The iconic restaurant Gaucho, famed for capturing the essence of Argentinian food, wine and passion are about to embark on a very special week of events celebrating the very wine that put Argentina on the map, The Malbec. Gaucho popularly known throughout the Capital as being known for their delicious steaks and decadent decor are also UK home and champion of the Argentine grown grape, making it all the more apt that a number of the restaurants across London and the North will be home to Gaucho’s wine tasting events coinciding with Malbec World day on April 17th.
Frost were fortunate enough to get a little taster of the weeks events hosted by Gaucho’s Director of Wine, Phil Crozier, aka, Mr Malbec. Not only were we lucky enough to have him talk us through a number of the fine and exclusive Malbec’s but they were served to us in a bespoke new wine glass designed for optimum drinking by Mr Malbec himself.
Seven days of Malbec is due to commence on Monday the 13th April with a whole host of Malbec tasting sessions appealing to any wine taster from novice to connoisseur. As I soon realised as we began the wine tasting, my wine knowledge was almost non existent compared to the others in the room not to mention the passionate musings of Phil who went into a lengthy and extremely informative lecture about the legacy and intricacies of the history of Malbec and current Malbec production just one of the things, aside from the wine, expected from one of the value for money tastings. There really is something for everyone here as I was keen to know top tips and boy did we get more than a few as well as dispelling a few myths that a lot of wine drinkers would be shocked to hear themselves. For example, the fact that red wine should be served at no higher than 16c in fact Phil suggested, popping the wine in the fridge for an hour beforehand. Or the fact that Malbecs are best enjoyed young going against the old adage that the older the wine the more refined.
With Malbec quickly becoming one of the most important and popular wines in British Culture, Seven days of Malbec cover the following;
The Pioneers – Monday 13th April at Gaucho Piccadilly; covering the range of Malbecs from the pioneers that bought Malbec to the international market.
The New Generation– Tuesday 14th April at Gaucho Richmond; giving you a chance to try the new, super cool wine makers that are causing a stir in Argentina.
Old Vine Malbec – Wednesday 15th April at Gaucho Smithfield; for those of you wanting to try some Malbecs from the oldest vineyards in Mendoza.
Malbec Blends – Thursday 16th April – Gaucho Leeds; A chance to taste the blends which add a new dimension.
Extreme Malbecs – Friday 17th April – Gaucho Chancery Lane; A chance to look at Malbecs from the extreme high altitude regions in the north of Argentina on Malbec World day itself.
Super Malbec – Saturday 18th April – Gaucho Charlotte St; The creme de la creme of Malbecs straight from the ‘uber’ special, single vineyard Malbecs.
Vina Patricia – Sunday 19th April – Gaucho Hampstead; A chance to taste Gaucho’s very own Malbec grown in Lunlunta, Mendoza.
In addition to the exclusive tasting events, guests of Gaucho will be given a chance to try two Malbecs with their steak choice throughout the week.
Seven Days of Malbec begins on Monday 13th of April with all tastings priced at £20 per person, bookable through the Gaucho website;
http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/events/