiting to be discovered. Cheers!

WHITE: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of Luján de Cuyo, in Mendoza, Argentina can be seen in this satellite photo.