Celebrate Malbec Week

Plump, dark fruit flavors; smoky-sweet finish—These are all common tasting notes to describe magenta-tinged Malbec from Argentina.

 

Today, Argentina drives production of the French-native grape with over 75% of all the acres of Malbec in the world. Essentially, Argentina reinvigorated Malbec as one of the top 18 worthy grapes, growing in seven countries and in popularity, hence World Malbec Day on Monday, April 17th.

Starting Monday, April 17th (through Sunday, April 23rd), BALVANERA, New York City’s leading Argentine restaurant on the Lower East Side, is inviting guests to raise a glass of red during its annual, weeklong salute to the mighty Malbec grape.

 

“Our celebration is an invitation for our guests to explore the infinite possibilities that Malbec has to offer us from the different corners of our wonderful country,” shares Nicolás Martianhes, sommelier at BALVANERA.

 

BALVANERA showcases the regional spirit through Buenos Aires-porteña platos and South American wines (100+ labels on lock) following the premise of sustainable viticulture and organic farming.

 

 

“BALVANERA is home of the very best Argentine wines, ranging from the world-renowned all-stars to the lesser-known gems, all deserving of a place at the table and in the larger conversation that’s happening about the magnitude of South American wines,” describes co-owner and head chef Fernando Navas, whom anchors his upbringing in Punta Alta into the offering.

Check out the weeklong lineup of producers, pours, and more, below. “We‘re excited to pay homage to my country’s iconic grape during the weeklong feast,” Navas concludes.

 

 

Malbec Week Details

 

Dates: Monday, April 17th to Sunday, April 23rd, 2023
Location: Balvanera at 152 Stanton St., New York, NY 10002

Programming:

• A tasting of six Malbec wines showcasing the expressions of terroir from unique regions across Argentina, including Rio Negro, Patagonia, Valle de Uco, and Paraje Altamira | $50.00

Featured Wine Tasting:

• ‘This is not another lovely Malbec’ 2021, Riccitelli Wines, Valle de Uco, Mendoza
• ‘La Posta Paulucci’ Malbec 2020, Ugarteche, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
• ‘Rocamadre’ Malbec 2020, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza
• ‘Concreto’ Malbec 2021, Bodega Zuccardi, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza
• ‘J. Alberto’ Malbec 2021, Bodega Noemia, Mainqué, Río Negro
• ‘Malamado’ fortified Malbec, Bodega Zuccardi, Mendoza

A list of award-winning Malbec wines rarely offered by the glass.

Spotlight on:

Michel Rolland’s exemplary ‘Yacochuya’ from Cafayate, Salta; Catena Zapata’s memorable ‘Malbec Argentino,’ and Bodega Monteviejo’s ‘La Violeta’ by winemaker Marcelo Pelleretti. | $30.00 to $50.00 per glass

• An opportunity to Meet the Producer.
• Matthew Haeberle, Ambassador for Bodega Zuccardi, on Wednesday, April 19th between 5:00pm and 10:00pm. Haeberle will be pouring a selection of the winery’s top Malbecs.
• Virginie Rolland, Ambassador for Michel Rolland Wines, on Thursday, April 20th, between 5:00pm and 10:00pm. Rolland will be sharing the secrets of her family’s wines in Argentina.
• A nightly offering of Balvanera’s signature “Argentine Feast” Typically available Tuesday through Thursday, the tasting-for-two feast comprises homemade empanadas, provoleta, and special carnes (morcilla, chorizo, entraña, and grass-fed striploin and ribeye) served with classic chimichurri and salsa criolla sauces, fresh greens, and crispy house-cut fries. | $80.00 for two