Case of the Week – Argentine Values – I feel your pain… school’s back in session, which means new clothes and supplies… the credit card bill with the summer vacation on it came in the mail… and the holidays are just around the corner… you need wine to ease the pain, but need some values to ease the wallet…

Let’s go to Argentina! I mean, not physically, of course… but wine from Argentine wines are hard to beat for quality, value, and now, even variety.  It’s not just Malbecs, but aromatic and refreshing Torrontes for white, powerful Cabernets, and the newest varietal to take off, Bonarda — plump, juicy, spicy, and extremely versatile with food.

Year after year, one of the best producers of Argentine values is SUR winery, frequently a winner of our blind tasting challenges. You may have seen “BTE Selection” on some signs in the store.  The “BTE” stands for Blind Tasting Experience, which is when we come in early (drinking 15 wines at 9:30am is a great way to start the day!), and taste through all our samples in the given category, covered in brown bags, and take notes.  We debate, deliberate, take notes, retaste, and finally vote and decide on which wine truly represents the best example of its style for the money, meaning it’s gotta be not just good but expressive of what the varietal or type of wine should taste like.

Well, every time we hold one of these for $10 Cabernet Sauvignon, or $10 Malbec, or in the summer for $10 Torrontes, the same winery keeps coming out on top: Bodegas Sur de los Andes, from Mendoza, Argentina, hence referred to as SUR.

And with our continued success, we’ve secured some deliciously ridiculous pricing…

(white) SUR Torrontes 2011 - reg. $13.49 - This stuff blew me away when I tasted it. Breathe in that aroma – peaches, honeysuckle and spice. Then taste that rich nectarine with a creamy tangerine and hints of orange blossom. There’s no mistaking, this wine is fruity and floral, but it finishes dry with balanced acidity.  Great with shellfish, but especially awesome when paired with spicy Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.

SUR Malbec 2011 - reg. $13.99 – We’ve got a few customers who give me hangdog looks when this wine is out of stock, and I can’t blame them – year in and year out it’s a rockin’ bottle of wine.  Hints of violets and black pepper greet you as you take in the wonderful aroma of this wine. Dark Black plum fruit and smooth tannins make this an easy drinker.  Tough to beat with barbequed brisket.

SUR Cabernet 2010 - reg. $13.49 - Amazing balance of fruit, spice, body, and finish.  This is everything you want in a great Cab, but usually have to pay $20 for. Deep and concentrated color.  Rich, ripe black currant and raspberry fruit, firm tannins and a long, lingering finish. More structure and earthy flavors than other Cabs in this price range.  Tough to beat with a steak.

SUR Bonarda 2011 - reg. $13.49 – Oddball grape, but this jazzy little number may be my favorite of the bunch.  Bonarda originated in northern Italy, and has the bright, mouthwatering acidity and fresh and aromatic bouquet you might suspect, but with Argentina’s sunny, rich black fruit flavors.  No oak, yet surprisingly rich and sumptuous, enough mouth-coating blackberry fruit to stand up to steak, but my pairing is a juicy, grilled pork chop.

The Deal – Like I said, we’ve some delicious pricing… 

Grab a case and we’ll knock 34% off the regular price – only $8.99 per bottle! That’s $107.83 for the case.

Bonus for you (and headache for the staff...but they’ve been taking it easy this week…) I'll let you mix it however you want... 3 of each... 2, 2, 4 and 4... whatever. Just make sure you specify, or else we'll assume an even mix.
 

Half Case Deal? Sure… how ‘bout 20% off… Club Bag? We’ll make it 25%...

Click here to order. Or hit reply. Or call us.