Weekend Wines from South America: 2009 Amayna Sauvignon Blanc and 2013 Achaval Ferrer Malbec

The weekend is upon us and you may have your favorite, expensive bottle ready to open.  Of course, what may be expensive to one wine lover may be a bargain to another.  Reviewed today are two wines sent to me as samples which over $20 but are such good values that I encourage you to purchase a bottle.  Each will be delicious with a favorite meal, to share with friends, or to enjoy while contemplating your weekend plans.

The 2009 Amayna Sauvignon Blanc, Barrel Fermented is from the winery of Viña Garcés Silva located in the Leyda Valley, a sub-region of the San Antonio Valley between the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean.   The climate is dry with poor soils, gentle coastal hills, and a low diurnal temperature range. The winemaking techniques at Viña Garcés Silva reflect an old world style and its production is limited.

This gold and glistening Sauvignon Blanc displayed classic aromas of citrus, a hint of grapefruit, tropical fruits, touch of caramel, and freshly mowed grass. I loved its bracing acidity, minerality, vanilla, honey, fruit on the palate and the rich mouthfeel at the long, creamy finish.  In production, the 2009 Amayna Sauvignon Blanc, Barrel Fermented went through a short cold soak but no malolactic fermentations.  Afterwards, it was aged for twelve months in Taransaud barrels and at least one year in the bottle before being released.  500 cases have been imported.

Paired with baked salmon this elegant and delicious wine will also complement all types of shellfish, a light cheese course, and a good book on the back porch. The cost is $35.

I continue to enjoy wines from Achaval Ferrer and their 2013 Achaval Ferrer Malbec is no exception.  The winery in the Mendoza region of Argentina sources grapes from single vineyards with low yielding, old ungrafted vines.  No pesticides are used in these sustainable vineyards.  The Malbec grapes used in the 2013 are from three high altitude appellations: the Uco Valley with well drained soil of sand, gravel, and some volcanic ash, Lujan de Cuyo with well drained gravelly loam soil, and Medrano with heavier soil and a clay component.

The wine was fermented in cement tanks with extensive pumping for better extraction and malolactic fermentation was 100% spontaneous in oak.  Aged for nine months in two year old French oak barrels, the aromas and tastes of the Malbec mirror these winemaking techniques.

Aromas of black cherries, blackberries, purple flowers, and wood smoke were fresh in this young yet lush wine.  On the palate, balance was key with medium acidity and satin like, integrated tannins.  Dry with deep red fruit tastes, raspberries, licorice, and spice, there was a touch of minerality which I loved.  Thoroughly enjoyable now, you could hold this multilayered, complex wine in the cellar for a few more years.  The cost of the 2013 Achaval Ferrer Malbec is $25.

Cheers to finding the perfect bottle of wine! ~ Cindy