BurgundyStreet

Michael Broadbent, Angelo Gaja, Baron Eric de Rothschild, Serge Hochar and other iconic figures of the wine world have paid tribute to Decanter’s Man of the Year 2009 – Nicolas Catena.

At a dinner at the Argentinian ambassador’s residence in London, Decanter publishing director Sarah Kemp described the inspiration that drives the renowned Mendoza producer.

‘Around the world, wine lovers think no more of buying an Argentinian wine than they do a French or Australian one. The reason is largely down to you. You have the vision, courage and drive to show the world that great wines can be made in Argentina.’

Catena, his wife Elena and daughters Laura and Adrianna – the former now runs Catena Zapata along with her brother Ernesto – welcomed 50 guests, including a clutch of previous Men of the Year: Broadbent, Gaja, Rothschild, Hochar, and Hugh Johnson and Anthony Barton of Chateau Leoville Barton.

In a detailed speech he explained how he had come to see that Mendoza – and particularly the Uco Valley – could produce world-class wines.

‘Everyone thought I was mad when I planted the Uco Valley at 1440 metres. It suffered from late frost, early frost, ripeness problems…’

It was a visit to Napa and the Robert Mondavi winery in the early 1980s that inspired him, he said. ‘It was a non-European region challenging France for the best wines in the world. It was a revelation.’

The menu was tailored to the wines: two Chardonnays, the Catena Alta 2002 and the Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 2004 – of which only 200 cases have been produced – went with a foie gras soup, and sauteed scallops.

That was followed by the Caro 2005 – the Cabernet Malbec blend initiated in 2000 with Chateau Lafite – the Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec 2004, and the Nicolas Catena Zapata 2004, with a lamb, and ox cheek with black olives.

Other guests included Oz Clarke, wine writers Beverley Blanning MW and Anthony Rose, Catena’s first consultant Jacques Lurton, Chateau Lafite managing director Christophe Salin, Bibendum chief Michael Saunders, and Alejandro Vigil, Catena chief winemaker.

‘It was a wonderful dinner,’ Catena said. ‘The food was delicious, and it was such a great opportunity to talk to so many people from all over Europe and America – Angelo Gaja, Hugh Johnson, Eric de Rothschild. An incredible evening.

Decanter Men (and Women) of the Year 1984-2006

2008 Christian Moueix – Pomerol
2007 Anthony Barton – Bordeaux
2006 Marcel Guigal – Rhône
2005 Ernst Loosen – Mosel
2004 Brian Croser – Adelaide Hills
2003 Jean-Michel Cazes – Bordeaux
2002 Miguel Torres – Penedès
2001 Jean-Claude Rouzaud – Champagne
2000 Paul Draper – California
1999 Jancis Robinson MW – London
1998 Angelo Gaja – Piedmont
1997 Len Evans, OBE AO -Australia
1996 Georg Riedel – Austria
1995 Hugh Johnson – London
1994 May-Eliane de Lencquesaing – Bordeaux
1993 Michael Broadbent – London
1992 André Tchelistcheff – California
1991 José Ignacio Domecq – Jerez
1990 Prof Emile Peynaud – Bordeaux
1989 Robert Mondavi – California
1988 Max Schubert – Australia
1987 Alexis Lichine – Bordeaux
1986 Marchese Piero Antinori – Florence
1985 Laura and Corinne Mentzelopoulos – Bordeaux
1984 Serge Hochar – Lebanon

NEW YORK–(Business Wire)–
Falling Star, a pioneer brand that helped put the Argentine category on the
(wine) map, continues to turn heads as it enters the Premium 3L bag-in-the-box
category with two reds and a white-Malbec, of course; Cabernet Sauvignon, and
Chardonnay. As consumers continue to look for bargains in an economy that has
changed the way we consume and buy, Falling Star is sure to fill the niche.

“The demand for value wines has surged in such a way,” commented Pete Sheehan,VP/National Sales Manager for Frederick Wildman and Sons, “that we chose FallingStar from Argentina as the natural brand to lead the 3L category for Wildman.”  We saw it necessary to enhance and diversify,” added Francine Kowalsky, Brand Manager for Falling Star, “and took this opportunity to the next level since boxes are gaining in popularity with consumers as screw caps have, in the last few years.”

The new Falling Star 3L Bag-in-a-Box will be available through Wildman`s network of US distributors. At a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 3L box-that`s quite a deal for wine-savvy bargain hunters. Look for Falling Star 3L
bag-in-the-box wines at stores everywhere as of this Fall.

ABOUT FREDERICK WILDMAN AND SONS:

Importers of fine wines and spirits since 1934, Frederick Wildman and Sons,
Ltd., is committed to excellence, and is a major force in the world of wine in
the United States. The familiar Wildman oval found on every bottle sold is
recognized around the world as a symbol of quality assurance. The company has
become what Frederick Wildman’s president and CEO Richard Cacciato calls “the
biggest little wine company in America.”