AnuvaBlog

We’ve sometimes been critical of Wine Spectator, however, they are still one of the most-respected and most-read wine publications out there. So it was with great surprise and delight that three Argentine wines cracked the Wine Spectator Top-100 list released a few weeks ago. No, they were not any that Anuva Vinos features (2009 maybe?), but they were from small wineries with limited productions. Last year, the goliath Catena Zapata was the onlly Argentine wine to make the list, and this year aside from two Mendocino wines, the top rated Argentine wine was from Salta. As this year’s theme was all about ranking value, it’s great to see that the rest of world is noticing not only what great value that Argentine wines offer, but that some of the very best wines that this country produces do not come from Norton, Chandon, or Zapata. Not to mention that not the entire country, not just Mendoza, is producing great wine…

As Thanksgiving approaches later this week, everyone seems to be putting out their must-drink wine list. However, it was really refreshing to see a post on Vinography (one of the more well read wine blogs around) today about how there is no such thing as the perfect wine for Thanksgiving. It may just be the case that all these lists are products of editorial calendar requirements and may actually have very little to do with there being really approrpriate Thanksgiving wines. Alder writes:

“Most people’s Thanksgiving meals, even the most modest of them, are a vast cornucopia of flavors so diverse, contrary, and strong, and people eat them in such different combinations at different times that the idea of finding ‘a’ wine to match with the meal is a ridiculous proposition. “

I have always said that good goes with good well. So as long as you’re sitting down to a good meal with good company (even if that does include cousin Bobby…), then it doesn’t matter if you open something rich, full and oaky like the 2004 Don Juan Reserve Blend or something much more fruit forward and puckering like the 2007 Naiara Malbec as you long as you enjoy it. Or you could open both and decide for yourself which goes better with your turkey and stuffing…

Happy TDay from Anuva Vinos!

Earlier this week, WineSur (an industry website essentially about all things wine in Argentina) had an article about how Argentine wines might find a unique opportunity in the midst of the recent economic turndown.

Various studies both in the US and the UK have already shown how spending practices are getting tigthened and people in bars and restaurants and shops are simply just spending less.

With that said, people like wine and drink it. And will continue to drink it. But they might start changing their choices. This is the moment that, WineSur says, Argentine wines could surge as people begin to realize the Malbec’s great “price-quality ratio.”

Well, this is something we’ve realized for a while now. You don’t have to sell blood to drink great wine, that you can drink a great wine like the Naiara Malbec Reserva 2005 and pay probably half of what you’d pay for a comparable French Bordeaux.

Three of my favorite people on earth have become Leslie and Mary and Erin. Why? They give of themselves when they feel compelled and ask nothing in return. They have helped me promote the Anuva wine club to a very high degree and have been super accommodating all the while.

Leslie and Mary hosted a tasting at San Francisco Massage Supply (www.sfmassagesupply.com). I was very impressed at the degree to which Leslie’s store provides products for massage therapists in the Bay Area. Being the only retail store dedicated to providing essential oils, massage oils, a vast array of massage tables and chairs really shows how much she is dedicated to supporting the massage therapists in her community.

Leslie is a massage therapist herself and so is Mary. Mary took pity upon my neck and shoulders after the tasting and have me a “tasting” of what she does. Heavenly! I have been lugging around cases of wine for the last 3 weeks and needless to say my traps needed some work. Check out  www.true-massage.com.

Now Erin falls into a more post-modern sort of category with her Namaste Mofo shirts and apparrel (http://www.namastemofo.com/shop/). While it maybe is not as wholly holistic as Leslie’s and Mary’s businesses, I love where Erin is taking her concept. Look for variations on the word “asana” as well.

Hats off to these 3 ladies!

Walking into The Beaumont on 150th last night, I felt at ease with the marble inlay and incredible decor of this gorgeous apartment building. My comfort and Janis’s wonderful ability to host (and project her voice) made this evening quite wonderful and enjoyable for all comers.

Although we did have a sock lady with lights on her ankles leave without trying any wine. Hmm. I got over that in about 3 seconds though, as we did have so many that were really appreciative.

Thankfully, we got an extra hour of sleep too.