When I grow up I want to be Tim Atkin!
Tim Atkin is a renowned English wine critic and Master of Wine with +35 years of experience in the industry. Tim is widely respected for his amusing and often controversial style, specialising in the wines of France, Spain, Italy and the New World. To become a Master of Wine he had been through an exhaustive training in wine markets, types of wines, winemaking geographies, production processes, sensory analysis, etc. As such, he travels to all wine regions, reports on the current situation and of course, tastes wines.
Last week, I got the “Argentine 2020 Special Report” (you can check it here) and I find it very interesting, amusing, sharp and complete! An amazing description of the wine industry and the country!
His first visit to Argentina dates back to 1992, therefore he knows already a lot about Argentina’s history, people, culture and of course, its wines. The report draws in a chronological line the remarkable growth that Argentine wine has had in the last 20 years.
The drip irrigation, the possibility of locating vineyards on mountain slopes, the influence of foreign advisers and capital, the new generations of Argentine winemakers and fundamentally the strong Argentine wine culture and competitive spirit, lead the country to develop better wines year after year. All this in a context of enormous social, cultural and economical pressure.
“Argentina finds itself in a difficult place right now. Like everyone who loves the country, I hope it can get out of its current economic malaise. Its wine industry has continued to grow, harvest and vinify grapes during this uncertain period. That it has done so while also producing the greatest wines in its history deserves enormous credit.”
From the heights of the Quebrada de Humahuaca in Jujuy, North of Argentina to the desolate and deserted patagonian vineyards in Chubut, in the South, passing through Mendoza, Salta, La Pampa, Rio Negro, Buenos Aires, etc.
We are very proud to have in our selection several of the awarded wines in the report, from wineries such as Durigutti, Atamisque, Marchiori & Barraud, Pulenta, Colome, El Porvenir, Del Rio Elorza, Aguijon de Abeja, Domaine Bousquet, etc.
“Two things stood out for me ... the first was the diversity and quality of the best whites; the second, was its Pinot Noirs.”says Tim.
Many of our clients ask us for tips when they plan to travel to Argentina. Tim’s report is a great source for wine lovers! Here you can find information on the +1,700 tasted wines and their producers, also on the best restaurants, places to visit, diversity of geographies, maps, pictures, etc. Highly recommended!
As an Argentine myself, his opinion on the country’s and wine industry’s current condition generates mix feelings of pride and disappointment. I would like to mention all the producers who bet, invest and risk to produce better Argentine wines. Thanks to their efforts and knowledge, Tim writes this magnificent report.
Cheers!
