Marcelo Pelleriti

While in the office the other day, we were discussing the significance of the awards won by the newest addition to Algodon Wine Estates’ wine panel, Senior Advisor Marcelo Pelleriti.  His wines have received several ratings in the 90s (some as high as 98) from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate.  For those of you who don’t know, Robert Parker is arguably the most influential wine critic in the world.  His newsletter, The Wine Advocate, is a bimonthly publication whose published ratings dramatically affect prices and demand for the wines it reviews.  In fact, according to this website: 

“Robert Parker's influence on fine wine prices cannot be overstated. As one observer once noted, ‘When Robert Parker spits, the world listens’. Historically the wines that Robert Parker gives high scores to, particularly scores over 90 points, tend to be the wines that show the biggest increase in value. Many Bordeaux producers now wait for Parker's ratings before setting the release price of their wines.”

In addition to working with us, Marcelo also serves as Enologist to Bodega y Viñedos Monteviejo and he produces several wines related in some way to the celebrated Clos de Los Siete (including Clos de Siete) in Mendoza.  I mention this of course, because in addition to the wines in France that he received high marks in the 90s for, several of his Mendoza wines received comparable marks in the 90s as well. 

Marcelo has mentioned that he feels our Bonarda in particular can someday amount to being rated “among the best in the world”.  Yes, in the world.  Given the often praised soil quality of Cuadro Benegas (where we are located), and Marcelo’s remarkable resume, I don’t hesitate to think that he may very well be the one to get us there.

-Scott Mathis

Algodon Wine and Olive Oil

A list of retail locations detailing where you can purchase Algodon Wine is now available on our Algodon Wine website, and I will post it here as well.

We are also now officially selling our award-winning Algodon Extra Virgin Olive Oil at Algodon Wine Estates.  Here is a photo of the new bottles.  

They look great!

Our wine importer also just sold another 100 cases (that’s about 1,000 bottles) of Algodon Wine to a distributor in Texas!  Congratulations, Jomada!

-Scott L. Mathis

Introducing Algodon Mansion!

2010 is going to be an exciting and busy year for Algodon!  It hasn’t been easy to get where we are, but we’ve accomplished a lot.   Algodon Mansion is booked for it “soft opening”- which is today!  We will be at full capacity hosting our first 18 guests, and we couldn’t be more excited.   This is what we’ve all been working so hard for, for so long.

Considering all the positive press we received in 2009, I hope to see Algodon in the media even more so in 2010 to continue the trend.  Speaking of which; Algodon Mansion is currently featured in Financial Times' "How to Spend It" online magazine!  And we’re also now listed on the website for Travel + Leisure Magazine.  The photo on the right is from our appearance in Brazil’s American Express Platinum Card Magazine.

-Scott Mathis

Algodon Wine Estates is becoming more of a celebrity every day!

CUISINE & VINS magazine has named Algodon Wine Estates as the Best Real Estate Development in Argentina!  This will appear in an upcoming issue of their magazine that will hit Argentine newsstands soon.  Algodon Wine Estates will also be mentioned in an upcoming issue of Vogue Latin America & Mexico!  A British television show called "A Place in the Sun" was recently filming at Algodon Wine Estates. The program focuses on buying real estate abroad.  We will be featured on their show, and also on their website (www.aplaceinthesun.com).

Our award-winning restaurant at Algodon Wine Estates has now been branded "Chez Gastón", after its talented Executive Chef, Gastón Langlois.  The restaurant continues to be busy, and that no doubt is the result of Gastón’s talents.

-Scott L. Mathis

Algodon Wine is on the right track!

Happy New Year once again, everyone.  I hope your celebrations were enjoyable.

After a recent private tasting, our wine advisor and Master of Wine Anthony Foster shared with us his personal thoughts on our latest 2008 and 2009 vintages.  He says we have some real potential with this year’s vintages, and that some of our wines are “real stars”.  He even recommends submitting two or three of them to international wine competitions in the future, as he feels confident that they will garner accolades.

Here is a preview of our 2008 label designs.  They look great!

We are also all very happy with the hiring of our new wine advisor, Marcelo Pelleriti.  Marcelo recently earned 98 point ratings for wines with which he was associated with (Chateau La Violette and Chateau Le Gay) from Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate.  Marcelo will join our wine panel in the planning and execution of the betterment of our vineyards, harvest and winemaking.

We are on the right track!

-Scott Mathis

Happy Holidays and New Year’s Celebrations to one and all!

2009 was truly a great year, and we have much to look forward to in 2010.  With Algodon Mansion’s opening in just a few short weeks, our new employees are trained and ready to go, and I can barely describe everyone’s enthusiasm.   We are the talk of Buenos Aires.  I’m happy to say that we were able to hire top talent merely on the idea that our extraordinary and unique luxury hotel was about to open.

The mansion is stunning.  I am personally astonished by its ultra high-quality, luxury décor and overall feel.  Although that was our intended vision from the very beginning; it’s still overwhelming to see that it has actually become a reality.  It has been a long journey but everything is finally coming together.  Thank you investment partners, thank you staff, thank you designers and architects!  You have all worked very hard to make this moment possible.

Our 3 night “Proposal Package’ appears on the Global Traveler website, and we have a short but sweet mention on the Pan American Tours & Travel blog.

See you in Buenos Aires!

- Scott Mathis

New photos and wine package…

I’d like to share some new photos of our hotel lodge at Algodon Wine Estates, which were taken just last week.  These are a few of my favorites:

 

 

 

The weather is pretty incredible in Argentina right now, and this is the hotel’s high season.  If you’re planning a trip to our San Rafael estate, you may be interested in our latest cooking class and tasting seminar:

Algodon Wine Estates Traditional Argentine Cooking Seminar & Wine Tasting

Learn the secrets of traditional Argentine gourmet cuisine from the Chef of our award-winning restaurant in San Rafael, Mendoza.  Algodon Wine Estates provides the ideal setting, as you experience firsthand the cooking techniques associated with the most delicious regional fare from the wine roads of Argentina.  On the “patio criollo,” our outdoor asado, clay oven and grill will serve as your canvas as you learn the art of preparation to the greatest Argentine epicurean delights.  Guided by our gifted culinary artists, this hands-on cooking seminar includes a 2-course meal that is prepared by you, using only the finest local ingredients from our own plantation and those of our neighbors.  The wines of our vineyards and winery are an essential addition to each meal at our estate, and our knowledgeable sommelier will pair your unique meal with the most memorable Algodon Wine. 

If this sounds like it’s up your alley, click here to get more information.

-Scott L. Mathis