Sunday evenings have become a really special time in my household. Whether we are able to host family and friends or it is an evening for two, my husband and I set aside a couple of hours to enjoy what has quickly become a new tradition – Downton Night! We carefully select the appetizers or snacks to be served and choose a bottle of wine or two to share. There is some debate as to whether the party really starts when the cork is popped or when dramatic music and the sight of a yellow Labrador Retriever walking toward a castle fill the screen – I like to think it is a happy combination of both.
For the most recent episode, it was TV for two so we decided on an old favorite – popcorn misted with olive oil and sprinkled with garlic salt, pepper and parmesan. I pulled a bottle from a recently purchased mixed case, one I thought would complement the savory, cheesy popcorn to perfection. The 2010 Zorzal Field Blend did not disappoint! The backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon delivered plush dark fruits reminiscent of summertime on the farm – blackberries, very ripe black raspberries and a bit of dark cherries, too. The Malbec gave a slightly earthier finish that perfectly balanced the salty snack.
Zorzal is the project of the Michelini brothers, Matias and Juan Pablo, both of whom have extensive winemaking background including in Pomerol. Matias also has his own brand, Passionate Wines. Their joint venture began in 2008 and quickly began making news – in 2010 they were named “Best Malbec under $50” in the most important national wine competition, Argentina Wine Awards. Neal Martin named the 2010 Field Blend one of “Twelve Exciting Argentinean Wines” in his eRobertParker article about this New World winemaking country.
“If you want cutting edge, meticulously crafted Argentinean wines…then look no further than Zorzal…there is an intellectual side to these wines, a captivating experimental, devil-may-care attitude that is struck through their wines. This is only the beginning.” Neal Martin
With the rise in quality and the addition of varietals other than Malbec in the last decade or two, Argentina is delivering excellent value to wine shoppers especially in the US. Though winemaking here dates back to the 16th Century, Argentina is considered a New World producer and this leaves the door open to innovation and experimentation. The results, especially those of the Michelini brothers are worth noticing and more importantly – drinking! And at $34.95 a bottle, one can afford to experiment. Try a bottle the next time you want to bring the past and present together, whether it is a 2015 couple watching a twentieth century family listening to “the wireless” for the first time or multiple generations around your dinner table.