A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going out to a wine tasting with Deby from La Vida con Deby – her blog. She had this great idea to go to Caballito to partake in a series of wine tasting events given by a local vinoteca (liquor store).  I was driving, so I picked her up in the car.  We got lost a few times on the way, but finally after a good hard look at the Guia T, we finally figured out where we were going.  I drove in reverse for a half of a block down a one way street to find my parking space.

We arrived, much to my surprise and delight to a lovely little mom and pop shop on one of the side streets of Caballito.  They gave us tickets and we paid the 10 peso entrance fee and waited outside until everything was prepared and we were allowed to crowd around the main counter, where a sommelier from Familia Zuccardi Winery in Mendoza was waiting for us.

He began talking about the winery and the few fortified wines that he brought with him that evening. We tasted the  Malamado Voignier, Malamado Extra Dry and the sweet Malamado Malbec 2004.  Each were port wines with a high percentage of alcohol but truly outstanding in regards to wines from Argentina.  Our sommelier, Juan, was the perfect host for that evening and kept the atmosphere light and fun as he went on to show us how to make some mixed drinks using the various wines.

I loved how Deby commented, “I’m in loove!” and when the sommelier looked at her blushingly, she said, “Oh no! Not with you, with the Malamado Malbec!”.  It was a delicious wine.  On my wishlist for suuure!

The place was not at all what I expected.  It was one of those places that hasn’t been changed in years and honestly, I love it that way.  The owners and organizers were warm and friendly – really “del barrio” – from the neighborhood.  The people too.  There wasn’t a single bit of pretentiousness and everyone was very nice.  The vinoteca offered a great picada of meats, cheeses, empanadas and breads as well as some of the best profiteroles that I have ever tasted in my entire life, courtesy of the owner’s wife (my new baking hero – seriously, do you know how hard those are to do??).

All in all, a fantastic time at a great price, accompanied by great people.  Here’s one of the recipes (and my favorite of the night) from that event!

“Malamado Caipianada”

2.5 oz (just over a shot) of Malamado Malbec
3 slices lime
1 large spoonfull of berry fruits
2 tbsp granulated sugar

Method: shaken
Glass: Whiskey glass or old fashioned glass

Crush lime slices and fruits with sugar in a glass until the sugar diluted and mixes with the other ingredients. Then fill the glass with broken ice and add the Malamado Malbec. Cover with martini shaker and shake energetically.  Serve with a straw.

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