Wine: Bodegas Etchart Arnaldo B Etchart Reserva Grape: Malbec 80 per cent, Cabernet Sauvignon 20 per cent Region: Cafayate, northwest Argentina Vintage: 1994 IT is curious that in Hong Kong we are assailed at every wine shop and restaurant with Chilean wine. Clearly, Chilean wine exporters are doing something right.
Yet the main South American wine-producing country is Argentina with quantities four times those of Chile and with quality and prices to match. Why are Argentinian wines so difficult to find? I really do not know.
The first vines were planted in Argentina in the 16th century. Bodegas Etchart's first wines were produced in 1850 in Cafayate. At 1,750 metres above sea level, Etchart's winery at Cafayate is one of the highest in the world. The family wine company was sold to the Pernod Ricard Group in 1992.
Made primarily from Argentina's most successful grape variety malbec, Arnaldo B Etchart Reserva 1994 was matured in new French oak barrels for 18 months.
The wine is a deep purplish red. On the nose there are berry fruits, chocolate and vanilla aromas. These follow through on to the palate where there are ripe tannins. The wine has good balance and structure and has won many gold medals in competitions.
The wine goes well with red meats, pasta or cheese.
