Andy and I headed to City Winery (155 Varick at Vandam) on Sunday with our friends Nathania and Richard.  After grabbing a pre-tasting drink at Ear Inn (one of the coolest old-time bars I’ve been to- move over McSorley’s), we headed to the Mendoza Crush party.  It had been postponed due to the grapes’ boat being held up for poor weather conditions (“not pirates”) out on the seas.  The grapes arrived from the Algodon Wine Estates in San Rafael, Mendoza, and the crush was just starting when we arrived.  Because we had some fun getting our crush on previously at City Winery, we decided to leave the grape sorting behind for some serious wine tasting.  Good choice number one.

Getting Started:

There was a tasting area set up with a host of different wines from Mendoza.  The tables were not too crowded since we arrived on the early side and avoided the ridiculously long food line.  Good choice number two.  Why were people waiting on an endless circling line for small samples of barbeque when there was so much good wine ready to be tasted?  We had grabbed a barbeque brunch earlier at Wildwood BBQ.  Good choice number three.  A huge plus for those waiting in line- some nice wine reps were walking along the line and filling their glasses as they waited.

The Wine:

Argentina has some really great value wine options.  I tried a number of wines under $10 that really could do a decent job at any barbeque, summer party, or as a daily table wine.  The most famous Argentine red varietal is Malbec (originally from Cahors in the south of France) and the most famous Argentine white varietal is Torrontes (100% Argentine).  I stuck with the classics in most of my tastings, but I was surprised to try some nice Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends and some really nice Chardonnays and Viogniers.  I also never had tried a Bonarda, but realized that this varietal is abundant and low in cost in Argentina.  I particularly enjoyed the Xavier Flouret wines- a “curated portfolio of high-quality, boutique wines from generations-old family vineyards around the world…” (whose Argentinean wines were being offered on Sun.- obviously). 

I also enjoyed the sponsor’s wines from the Algodon winery (with a team of pourers of well dressed men with Argentinean accidents).

The Verdict:

After a couple of hours of tasting, my notes go blank and the memory gets hazy.  I do remember thinking what a great idea a Sunday afternoon wine tasting is… Sunday Funday!  I also remember Andy and Richard sneaking out back to the barbeque to bypass all service lines and snag some snacks that were being prepared courtesy of La Rural Bistro Argentino (Amsterdam b/t 97th and 98th). 

I do not remember the decision to head to Minetta Tavern for dinner, but I do remember the exceptional drunken dinner and the world’s best burger (not sure if this ‘world’s best’ distinction was decided because of the wine-haze or because the Pat La Frieda Black Label Burger is truly unbeatable… I’m going with the latter for now).  It was an afternoon of great wine (and a little not so great wine), great food, and great company. 

The Vacation Idea:

After a successful tasting, we also have a new vacation option.  The folks at Algodon Wine Estates run a resort, and our friend Kelly took a trip there with her family.  They said it was fabulous- golf, horseback riding, white water rafting, and lots of wine…Vacation anyone?

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