Virtual Malbec Marathon #1 – Familia Zuccardi With Export Manager Cecilia Carrasco and Trusted Expert Peter Smolarz
Date: Friday, April 16, 2021, 3 – 4 PM
Cost: $59.99
Grab those glasses for the first leg of Willow Park Wines & Spirits’ Malbec Marathon. Join export manager Cecilia Carrasco of Familia Zuccardi and trusted expert Peter Smolarz as they dive into the history of this exceptional family-owned winery. Founded in 1963 and located around several regions of Mendoza, the Zuccardi family is recognized for its local and international production of great wines. In this tasting, you’ll be guided through its top-tier Q selection of chardonnay, malbec and cabernet sauvignon. ¡Salud!
What’s included in the kit:
- Familia Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2020 (750ml)
- Familia Zuccardi Q Malbec 2018 (750ml): 93 points James Suckling
- Familia Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (750ml)
Virtual Malbec Marathon #2 – Bodega Norton With North America Export Manager Marcelo Soiza and Trusted Expert Michael Bigattini
Date: Friday, April 16, 2021, 5 – 6 PM
Cost: $54.49
Keep your pace steady as we trail into the historic site of Bodega Norton. Established in 1895, Norton has five vineyards spread across the foothills of the Andes Mountains. They strive off quality farming techniques, age-worthy vines, and spectacular surroundings. Did you know a large portion of the winery’s vineyard is planted with 80-year-old vines? How does that make the wine so special? Join export manager Marcelo Soiza and Trusted Expert Michael Bigattini to find out!
What’s included in the kit:
- Norton Barrel Select Malbec 2018 (750ml)
- Norton Malbec Reserve 2017 (750ml)
- Norton Privada Malbec 2017 (750ml): 95 Points James Suckling, 50 – 90-year-old vines
Virtual Malbec Marathon #3 – Susana Balbo Wines With Owner and Founder Susana Balbo and Trusted Expert Samantha Nelmes
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 12 – 1 PM
Cost: $83.99
Your stride must be looking pretty nice right about now! As you continue to warm up in the Malbec Marathon, let’s turn to the lovely estate of Susana Balbo Wines. Family-owned and run by women, the cutting-edge techniques aren’t the only thing that allows this winery to thrive. Being located at the Los Andes foothills in the town of Agrelo and in Mendoza Province peaks this team’s quality standards. Join owner and founder Susana Balbo and Trusted Expert Samantha Nelmes as they take you in the behind the scenes of this iconic vineyard site.
What’s included in the kit:
- Susana Balbo Torrontes 2019 (750ml)
- BenMarco Malbec (750ml): 93 Points James Suckling
- BenMarco Expresivo 2018 (750ml): 95 Points James Suckling
Virtual Malbec Marathon #4 – Bodega Escorihuela Gascón 1884 With Viticulturist/Brand Ambassador Celeste Pesce and Trusted Expert Alex Conne
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 1 – 2 PM
Cost: $89.99
Travel all the way up to Bodega Escorihuela Gascón, also known as one of the oldest wineries in the city of Mendoza! Join Bodega Escorihuela Gascón’s viticulturist and brand ambassador Celeste Pesce and Trusted Expert Alex Conne on a journey back to 1884. Their commitment to make wines that represent Argentina shines through in tonight’s class, while showcasing their classic elegance and intense character.
What’s included in the kit:
- Escorihuela 1884 Estate Syrah 2019 (750ml)
- Escorihuela 1884 Limited Malbec 2019 (750ml)
- DON Malbec 2018 (750ml)
Virtual Malbec Marathon #5 – Doña Paula With Vineyard Manager Martin Kaiser and Trusted Expert Samantha Nelmes
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 3 – 4 PM
Cost: $63.99
Keep up the speed! You’ve made it to the notable estate of Doña Paula, where you’ll find premium, terroir-focused wines that are a true expression of Argentina. Doña Paula is considered an estate winery as 100% of the grapes come from their own vineyards. Take your next step with vineyard manager Martin Kaiser and Trusted Expert Samantha Nelmes where you’ll discover unique soil types, mountain influences and one-of-a-kind flavour characteristics!
What’s included in the kit:
- Doña Paula Rosé Of Malbec 2020 (750ml)
- Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2018 (750ml): 90 Points Robert Parker
- Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec 2017 (750ml)
Virtual Malbec Marathon #6 – Zorzal Vineyards & Winery With Winemaker Juan Pablo Michelini and Trusted Expert Peter Smolarz
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021, 5 – 6 PM
Cost: $69.49
You’ve made it to the northernmost region of the Uco Valley where you’ll find the iconic Zorzal Vineyards & Winery. Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains and up to 1,600 meters above sea level, this high-altitude, cool-climate site showcases standout terroir-driven wines. Saddle up and join winemaker Juan Pablo Michelini and Trusted Expert Peter Smolarz as they share their knowledge of these highly acclaimed, elegant wines!
What’s included in the kit:
- Zorzal Eggo Tinto De Tiza 2017 (750ml): 94 Points Robert Parker
- Zorzal Gran Terroir Malbec 2018 (750ml): 93 Points James Suckling
- Zorzal Terroir Unico Malbec 2018 (750ml): 91 Points Robert Parker
Virtual Malbec Marathon #7 – Bodega Salentein With Co-Owner Bernard Pon and Trusted Expert Stephen Turik
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021, 12 – 1 PM
Cost: $52.49
A quick hop, skip and jump into the heart and soul of the Uco Valley is Bodegas Salentein! Nestled in the western horizon by the snow-tipped Andes Mountains, Bodega Salentein values nature and the life of its surrounding communities. Are you interested in learning about modern winemaking that combines wine, art and cuisine from the Uco Valley? Then join co-owner Bernard Pon and Trusted Expert Stephen Turik as they take you through the cellar of Salentein’s top-quality wines.
What’s included in the kit:
- Salentein Reserve Chardonnay 2019 (750ml)
- Salentein Reserve Malbec 2017 (750ml): 91 Points James Suckling
- Salentein Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018/2019 (750ml)
Virtual Malbec Marathon #8 – Bodega Catena Zapata With Export Director Marina Castillo and Trusted Expert Michael Bigattini
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021, 2 – 3 PM
Cost: $98.99
It’s the final push in the Malbec Marathon! We’re climbing — up 5,000 feet of elevation, to be exact — to Bodega Catena Zapata! Founded in 1902, Bodega Catena Zapata is known for its pioneering role in resurrecting malbec and in discovering extreme high-altitude terroirs. Join export director Marina Castillo and Trusted Expert Michael Bigattini as they share their passion for the wine dynasty of Argentina.
What’s included in the kit:
- Catena Alta Chardonnay 2018 (750ml): 92 Points James Suckling
- Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (750ml): 93 Points Robert Parker
- Catena Malbec Appellation Series Vista Flores 2018 (750ml)
Virtual Malbec Marathon #9 – Bodega Luigi Bosca With Head Winemaker Pablo Cuneo and Trusted Expert Kathryn Woods
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021, 3 – 4 PM
Cost: $67.49
It’s time to tango! You’ve made it to the last leg of the Malbec Marathon and we’re ending on a high note with the legendary Bodega Luigi Bosca. Head winemaker Pablo Cuneo and Trusted Expert Kathryn Woods will share the rich history, national culture and remarkable landscape of this reputable site. After 114 years, founder Leoncio Arizu’s legacy continues and the winery has now passed to the fourth generation to continue its unwavering innovation.
What’s included in the kit:
- Luigi Bosca Malbec 2018 (750ml): 92 Points James Suckling
- Luigi Bosca Malbec DOC 2018 (750ml)
- Luigi Bosca de Sangre 2018 (750ml)
For more information on all the Malbec Marathon events, visit willowpark.net.
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