[This is a post from Richard Goering, Special Events Coordinator at DEP’s.]
Last month, as summer was ending – in Argentina – I traveled to the Lagarde Winery for their annual celebration of the vendemia (the harvest). It was a whirlwind trip of 3 days of tastings and meals of Argentine grilled meats.
We were a group of about 50 sales reps, importers, sommeliers and retailers from South and Central America (Bolivia, Colombia, Panama), and China. The US contingent was from NY, TX, KY, OH, and DC.
Lagarde is owned by the Pescarmona family. Enrique and Lucy ran the winery for many years. Their daughters, Lucila and Sofi, are currently in charge.
In Mendoza and south, Lagarde has five vineyards totaling approximately 230 hectares, located in Luján de Cuyo (Agrelo, Mayor Drummond and Perdriel), Tupungato (Gualtallary) and Tunuyán (Vista Flores). They own and manage two vineyards of more than 100 year’s old, 1906 and 1937, some of the oldest vineyards in Argentina.
Lagarde produces Cabernet, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Savignon Blanc and Semillon in several ranges:
Altas Cumbres ($8.99) - wines from younger vines with generous fruit and body.
Lagarde ($12.99) – these wines come from vineyards chosen for the potential of the varietals. These were rich, elegant wines.
Guarda ($19.99) - the varietals are from the best vineyards for each varietal.
Primeras Vinas ($52.99) – these wines are made from a selection of parcels from the winery’s oldest vineyards. These wines are powerful and very flavorful.