A visit to Mendoza, Argentina means suspending all notions of dieting and sobriety, at least for a few days. Mendoza is Argentina’s premier wine growing region and that means enjoying the amazing food that goes well with their Malbecs, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Merlots. I highly recommend savoring the tasting menus at the following three wineries, two of which have stunning views of the Andes Mountains.
(1) Clos de Chacras: boutique winery in Chacras de Corio
Clos de Chacras
The bodega was constructed in 1921 and has been renovated by the owners. It is located in the center of Chacras de Corio so if you are staying in the town, it is very easy to reach. Clos de Chacras is one of the many small boutique wineries in Chacras de Corio and their six-course tasting lunch is marvelous. You dine in a warmly decorated intimate space with a lot of light. Here is the restaurant’s menu from last week (29 July 2011). Of all the wines I tried, my favorite was the Clos de Chacras Malbec 2007. The cost of this 5-course menu with wine was 200 Argentine pesos (they put a dollar sign in front of the 200. On 29 July 2011, 200 Argentine pesos was about 50 USD). You will agree that this was a very reasonably priced 5-course lunch with wine, featuring starters of pumpkin flan, blue cheese and pistachio praline with grilled eggplant and reduced balsamic vinegar and empanada; two main courses consisting of ravioli filled with mozzarella, chicken and scallions and rib eye over crushed potatoes with black olives, provolone and cholla sauce; and dessert of Malbec semifreddo with red fruits, custard cream and honey tulle.
Tasting menu at Clos de Chacras winery in Mendoza, Argentina
(2) Bodega Ruca Malen: boutique winery in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza
Ruca Malen is another boutique winery located about 35 minutes from the center of Mendoza or 20 minutes from Chacras de Corio. The owners of the vineyard are French and they produce Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot wines, as well as a Chardonnay and a Brut (75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay) which goes very well with desserts. This is a small bodega so the tour of the winery does not take long. However, the views of the Andes Mountains from the vineyard and the restaurant are dramatic. Here is the six-course tasting menu from 31 July 2011 featuring Andean potato with sour cream and lemon zest; fresh ricotta and onions stuffed into a delicate pastry roll; savory lentil stew with country sausages braised in Merlot; grilled beef tenderloin medallion served with goat cheese mousseline, grilled vegetables; and a dessert of fruit bavarois on a caramel biscuit with cinnamon. Of the wines served during our lunch, my favorite was the Kinien Malbec 2008.
Six-Course Tasting Menu at Ruca Malen winery in Mendoza, Argentina
(3) Urban Restaurant in O. Fournier: stunning winery in Valle de Uco
O. Fournier’s stunning winery in Mendoza
O. Fournier is one of the largest and most impressive wineries in the Valle de Uco. It is located approximately 100 kilometers from Mendoza city. The ultra-modern, cutting-edge architecture of the bodega, the underground tanks where wine is fermented, the cellar where the barrels are stored (which also acts as an exhibition area for works of art), the laboratory and the restaurant called Urban, are a must-see if you are visiting the area. From a distance and upon approaching the bodega looks like a space ship that landed on earth.
The restaurant at O. Fournier in Mendoza, Argentina
Views from O. Fournier onto the mountains are fabulous. The restaurant is decorated in a minimalist style and boasts of very tall floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Andes and a tranquil pond. On the day we went it had just snowed so we did not see the mountains. Nevertheless the effect of the snow was magical.
O. Fournier winery six course tasting menu
The six-course tasting menu began with appetizers of lentil coat with toast and marrow with truffle oil and aubergine rolls with fresh cheese and mint; starts of pumpkin, sweet potatoes and ginger soup with toasted almonds; main course of grilled steak with moussaka; and a dessert of Torrontes ice cream and torrijas with rice, ice cream and pacharan jelly. Of all the wines served during lunch, my favorite was the B Crux Blend 2007.
About Esme Vos
Do these all require reservations?
Any restaurants you recommend not at wineries?
You need to make reservations (or have your hotel or posada do it) at all the winery restaurants just to guarantee a table. Sometimes people have big parties. As for restaurants outside wineries, we often had very little to eat in the evening after the large lunch degustation menus at the wineries. The small family run Italian restaurants in town are the best bet for evening. You should ask the hotel for the best ones.