Algodon Pool Tiles, Clerc for ESPN’s Open Coverage, and Media Mentions…

Get ready for blue tiles and sun- and bring your bathing suits! Algodon Mansion’s rooftop pool will soon be ready! We just received a very special shipment of SICIS mosaic tile, which has been imported from Italy, and our contractors will immediately begin laying the surfacing tile. We’ve all been looking forward to this stage of construction on our roof, as it’s the literal icing-on-top. Algodon Mansion’s pool terrace will also feature teak decks and poolside loungers, as well as an intimate open-air bar and lounge.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love tennis, so it will come as no surprise that I am excited about the US Open here in New York. Even more so because our own José Luis Clerc (Algodon Wine Estates’ Ambassador & Director of the Clerc Tennis Academy) will be covering play-by-play analysis for the Spanish-speaking audiences of ESPN International and ESPN Deportes. Algodon properties gets yet another media mention; Examiner.com’s J.S. Fletcher has given both Algodon Mansion and Algodon Wine Estates a nice write up in this week’s issue, which you can check out here.

In wine news, WineSur.com reported this week that Malbec exports have increased significantly this year. We already know this, of course, because we’ve been hearing about it for the last six months; however WineSur provides a chart detailing Malbec’s major importers. The U.S. is in first place with a whopping 52% of the pie chart.

--Scott Mathis

Algodon Mansion’s Kitchen, and more…

I received word today from Pedro Lagleyze that the mansion’s kitchen has been completed. We’re just waiting for the gas to be connected, after which the operating staff of Chez Nous will move in and start cooking. We’re still waiting on finalizing certain menu items. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’ll be sure to share the finalized menu soon. You’ll see it both here and in the next newsletter.

I stumbled upon a Brazilian blog that features a write-up of Algodon Mansion. Apparently, even in Brazil we’re getting publicity and getting recognized! The blog (written in Portuguese) belongs to Alexandra Forbes, who regularly writes for Wish Report (the Brazilian equivalent to Robb Report), Vogue, Prazares da Mesa (Brazil’s #1 food magazine), Air Canada’s in-flight magazine and IN (Lan’s in-flight). You can see more about her here: http://www.alexandraforbes.com/. Hopefully we can have her down in person after we’re open.

We are seeing even more articles about the popularity of Argentine wine! The first comes from WineSur.com, and is a brief interview with Napa Valley’s Paul Wagner; president and founder of Balzac Communications & Marketing (a marketing and PR firm representing some of Napa’s most prominent wineries.) Says Mr. Wagner; “Argentinian wines are the new trend and latest fashion; we say that they are "hot" since everybody wants to try them. Malbec's sensory profile is ideal for the Americans' palate since US consumers prefer fruity and easy-to-drink wines. Moreover, prices are competitive and a noticeable growth has been perceived since some years ago.” The second article is from Bloomberg.com and, as the title of the article suggests, is another recession spun piece; New Yorkers Swap Bordeaux for Argentine Malbec as Recession Red. From the article; “These days, people in the Hamptons, a Long Island retreat for financiers and celebrities, aren’t indulging as they used to in high-priced brands…U.S. consumption of Argentine wines is rising as the global recession spurs even the wealthy to hunt for bargains. In the first six months of 2009, imports from the South American country rose 34 percent from a year earlier to $103 million, while mainstays Italy, Australia and France recorded U.S. sales slumps of as much as 30 percent.”

Lastly, on the Argentine economy Reuter’s recently reported that “Argentina can meet its debt obligations this year and in 2010 and a $2.25 billion coupon payment this week proves the government's ability to pay, Economy Minister Amado Boudou said…”

---Scott Mathis

Tennis Courts, AM staff, Chez Nous…

We’re seeing some great progress on the courts! They’re ready for play, and as you can see from the photo, they just need a net and some fences. The Algodon Malbec Classic, hosted at Algodon Wine Estates of course, is not far off…

Algodon Mansion is also really looking great; I was down there last week. Our management team did a great job of interviewing candidates for the hotel and kitchen. Some of our new hires are from one of my favorite hotels in Recoleta. This is an experienced group that will represent Algodon Mansion well.

I spoke with nearly everyone here and we have all decided to rename (or name; since we never officially decided on one) the mansion’s restaurant to “CHEZ NOUS,” which means “OUR PLACE” in French. Our Buenos Aires crew really likes it and how it works with the property and the concept! The menu at CHEZ NOUS is complete as well, and I believe everyone will love it. We are currently having an English translation of the menu prepared, which we’ll share as soon as it’s finished.

All in all, there has been substantial progress on Algodon Mansion. With most of the larger projects complete, we are now primarily just working on the little details. Everyone down there is working very well together, and they (as much as us in New York) are all very excited to see the finish line and a finished product in the very near future...

The Argentine Post directs us to a nostalgic YouTube video of Argentina’s early years. The 1932 travel newsreel is a classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presentation. As I was watching the video, it struck me that this was the same period in time when José Jurado was first making a name for himself in the international golf world.

--Scott Mathis

Louis Vuitton, New Cigar Bar, and Canned Truffles…

As I mentioned in my editorial from the most recent “The Algodon” newsletter (and it certainly bears repeating here), Louis Vuitton and Algodon Mansion will be partnering in a joint marketing campaign of sorts, where the French fashion designer will organize a celebrity photo shoot in one of Algodon Mansion's Algodon Royale Suites. We are also scheduled to host private showroom events for Louis Vuitton’s “top buyers” in our restaurant, and possibly in our suites, in the future. We’re very excited to be working with such an esteemed name and talent, and we hope this is the beginning of a lasting relationship.

Evidently the Alvear Palace is opening its own cigar bar. What a great idea; the more the merrier, I say. This beautiful hotel is Algodon Mansion’s neighbor; it is a Buenos Aires staple and has a great reputation of high-end elegance and sophistication. It represents the kind of old-school luxury and hospitality that is so popular in Europe, and which is also very indicative of Recoleta.

With all the Algodon Wine Estates truffle news in recent days, I was happy to stumble upon this consumer website from a Beverly Hills retailer of truffle and gourmet products. This 7 oz. can of truffles retails for $57 USD. That’s not even for fresh truffles; it’s for canned truffles. I think we’re headed in the right direction…

The Financial Times published a great travel piece titled Old Europe in Buenos Aires, which covers a host of tourism attractions and historic places you may be familiar with from visiting there yourself. From the article; “I think Buenos Aires must be the last remaining European city,” a Viennese friend once remarked. Time and distance have left people here with hazy romantic memories of the Europe they left behind.

--Scott Mathis