Lights, Camera, Malbec was this year’s theme for the fifth Malbec World Day 2015. Australia’s celebration culminated last week in a stylish event held at the Zeta Bar in the Sydney Hilton.
Except where stated, photography © by Ed Sullivan for Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.
This year, more than 70 events took place in 64 cities of 50 countries around the world to pay tribute to Argentina’s flagship grape variety. The theme was to offer more understanding with the Argentine culture, taste different styles of Malbec wines from different terroirs and gastronomic delights through short talks, music, art and the silver screen.
The Malbec grape is grown in high altitude vineyards of Argentina. The climate with its fresh air, sunshine and cool nights contribute to a medium-bodied wine that is deep in colour and rich in fruit flavour.
Guests at the event were welcomed with a choice of Cerveza Berlina or Bariloche beers, sparkling Rossel Boher Brut, a 60 % pinot noir and 40% chardonnay and 2013 Tomero Torrontes, a traditional Argentine white wine.
Andrew Graham from the Australian Wine Review MC’d and guided the thirsty and enthusiastic wine aficionados through the history of Argentine wine and tasting notes from a myriad of Malbec varietals. The six wines on offer were:
- 2013 Casarena Estate Malbec – 100% Malbec grape variety
- 2010 Finca Las Palmas Gran Reserva – 100% Malbec grape variety
- 2010 Zuccardi Zeta – 87% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2011 Pelleriti Salection Grand Reserve – 70%Malbec, 20% Petite Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc
- 2008 Paisaje de Barrancas – 55% Shiraz, 35% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2008 Apartado Gran Malbec – 100% Malbec
Argentine canapé degustation of regional specialties were served all night such as mezze with olives, salt and pepper squid, picada, empanadas, deconstructed choripan, lomito and alfajores. A live tango performance enchanted the floor area and great prizes were also won by lucky partygoers including a wine trail in Mendoza sponsored by Chimu Adventures.
The event was supported by the Embassy of the Argentine Republic and the Consulate of Argentina in Sydney.
Malbec World Day Australia was held on Wednesday 29 April at Zeta Bar in Sydney.
