"Wine, just as a guitar, requires discipline and care, and above all a sensitive soul to interpret them.”
Marcelo Pelleriti, winemaker, Bodega Monteviejo
I suspected that my Instagram Live chat with Marcelo Pelleriti would be no ordinary virtual wine tasting, but I certainly didn't expect it to end with a live guitar and vocal performance. He's going to be a tough act to follow. I'm still smiling.
A true renaissance man, Marcelo is not only one of Argentina's most celebrated winemakers, he's made a name for himself in France too. Marcelo makes wine in both countries, and his 2010 Château La Violette Pomerol earned him an astounding accolade -- the first Latin American winemaker awarded 100 points from influential wine critic Robert Parker. Marcelo is also a talented musician and the creator & driving force behind Mendoza’s annual Wine Rock music festival.
Watch our conversation and tasting by clicking the video above, or visiting IGTV or YouTube. Stay to the very end, and you'll be awarded with live guitar and vocal performances from Marcelo (Hurt by Johnny Cash) and his bandmate Matias Torres (Is This Love That I'm Feeling by Whitesnake).
Marcelo has many roles in the wine world and can transition from a Ramones t-shirt to a dapper suit with ease. During our conversation, we focused on Marcelo's position as winemaker with Bodega Monteviejo in Mendoza. Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains in the Uco Valley, construction of Bodega Monteviejo began in early 2001 and the first harvest took place in 2002. Yes, Malbec is Argentina's flagship wine, but Marcelo wants the world to appreciate Malbec's full range of expression, its capacity to convey terroir, and long-aging ability.
During our chat, we tasted Monteviejo Petite Fleur Malbec 2016 ($24.99) and Monteviejo Petite Fleur Blend 2016 ($24.99). Both wines were fresh, full without being bulky, fruit-forward but not jammy, with impressive vitality and balance. The Malbec sings clearly of the old vines and the terroir of the high-altitude Uco Valley vineyard from where the grapes were sourced. The Petite Fleur blend of 52% Malbec, 33% Merlot, 5% Syrah, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon pays homage to Marcelo's Bordeaux influences, without sacrificing the essence of Mendoza. And even the name Petite Fleur has a musical connection - Marcelo told me that it was inspired by the song of the same name by jazz musician Sidney Bechet.
My conversation with Marcelo reminded me that even in tough times, wine and music can lift our spirits. Pour a glass, play some tunes, and count your blessings. And rock out when the mood hits you!
