This Week's Tasting
South American Values
March 18, 2026
South American wines are still good value. Some of these are at pre-tariff prices, one much below.
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This Week Wednesday, March 18, 2026 South American Values In-Store, 5 - 6:30pm
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South American wines are still good value.
Some of these are at pre-tariff prices, one much below.
White
2023 Catena White Clay Semillon-Chenin
Catena Winery has come up with a winner. Their rich clay soils and cool nights give the wine generous fruit and good acidity. Blending Semillon and Chenin Blanc is unusual, but they work marvelously together. Semillon's heady guava, enlivened by Chenin Blanc's peachy acidity, makes an irresistibly delicious combination. One glass is never enough. Aroma: intensely aromatic with honeyed citrus, stone fruit, wildflower, and golden-brown pastry notes. Mouth: A creamy palate texture with lush peach, juicy tangerine, and a crisp mineral finish. Very Good Plus $24.99, Case $21
2022 Susana Balbo Signature Barrel Fermented Torrontes
Susana Balbo's Signature series are some of Argentina's best wines. Nicknamed the "Queen of Torrontes" with, among other things, barrel fermentation, she transforms the simple, fruity Torrontes grape into something layered and complex; one evidently startled critic's reaction: “from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. Bright yellow in the glass. The nose offers muscat, rose, and basil notes accompanied by hazelnut and oak. The palate is austere and chalky, providing a grippy, salty mouthfeel before the long-lasting, flavorful finish—a delicious rarity in the small world of Torrontés. - Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous Very Good -Excellent $26.99, Case $22.99
Red
2024 Domaine Bousquet Malbec Reserva- Organic
Color: very dark black, intense; Aroma: reserved, fresh, cedary, intense, firm, heady and earthy; Mouth: thick fullish, a note of sour plum good length; Very Good Plus 16.99; Mixed Case, 15.29; Case, 14.95
2022 Catena D. V. Catena Historico 1910, Mendoza Argentina
Named for the founder of the winery, this is a modern interpretation of the blend their great-grandfather supplied to Buenos Aires over a century ago. It's mostly Malbec, with some Bonarda added to soften and ripen it, as well as a bit of Petit Verdot, which lends a touch of tang. A rich and juicy glass of wine to complement and quench the bite of spicy ribs and marinades. Color: very dark; Aroma: bright, forward fruity spice, herbal, nicely intense; Mouth: rounded leanish, herbal, somewhat spicy, and clean, zesty acidity, herbal; Very Good Plus $24.99; Case, $21.49
2022 Catena San Carlos Cabernet Franc
People think of Malbec as Argentina’s red grape, Cabernet franc might be what Mendoza does best. Cabernet Sauvignon often evokes dark chocolate or mocha, this Franc comes across as pure cocoa, which gives it a high-toned, finely grained elegance that is immediately appealing to both critics and us. An accurate and delicious rendition of Cabernet Franc that benefits from airing ahead of drinking.
Aroma: Heady and herbal, rather rich and full; Mouth: Clean, light, dry cocoa notes, tight, smooth, finely delineated, savory and smooth; Very Good-Excellent $26.99; Case, $22.95
2020 Andes Plateau AP, Maipo Chile
Wine Advocate "A classical and serious Bordeaux blend"
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot from 25-year-old vines at a high altitude (read cooler climate) vines on Medoc-like soils. Fermented with native yeasts it aged in new oak for 20 months. Only 13.5% alcohol, it is nonetheless big wine powerful in the mouth. More St Estephe than Napa, it will be very satisfying after decanting a couple of hours or aged for a few years Very Good – Excellent
Its importer decided to focus on European wines only, so offered this to us at a great price. Was $75, Now $35, Case 29.95
Len Rothenberg
South American Case, two each of the wines - $312 $269
Or mix any twelve at their case prices
At the tasting purchase any bottle at its case price
Order by phone at 617.367.8605, or reserve here: order@federalwine.com
Please pass this on to any friends who are wine enthusiasts!
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FREE DELIVERY!
downtown on orders more than $75;
in Greater Boston on orders more than $199
