*** This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com on behalf of Palm Bay
Hello Lovelies,
I am so excited to share with you Portillo Wines ! So what’s a girl to do when she discovers new wine and she wants to share the news?!? Host a picnic in the park of course!
Now, no lie its still over 100F here in Phoenix, but if I wait until the weather “cools off” to be outside it will be end of November at least haha. So, I gathered some fresh fruit, mortadella, and some of my favorite cheese and packed my little basket in search of some shade.
First, let me tell you a bit about these wines. Portillo Wines is grown in Argentina, specifically the Mendoza region. This area called the Uco Valley is found at the base of the Andes Mountains. The Uco Valley is located at a high altitude of approximately 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level.
Now, I’m familiar with higher altitude wines from Bolivia, where my parents are from, but the Argentinean wines are known and internationally recognized for their amazing quality.
What I found so interesting was that to grow grapes in this environment you benefit by being higher “up” by being closer to the sun and the cooler temps at night. This temperature swings result in longer “hang times” for the grapes which increases the balance of sweetness and acidity.
Let me tell you what I love about the labels. It is that they tell you the name of the grape varietal, food paring suggestions, and even the plot number from where the grapes were harvested from. So cool right?!
This Rosé is so delicious. It has a nice rosy color, not overtly pink haha. The subtle berry notes make it light and airy. I love that the wine is not artificially sweet just a hint from the grapes themselves with layers of berry.
The Vineyard produces several other wines. I was also sent the Sauvignon Blanc, which actually my favorite white wine. I love the light green clear color and the crispness of a delicious cirtusy flavor of a Sauvignon Blanc.
I also got to try their Malbec. Now this is the grape that everybody immediately recognizes as uniquely Argentinean. This Malbec has a nice deep ruby red color with hints of plums and blackberries. I love a good Malbec! The pricing on most of their wines is so good and about $9 to $11. Now if you have ever bought a Malbec you know they are usually more expensive so I’m excited that a great wine can be found for less.
No don’t worry I didn’t picnic all alone, my friend and fellow blogger, Siara Rochell joined me as my photographer/picnic friend lol.
Food and wine is always better with friends! I loved learning all about these wines so much. Definitely on my list when I get to Argentina someday (along with month long tango lessons of course!).
Oh and for those of you who are concerned with the environment, Portillo Wines is the first winery in Argentina to receive certification given by The Carbon Trust, an international leader in carbon reduction. Yay!!
This post was so fun to shoot and drink lol. I love getting to try new brands and give you all my thoughts on them. If you are interested in trying the wines you can order them online www.wine.com or locally at the AJ’s on Central Ave or the Bashas on North 32nd Street. Leave me a comment below which of these three you would try first!?
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