Submitted by Nikki on
The Story behind Viña Cobos
When Greg tried the first wine, a 2006 Chardonnay from Viña Cobos, he immediately remarked with a look of surprise, "oh, wow". His comment carried over to all of the wines we tasted from Viña Cobos, perhaps owing to fact that one of its owners is a California winemaker, a region that has formed the basis for many American wine-palates.
The winery's first harvest was in 1998, but its story starts in California, when Luis and Andrea went to work in the wine industry and met oenologist and winery owner Paul Hobbs. Throughout their time together, they came to the agreement that they would start a winery in Argentina, a country with limitless potential to make great wine. The winery started with $80,000, much of which was lost in the 1998 harvest, a notoriously bad year for Argentine wineries.
Viña Cobos vinos
Viña Cobos has three lines: the younger line in the Native Collection is named after animals (bichos): Cocodrillo (Cabernet), El Felino (Malbec), Lagarto (Merlot), and Benteveo (Chardonnay).
Its mid-line with some amazing Malbecs, Cabernets, and Chardonnays are from the line: Bramare, Italian for to yearn for.
The winery's top wine is Cobos, a Malbec that comes from the winery's most promising yields and years. Cobos achieves the original dream of the winery: to make a small production of superior Malbec.
Viña Cobos thoughts
- Cabernet is a difficult grape to grow in Mendoza, and the area is not well-know for making great Cabernet. Cabernet grapes in Mendoza are usually grown so they are protected from hail damage, but Viña Cobos insisted that their Cabernet grapes be exposed in order to get the sun they need.
- The key to taking care of grapes is like taking care of a child: love them but don't smother them, encourage them to follow their strengths, but don't force them into what you want them to be.
Our favorites: 2006 Native Collection Chardonnay, Bramare Malbec (from both vineyards)
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