▻ Viva Argentina! – Part Six
Visiting Finca La Anita
Episode Summary:-
Sarah Kemp reveals why Argentina is one of her favourite wine regions to visit: Spectacular scenery, stunning architecture, exhilarating music, great food, fabulous wine and delightful people. Many of Argentina’s wineries are welcoming wine tourists with sophisticated restaurants and a diverse offering of experiences to enjoy.
Sarah Kemp caught up with Bernard Fontannaz, owner of Finca La Anita in Agrelo, Mendoza, which was one of the first wineries to welcome tourists. Finca La Anita has 72 hectares planted at the foothills of the Andes with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot , Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. It is here at the working winery that visitors can enjoy the full Argentine hospitality. Bernard explains that visitors should feel an emotion when they visit, as wine is all about experience and emotion. He describes how they cook everything either on an open fire or in a clay oven which is fuelled by fire. “It gives you a very primal feeling, which you cannot get from an electric stove,” he says. A typical meal will include vegetables grilled over the fire, soup, empanadas from the clay oven and the deservedly famous cuts of Argentine beef. Even the dessert is cooked over the fire--roast pineapple with a smoky flavour is a favourite. Bernard describes the wines he would choose to match the different courses, and how their flavour profiles complement the fire-cooked dishes. He recommends a full afternoon to enjoy the whole experience, and Sarah cannot think of a more beautiful setting to enjoy a taste of Argentine life.
““Tourists should feel an emotion, wine is about experience and emotion.” ”
Running Order:-
-
0.00 – 6.59
“We offer an experience as authentic as it can be.” – Bernard Fontannaz, Finca La Anita
– Sarah Kemp discusses why Argentina is one of her favourite wine destinations.
– Bernard Fontannaz owner of Finca La Anita describes the cooking-by-fire experience visitors can enjoy.
– How you can cook everything over fire. -
7.00 – 11.10
“People tend to think Argentina is only Malbec.” – Bernard Fontannaz, Finca La Anita
– Bernard Fontannaz describes the different varieties Finca La Anita produces.
– Matching the dishes with the wines.
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