Chile and Argentina Wine Tasting: A Flavorful Exploration

This week, I had the pleasure of attending the Chile & Argentina Wine Tasting at Stem Wine Bar in Marietta, GA. The evening featured six exceptional wines paired with chef-crafted small plates, presented in three rounds. Chef Dom’s culinary creations continue to impress, surpassing expectations each month. Jules and Paul provided warm hospitality, with Jules adding delightful humor to the experience, and Brian, the sommelier, enriched the evening with his extensive wine knowledge.

Looking ahead, don’t miss the upcoming June tasting, which will spotlight wines from Australia & New Zealand.

A Quick Sip of Chile & Argentina

Chile

Stretching over 2,600 miles between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, Chile’s wine regions benefit from diverse microclimates and terrains. The Central Valley, including Maipo and Colchagua Valleys, is renowned for robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Coastal areas such as Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys offer cooler climates ideal for crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Chile’s natural barriers have protected its vineyards from pests like phylloxera, allowing for the cultivation of ungrafted vines and promoting sustainable viticulture practices.

Argentina

Dominated by the towering Andes, Argentina’s wine regions are characterized by high-altitude vineyards that produce grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity. Mendoza, accounting for approximately 75% of the country’s wine production, is famed for its Malbec, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontés. Northern regions like Salta boast some of the world’s highest vineyards, yielding aromatic whites and bold reds. In the south, Patagonia’s cooler climate is ideal for elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Tasting Recap: Wine & Food Pairings

Round 1: Fresh & Aromatic Whites

Diablo, Curicó Valley 2023, Sauvignon Blanc
Food Pairing: Caldillo de Congrio – a traditional Chilean cod stew with chili, tomato, and potatoes.

• Smell & Taste: Delicate notes of white peach and citrus lead to a bright, fresh palate with a creamy undertone and a long, pleasant finish.
• Winery Note: Crafted by Concha y Toro, Diablo Sauvignon Blanc showcases the freshness of Chile’s Curicó Valley, offering a vibrant expression of the varietal.
• Food Pairing Highlight: The wine’s crisp acidity beautifully complemented the rich flavors of the Caldillo de Congrio, enhancing the dish’s savory depth.

Piattelli, Cafayate Valley 2024, Torrontés
Food Pairing: Salmon Ceviche with jalapeño, citrus, cilantro, red onion, and crispy potato.

• Smell & Taste: Aromas of pineapple, peach, and orange blossom transition into fresh apricot and lychee flavors with a hint of orange zest; well-balanced acidity and a citrusy medium finish.
• Winery Note: Piattelli Vineyards is dedicated to sustainable winemaking practices. Their gravity-flow winery in Cafayate honors this commitment, emphasizing eco-friendly packaging and responsible vineyard management.
• Food Pairing Highlight: The wine’s floral and citrus notes harmonized with the ceviche’s bright flavors, creating a refreshing and balanced pairing.

Personal Highlight: The Salmon Ceviche was a standout dish, surprising me with its delightful flavors, despite not typically being a fan of salmon

Round 2: Robust Reds & Savory Delights

Puramun ‘Reserva’, Uco Valley 2019, Cabernet Franc
Food Pairing: Asado – grilled hanger steak with chimichurri and bravas.

• Smell & Taste: Ripe dark and blue fruits with hints of sweet spices and blue flowers; fresh and vibrant with medium body and firm tannins, culminating in a flavorful finish.
• Winery Note: Crafted by José “Pepe” Galante, a pivotal figure in modern Argentine viticulture, Puramun’s Cabernet Franc reflects his expertise and dedication to quality winemaking.
• Food Pairing Highlight: The wine’s structure and spice complemented the richness of the Asado, while the chimichurri added a zesty contrast.

Montes Alpha, Colchagua Valley 2021, Carmenère
Food Pairing: Choripán – grilled chorizo sausage served in a bread roll with chimichurri rojo.

• Smell & Taste: Ripe aromas of fig, plum, cherries, and cassis; rich cherry liqueur and chocolate notes accented by hints of cinnamon; full-bodied with smooth tannins and a lingering finish.
• Winery Note: Founded in 1987 by visionaries Aurelio Montes and Douglas Murray, Viña Montes pioneered premium winemaking in Chile. Their Montes Alpha line, introduced with the 1987 vintage, set new standards for Chilean wines on the global stage.
• Food Pairing Highlight: The wine’s depth and spice matched the bold flavors of the Choripán, creating a harmonious and satisfying combination.

Round 3: Elegant Reds & Sweet Conclusions

Cousiño-Macul, Maipo Valley 2020, Cabernet Sauvignon
Food Pairing: Lamb empanada with romesco sauce.

• Smell & Taste: Aromas of red fruits like strawberry, cherries, and blackberries, complemented by menthol touches of eucalyptus; fruity intensity with notes of ripe plum and blackcurrant; rich acidity and soft tannins provide a well-structured palate.
• Winery Note: Established in 1856, Cousiño-Macul is one of the most esteemed wineries in Chile’s Maipo Valley. Remarkably, it remains entirely family-owned, preserving a legacy that spans over seven generations.
• Food Pairing Highlight: The wine’s robust character paired excellently with the savory lamb empanada, while the romesco sauce added a delightful depth.

BenMarco, Uco Valley 2022, Malbec
Food Pairing: Flan.

• Smell & Taste: Aromas of blackberries and violets; juicy and flavorful with pronounced acidity, firm tannins, and great length; a testament to the Uco Valley terroir.
• Winery Note: BenMarco, meaning “son of Marcos,” is a tribute to the winemaker’s father. The brand is part of Susana Balbo Wines, founded by Susana Balbo, Argentina’s first female oenologist, who has been instrumental in elevating Argentine wines on the world stage.
• Food Pairing Highlight: The wine’s richness and acidity provided a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the flan, ending the evening on a high note.

Personal Highlight: The Lamb Empanada and Flan were exceptional, perfectly complementing the robust reds.

Coming Soon: Australia & New Zealand Wine Tasting

Embark on a journey through the Southern Hemisphere’s renowned wine regions at Stem Wine Bar’s upcoming tasting event. Experience the vibrant flavors of Australian Shiraz and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, among others, paired with Chef Dom’s innovative small plates. This event promises a delightful exploration of diverse terroirs and winemaking styles.

📅 Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout June 2025
📍 Location: Stem Wine Bar, 1311 Johnson Ferry Rd Ste 516, Marietta, GA 30068
🎟️ Tickets: Available on Eventbrite

Secure your spot early for this exciting tasting event!

Final Thoughts

The Chile & Argentina Wine Tasting at Stem Wine Bar was an unforgettable evening of exquisite wines and culinary artistry. Chef Dom’s dishes continue to elevate the tasting experience, while Jules, Paul, and Brian ensure each event is both educational and entertaining.

If you’re seeking an engaging and flavorful wine experience, Stem Wine Bar’s monthly tastings offer a perfect blend of education, enjoyment, and exceptional pairings. Don’t miss out on the upcoming Australia & New Zealand tasting—it’s an opportunity to explore new horizons in the world of wine.