Daniel Pi, Chief Winemaker, Trapiche
image courtesy of Trapiche
Whenever someone asks what sparked my interest in wine and led me on my current path as a chronicler and enthusiastic student of fermented grapes, I confess that I struggle to offer a short and simple answer. Like many of us, a collection of past experiences shaped my current reality. But if I have to pinpoint one moment that gave me a firm push towards wine, it was meeting winemaker Daniel Pi of Trapiche in 2009.
That fateful day marked the first time I sat with a winemaker and tasted wines they had created. I was captivated as I listened to Daniel speak passionately about Trapiche's vineyards in Mendoza (Argentina), the influence of the Andes on the Malbec grapes, and how barrels shape the flavor profile of the wines. At that moment, I realized how much I didn't know about wine, and I left that meeting with Daniel, inspired to learn more.
It's hard to believe that eleven years have passed since that meeting, but a few months ago, I finally had the chance to tell Daniel the impact he had made in my life. Trapiche's USA-based public relations agency reconnected us for a tasting over Zoom. Founded in 1883, Trapiche is a household name in Argentina, and Daniel has been their chief winemaker for almost 18 years. Yes, he's a big deal, but Daniel was as down-to-earth and engaging as I remembered.image courtesy of Trapiche
During our conversation, we tasted two of Trapiche's single-vineyard Malbec wines -- Finca Coletto 2017 and Finca Ambrosia 2017. Created to honor Trapiche's grape growers, these special bottles retail for about $50 each. The Coletto and Ambrosia vineyards are only five miles apart, but because of differences in soil types and micro-climates, the grapes produce two very different expressions of Malbec.
The Malbec vines for Coletto are about 50 years old. Juicy with soft tannins and a hint of spice, Daniel recommends Coletto as a great match with pasta.
The Malbec vines for Ambrosia were planted about 18 years ago. More mineral and chalky with a hint of herbs, this Malbec pairs perfectly with a juicy steak.
For people who mistakenly think that Malbec is a one-dimensional wine, these terroir-driven wines are important reminders of Malbec's capacity for many different expressions. Daniel says that when people ask him what's next for Argentina after Malbec, he says, "More Malbec!"
Trapiche will always be a sentimental favorite, but there's a reason why they are one of Argentina's most esteemed producers -- they make great wine! If you want to better understand the full range of Malbec, Trapiche's extensive portfolio features well-crafted wines in a range of styles and price points. And I look forward to the day that I can visit their winery in Mendoza and share a bottle of Trapiche Malbec with Daniel.
