From Argentina With Love: Discovering Solo Contigo Wines
“Only with you” is the name of this adventure that blends a Canadian couple’s passion for Argentina and wine.
It’s hard not to fall in love with Argentina’s wine country. Imagine sipping a glass of Malbec while gazing at the snowed Andes mountains in the Cuyo region after a horse-ride through the vines. Picture yourself tasting a refreshing Torrontés surrounded by the colorful hills in Jujuy or Salta at siesta-time. What about ending the day enjoying a glass of Pinot Noir near a fireplace listening to the wind under a billion glowing stars in Patagonia? Isn’t this love at first sip?
Noel and Terry Neelands fell madly in love with Argentina during a trip to the country’s wine region. Then, they did what any of us would do… they built a winery!
While not all of us are so fortunate, their efforts have allowed us to savor exquisite, romantically named wines and visit a beautiful Uco Valley winery.
THE WINERY
Built by the Bormida and Yanzon Architectural Firms, the Solo Contigo winery is surrounded by vines. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer visitors a beautiful view of the Andes. The architects created an interior that evokes the comforting warmth of a home. Guests feel as though they’ve been invited to a friend’s house, welcome to relax in the tasting room or enjoy a bottle on the patio.
As the owners love art, exhibitions are held in a room just before the entrance to the fermentation area.
Underground you’ll find a lovely cellar. Low-hanging chandeliers and a long handcrafted wood table for tastings in a glass enclosed area make the perfect spot for an intimate date with your loved one or with the wines that you love!
THE WINES
The Neelands started producing only high-end malbec and then extended their wines to include Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontés, Chardonnay, and blends of Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Grapes are sourced from Chacayes Geographical Indication in the Uco Valley. Chacayes features poor soils that consists mainly of alluvial gravel and is located at 3,800 feet. A great terroir that is now home to iconic wines.
The couple mainly export to the U.S and Canada so you can easily find Solo Contigo wines at your favorite wine shops.
At the moment the winery produces 5 wines (their names make these wines a great gift for Valentine’s Day!): Primera Amante (first lover), Affaire, Colección, Develado (Unveiled), La Casa de las Musas (The house of the Muses).
The last two were recently introduced to the market last year so they might not be available at the U.S, yet. Just another excuse to visit the winery and taste them!
