Alma Negra wines from Argentina are quickly becoming a store favorite here at Plaza Liquor. We have had the Alma Negra Brut Rose for quite awhile now and we recently received the M blend. Both are high quality wines at a reasonable price and very unique tasting. The Brut Rose is like nothing else, a blend of sparkling Malbec and Pinot Noir it has just a touch of rose color. The M is a blend of Malbec and Charbono and is very tasty as well. These are another set of wines that are perfect for any holiday celebration, the M blend for Christmas dinner and The Brut Rose for New Years Eve.

Ernesto Catena, the owner of Ernesto Catena Vineyards in Argentina, is the eldest son of Nicolás Catena of Catena Zapata. A 4th generation winemaker, Ernesto has traveled and lived around the world, and along the way has earned a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and Economy, a Master’s in Design in Milan and a degree in history in London.  Defined by many as the “bohemian” side of the Catena family, Ernesto is a tireless and avid reader, painter, art collector, horseman, polo player and archer.  While president of Bodegas Escorihuela, Ernesto felt the need to produce wines that would reflect his basic beliefs:  high quality, a different style from the majority of wines being made at the time, smaller volumes and a strong brand concept. In 2002, Ernesto Catena Vineyards was created to express those beliefs. Alma Negra means “Black Soul”, because the color of the wines made from the bonarda grape is deep and intense. The the first wines made, which where all reds, had a real “black soul” when you saw them in the glass. Ernesto also wanted to create a wine about which little was known, the composition or technical details, so that the wine was judged solely on how the taster perceived it. When the line was launched in 2006, the wines were named Misterio, and the mask on the label was a symbol for a hidden identity or mystery.

Alma Negra Brut Rose – On Sale $19.99, Save $1.00

The sparking rose, the non-vintage Alma Negra Brut Nature is made from both Malbec and Pinot Noir. I was surprised how good this wine is. The effervescence is a product of the methode champenoise, and the wine, from a relatively cool climate, displays crisp, elegant acids intermixed with strawberry, cranberry and fruit cocktail-like notes. It is medium-bodied and just delicious.

 

Alma Negra M Blend – $17.99

Dark fruit on the nose leads to flavors of dried cherries and dark fruit with a hint of chocolate in this dense and structured wine. Lots of berryfruit and cherry in the mouth along with a touch of smoke. The finish lingers with dark ripe fruit, balanced acidity and a smooth mouthfeel. The Bonarda seems to give the wine an uplifted fruit quality and the Malbec a more serious density and richness.