Argentina's Malbec wine as good as Messi: Envoy
Updated: 2015-04-26 08:00
By Wang Huazhong and Jiang Wanjuan(chinadaily.com.cn)
|
|||||||||
Gustavo Martino, Argentina's ambassador to China. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] |
Malbec, the grape variety that represents the brand and uniqueness of Argentina wines, is just like what football star Lionel Messi is offering to the world, the Argentina's ambassador to China said Wednesday.
"Because Messi is skillful, the best... And Argentina produces the best and talented Malbec in the world," said Ambassador Gustavo Martino.
He added that watching Messi play is joyful, passionate and fun - an experience almost the same when drinking Malbec wines.
The ambassador made the comments when celebrating the Malbec World Day in Beijing on April 22, when a dozen of Argentina's wineries brought more than 30 wines for a tasting at the embassy.
Prior to that, Argentinean authorities held events to promote wines made or blended with the grape to target the middle-upper segment in Shanghai, Wenzhou, Fuzhou and Hong Kong.
Malbec was one of five Bordeaux varieties that used to be popular with French wineries. But the emergence of phylloxera in the late 19th century, a disease that an aphid-like insect causes, wiped out the grape almost completely in its French homeland.
At the same time, brought over by immigrants from the Old World of wines, the grape adapted successfully to Argentina's soil and sunny climate and was widely planted.
According to the ambassador, 99.5 percent of the Malbec wines sold worldwide come from Argentina, therefore, it is "a privilege and a flagship wine" of the country.
"Argentina and Malbec is the same. When you talk about Malbec mostly you talk about Argentina," he said.
The Malbec grape, which combines dark, ripe concentrated flavors with a rich and smooth texture, soon became one of the fastest growing wine exports, winning world recognition for its second home.
Master of Wine Robert Parker wrote in his column "Parker Recommends" that "Argentina is known for the production of the finest Malbec in the World. Complex, opulent and delicate wines with great appeal.
"Without a doubt, these are the best wines from South America. They have an intensity, richness and balance, which can only be achieved by an outstanding wine-making process and a low yield wine policy".
Louis Havaux, president of the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists, earlier said: "Argentina has the most sensational Malbecs in the worlds; and exceptional red and white wines that continues to rank among the finest in the world."
- In photos: Strong earthquake struck Nepal
- Stunts, Parkour, Action!
- City starting to close gap with world fashion capitals
- Across America over the week (from April 17 to 23)
- Honored for community work
- 5th Beijing International Film Festival closes
- Top 10 auto lookalikes in China
- Flights cancelled as ash cloud pours from Chile volcano
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Spring Festival trends reflect a changing China |
Patent applications lead the world |
BC lures Chinese tourists |
Today's Top News
US sending disaster response team, $1 million aid to Nepal
All-clear sounded at Statue of Liberty after bomb scare
Devastating Nepal quake kills 1,457
Ho Feng Shan: A man of compassion, courage
The real Apple Watch goes on sale Friday in China, US
China looks to top the bill in Hollywood productions
Panda to be inseminated via China
Chinese mourn passing of US officer
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |