Catena Wine Dinner at Americas Restaurant

Last night, I went to a wine dinner at Americas on Post Oak in Houston, Tx. It featured Catena Wines from Mendoza, Argentina. I always love attending this type of event. Being able to enjoy a menu that has been carefully thought out and designed to pair with selected wines always makes for a more special dining experience. The wines were fantastic with the meal and most (w/ the exception of #3) are readily available.
The menu:

Catena Chardonnay '08 / Plantain Crusted Shrimp w/ cilantro slaw
Catena Alta Chardonnay '07 / Iceberg wedge salad w/ blue cheese dressing, avocado, bacon and grape tomatos
Catena Angelica Zapata Malbec '04 / Smoked lamb lollichops w/ anticucho marinade & yuca fries
Catena Alta Malbec '06 / Aged beef tenderloin, chimichurri, yuca, pickled onion, bearnaise
Alma Negra Sparkling Rose of Malbec '09 / Tres Leche

The Catena family has owned and operated vineyards in Mendoza since 1902 and the winery has remained under their control for 3 generations now. In 1992, they helped set new standards for quality for Argentine wine with the Catena Alta wines. They received outstanding reviews then and continue to do so today.
I plan on adding the sparkling malbec to my cellar. That was new to me and I really enjoyed it. Raspberry/strawberry aromas with hints of rose petals mixed with a smooth acidity. It will be a fun, new alternative patio sipper in the Texas heat which will continue for awhile and at aproximately $16 a bottle, it won't break the bank.

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Nocera - A Native Grape from Sicily

Nocera is a native grape from Sicily. It comes from the Messina province which is located in the northeast. Nocera is a quality red wine grape that is most known as a blender in the red wines of the Faro DOC. I had the opportunity to taste some pure versions (which according to Wine Searcher are rare) this week at a trade tasting held at Roma Restaurant in Houston. Wine production in the region dates back to the 14th Century BC, however, phylloxera decimated the vineyard area in 1881 leaving it at a fraction of its original size. The area boasts a Mediterranean climate with sunny days and coastal breezes, moderate rainfall, and mild winters, all ideal for grape growing. The Nocera grape is a bluish/black color and has a thick skin which allows for the production of structured wines with prominent tannins which are balanced by good acidity. High alcohol is common. Red wines produced from the grapes are an intense ruby color with purple highlights and aromas and flavors of dark fruits a

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In the September issue of Galveston Monthly, I'm celebrating California Wine Month with the Golden State's signature grape, Zinfandel. I am also sharing information on the ultimate experience for Zinfandel lovers, ZinEX, get more information on that event at https://zinfandelexperience.com/

Wine Life - Houston

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