Argentine Wine, Laura Catena, 2011

Catena, the scion of a long time wine making family in the Uco Valley (and Harvard BA and Stanford MD educated Emergency Room doctor) writes a love letter to her region’s wines. From Salta in the north to Neuquen and Patagonia in the south, Argentina produces superb wines, especially Medoza’s Malbec and Torrontes. The dry climate and wide range in daytime and nighttime temperatures plus the high altitude and rocky soil produces the classic Malbec.  Catena praises her ancestors who came from Italy as well as the current roster of outstanding wine growers and makers.  Superb photographs accompany a readable and interesting text.