It’s been too long since we last visited Argentina and tried some of their other wines besides Malbec, so we’re fixing that by covering Mascota Vineyards. When it comes to 20th century American music, few composers have entranced listeners more than George Gershwin in pop, jazz and classical works. Then we’ll look at more musicals on film. And remember, Memorial Day weekend also comes with wine festivals. All this on Salon Saturday.
Argentina: It’s not just Malbec
The first thing most wine drinkers recall of Argentinean wines is the wine growing region of Mendoza and the Malbec grape. However there are many other great wines from Argentina and other wine growing areas besides Mendoza, so we’re here to provide balance.
Argentina is the fifth largest producer of wine in the world and the largest in South America. Argentine wine, and some elements of Argentine cuisine, has its roots in Spain. During the Spanish colonization of the Americas, vine cuttings were brought to Santiago del Estero in 1557, and the cultivation of the grape and wine production stretched first to neighboring regions, and then to other parts of the country.
Argentina History
In 1556 father Juan Cedrón established the first vineyard in Argentina when cuttings from the Chilean Central Valley were brought to what is now the San Juan and Mendoza wine region. During this time construction began on a complex irrigation system of channels and dams that would bring water down from the melting glaciers of the Andes to sustain vineyards and agriculture.
Most wine was consumed locally, but seeking export revenue, quality was carefully nurtured. The French brought cuttings of Malbec in the 19th century and the dry conditions and lack of insects, fungi, molds and other grape diseases allowed this and other grape cultivars to thrive. Organic wines are therefore easier to produce.
In the 1920s, Argentina was the eight richest nation with a strong wine market. The Great Depression and prohibition in the US severely hindered grape production, which saw a brief revival under Juan Petron. This declined during the military dictatorship of the 60s and 70s. In the 1980s there was a period of hyperinflation, running at up to 12,000% per year in 1989. Not even a wheelbarrow will hold that much loot.
Argentina focused on quality and the export market in the 1990s, assisted by winemakers from France, California and Australia who brought modern technical know-how for viticultural and winemaking techniques such as yield control, temperature control fermentation and the use of new oak barrels. By the end of the 90s Argentina was exporting 3.3 million gallons to the US alone.
Argentine wine regions:
Mendoza is the primary wine region with over 65% of the wine production. Many of its subregions are also recognized for their unique characteristics. Malbec is the principal grape here along with Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo. All of the regions except Patagonia are located in the slopes of the Andes, with elevations reaching over 7800 feet. The sub-regions of note include:
- Maipu/Lugan de Cuyo and Uco Valley are at the highest elevations producing wines with bracing acidity and age-ability. San Rafael region in further south
- San Juan north of Mendoza features Syrah, Cab. Franc and Malbec and 25% of total production
- La Rioja. Catamarca, Tucuman and Salta further north make the majority of Torrontés white wine; an aromatic and affordable wine.
- Patagonia wine region is the furthest south located around the town of Neuqué It’s making a name with its Pinot Noir that balance sweet fruit with herbal tea-like flavors.
Uco Valley
Valle de Uco is a viticultural region southwest of Mendoza, in Argentina. Situated along the Tunuyán River, the Uco Valley is widely considered one of the top wine regions in Mendoza, and all of Argentina. The annual average temperature is 57 °F and altitudes range from 3,000 to 3,900 ft above sea level.
The combination of high elevation, alluvial soils, irrigation sourced from the Andes Mountains, a long growing season with over 250 sunny days a year, little rain and vast temperature differences between day and night are all conducive to growing quality wine grapes.
Mascota Winery
La Mascota winery is located in Maipú, Mendoza province. The vineyards from which its grapes are sourced grow in the same district, in Luján de Cuyo, and in the Uco Valley.
Its vineyards are, on average, 30 years old, and the main varieties produced are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, and near the Mendoza River, the vineyard covers 247 acres, influenced by cool breezes of the Andes and the river that create a broad day-to-night temperature range. A classic diurnal shift to nurture quality grapes.
The winemaker: After a lifetime creating renowned wines, in 2005 Rodolfo “Opi” Sadler launched Mascota Vineyards, awarded by the IWSC in 2014 as the Argentine Winery of the Year. In 2016, his Cabernet Sauvignon was distinguished as the “best red wine in the world” at the prestigious Vinalies Internationales 2018 competition.
For your consideration: Unánime 2021 Chardonnay, 13.5% ABV, $18 to $20
From Mascota Vineyards, the Unánime brand is a new expression of their winemaking talents. I received this wine as a sample. Only 30% MLF and done sur lie to improve the varietal richness. While much of Argentina is very hot, the Uco Valley is an excellent place to make this wine. There have been numerous high scores for this Chardonnay.
I presented this wine at our monthly wine luncheon at the Albuquerque country club and got lots of thumbs up. We were sampling Chardonnay wines from France, Oregon and California as well so that’s an impressive showing.
Critic tasting note: “The most ambitious of the Mascota whites is the result of a selection of blocks in the Gualtallary zone, at an altitude of 1,300 meters in the Uco Valley. With 50% of the volume aged for six months in cement eggs and the other half in foudres, this has a range of aromas and delicious flavors of sweet, ripe white fruits, herbs, and flowers. The texture is creamy and marked by the ripeness of the fruit that manifests itself in deep and juicy flavors. The wine doesn’t lose its freshness, but is always focused on that succulent and enveloping character. This is the white you need for smoked trout.” – 93/100, Patricio Tapia – Descorchados:
Empire Wines: Enjoying the fresh breezes coming from nearby Andes, Mascota offers a round and delicious wine with aromas of lemon confit and tropical fruits on the attack. It also displays fragrances reminiscent of corn and brioche. Here’s a generous white to be served on grilled fish and poultry, as well as creamy pasta dishes.
For your consideration: Unánime 2018 Pinot Noir, 13.5% ABV, $25
From Mascota Vineyards, the Unánime brand is a new expression of their winemaking talents. I received this wine along with the 2021 Chardonnay to showcase Mascota’s new brand of wines and I’m a new fan. I love seeing Pinot Noir at the 3.0 to 3.5% alcohol level and without heavy extraction and alcohol that loses the delicacy of expression of this grape.
“A subtle, delicate pinot noir with sliced-strawberry and lemon aromas, following through to a medium body, fine tannins and a delicious finish. Drink and enjoy.” – James Suckling
James Suckling has been a fan of Mascota, scoring some of his Chardonnay wines 93-94 points.
My Experience
I enjoyed this wine with Lamburgers, I love pairing Pinot Noir with lamb dishes and these patties were laced with garlic and herbs de Provence and Basil-infused virgin olive oil, with basmati rice & peas (once I had these at my local Namaste restaurant, I couldn’t have it any other way) and salad, much from our own garden. It was neutral on the rice & peas, but did like the salad, even with dressing which is a plus as many reds only tolerate salad.
The initial taste before doing a double decant was dense with red fruit, almost jammy, but this smoothed out considerable after the double-decant. I’d recommend giving this Pinot a good hour to open up. The extraction is higher than a French-styled Pinot and contributed to the dense layer of fruit.
The tannins were dense as well but well-integrated into the wine providing a lush mouthfeel. I did not get any lavender in the nose or the tea-like aspect of some Pinot Noir wines, but this is a New World wine, making it closer to California than Burgundy. However, I did get some tea-like notes in mid-palate after it opened up.
Pairing with foods always interests me. Not all wine pairs well with food, which might seem odd, but try pairing a 15.5% Zinfandel with salmon. Did you notice that the salmon disappeared? This wine loved my lamb, and that made it my friend.
Summary: This is a very good New World Pinot Noir from the southern hemisphere. It can easily handle any beef or lamb dishes and this is a land that loves beef, remember. It has good balance, decent acidity and a complex array of red fruits.
I would disagree with Sucking about this being a subtle wine with sliced strawberry, unless the berries were immersed in dark rum. But that’s my take on it. One must realize that every palate is different and unique, which is what makes wine such a fascinating beverage and why I include other wine critic’s take on a wine. What I can say without reservation is that it’s a well made wine that will please many palates.
George Gershwin: An American Original
The opening strains of Rhapsody in Blue immediately evoke images of New York City during the 30s and 40s; so indelibly does the music associate with the city where George and Ira Gershwin labored and became successful. Songs that instantly became standards, which this team put together, are part of the Gershwin legacy. For George that includes piano concertos, orchestral works, operas and a very long list of musicals.
Background
George Gershwin; born Jacob Gershwine; September 26, 1898 – July 11, 1937) was an American composer and pianist whose compositions spanned popular, jazz and classical genres. He was of Russian (Ukraine) Jewish ancestry. Most of his life was in NYC with periods in Hollywood and Paris. His musical style was so unique that both Nadia Boulanger, a well-known conductor/teacher, and Maurice Ravel recognized this and refused to mentor him for fear they’d unduly influence his unique style.
It was not until he was ten did music first enticed him. This happened when his mother brought in a piano that was initially for brother Ira, but that George took to instantly; much to Ira’s relief. George began making money doing piano rolls, over 140 rolls over a span. Many were later recorded on disk long after his death.
He began his musical career as a song plugger in Tin Pan Alley in 1913 and later began recording piano rolls. His first published song was “When You Want ‘Em, You Can’t Get ‘Em, When You’ve Got ‘Em, You Don’t Want ‘Em” in 1916. It earned the 17-year-old 50 cents. A princely sum!
His first work on Broadway was George White Scandals (1920-1924). During this period he wrote his first one-act Opera, Blue Monday (1922), which is considered the first work of symphonic jazz. But it was in 1924 when he composed Rhapsody in Blue for piano and orchestra that his legend began.
Broadway Musicals
Beginning with the George White Scandals, George and Ira worked on 14 musicals, basically more than one per year until 1933. Many of the great Gershwin song standards came from these musicals.
- Lady Be Good (1924): Fred & Adele Astaire, Lady Be Good & Fascinating Rhythm
- Oh Kay (1926): Someone To Watch Over Me (Kay Swift and George had a 10-year affair)
- Funny Face (1927): S’ Wonderful & He Loves and She Loves
- Treasure Girl (1928): I’ve Got a Crush On You
- Show Girl (1929): All the Clouds’ll Roll Away and a ballet number of An American in Paris
Girl Crazy (1930): Fred’s new dance partner, Ginger Rodgers became an instant star. Songs included Biding My Time, Embraceable You, I Got Rhythm, and But Not For Me. That’s hitting it out of the ballpark if you ask me.
Classical Repertoire
- Rhapsody in Blue for piano and orchestra (1924)
- Concerto in F for piano and orchestra (1925)
- An American in Paris for orchestra (1928)
- Second Rhapsody for piano and orchestra (1931), originally titled Rhapsody in Rivets
- Cuban Overture for orchestra (1932), originally entitled Rumba
- Variations on “I Got Rhythm” for piano and orchestra (1934)
- Shall We Dance (1937), a movie score feature-length ballet for Fred & Ginger
Solo piano
- Three Preludes (1926)
- George Gershwin’s Song-book (1932), solo piano arrangements of 18 songs
Porgy and Bess (1935)
Even before our current era many artists had issues with this opera in the way blacks were portrayed. Others appreciated the opportunity. Nonetheless the music itself was superb. Summertime, I Got Plenty o Nuttin’, My Man’s Gone Now, It Ain’t Necessarily So, Bess, You Is My Woman Now, Judgment Day and I Loves You Porgy have been performed by many artists. Complete jazz versions were done by Duke Ellington (1956) and Miles Davis (1958). Artists that have sung the roles include Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong, Sammy Davis Jr. & Carmen McRae, Harry Belafonte & Lena Horne and Ray Charles & Cleo Laine. Many different versions of the opera have been performed over the years.
Sadly he died at 38 of a brain tumor. Gershwin’s friends and admirers were shocked and devastated. John O’Hara remarked: “George Gershwin died on July 11, 1937, but I don’t have to believe it if I don’t want to.”
An American in Paris (Vincente Minnelli 1951)
Inspired by George Gershwin‘s 1928 composition of the same name, Vincente Minnelli‘s classic romantic musical stars Gene Kelly as an American ex-GI-turned-artist in a Parisian love triangle. An American in Paris won the Academy Award for Best Picture, it’s preserved in the Library of Congress and the American Film Institute named it the ninth best musical of all time.
The Best Musicals on Film: Part 2
For this list I’m not including the subgenre of animated musicals or the list would be too long. I previously covered musicals up to 1954 and ran out of time, so that’s where this list begins.
Musicals in 1960-1990 Broadway and Beyond
Into the mid-1950s musicals were all about glorious color and wide screen. Later plot lines included better characterizations and more serious topics. Here’s the ten best . . . possibly.
West Side Story (Robert Wise 1961)
Robert Wise’s electrifying musical of star-crossed love between rival street gangs is the most awarded musical in Oscar’s history (10 wins including Best Picture). The supporting stars Rita Moreno and George Chakiris steal all the thunder whenever they’re on screen. Bernstein’s music and Jerome Robbins’ choreography made this a timeless classic. Something’s Coming, Tonight, America and Somewhere were some of the songs.
My Fair Lady (George Cukor 1964)
George Cukor’s classic adaptation of the stage musical, starred Audrey Hepburn as a poor Cockney flower girl who becomes the project of an arrogant phonetics professor, played by Rex Harrison. Many were surprised Julie Andrews didn’t get the lead; Audrey does charm us if not with her voice; that was Marni Nixon. My Fair Lady holds up most of all thanks to iconic turns from its leads. Show Me, On the Street Where You Live, I could Have Danced All Night and I’ve Grown accustomed to Her Face.
A Hard Day’s Night (Richard Lester 1964)
Released at the zenith of Beatlemania, Richard Lester’s comedy explores 36 hours in the life of the rock band. Highly innovative and influential, inspiring everything from contemporary spy thrillers to innumerable music videos to—most explicitly—The Monkees’ visual media, A Hard Day’s Night was a massive hit of its time, and still a captivating, artistically remarkable watch.
The Sound of Music (Robert Wise 1965)
Robert Wise‘s musical epic remains a favorite of families everywhere and for many, an annual tradition. Julie Andrews is filmgoers’ favorite rebel, while Christopher Plummer is the widower with a broken wing, who eventually succumbs to her charms. This widescreen wonder’s heartbeat and most haunting moment is their duet, Something Good. The songs include the nun’s singing about Maria, Rolfe and Liesl doing Sixteen Going on Seventeen in a gazebo, My Favorite Things, the iconic The Sound of Music, the lovely guitar rendition of Edelweiss and Mother Abbess imploring Maria to Climb Ev’ry Mountain.
Funny Girl (William Wyler 1968)
Hello, gorgeous. Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand) is a timeless vibe in William Wyler’s biographical dramedy. In one of the most iconic moments in Oscar’s history, Streisand tied Katharine Hepburn (The Lion in Winter) for Best Actress; her speech charmed the socks off audiences worldwide and cemented her status as a megastar. And way bigger than Fanny Brice. Don’t Rain on My Parade, Funny Girl and People sold me.
Oliver! (Carol Reed 1968)
Released in a watershed era for Hollywood alongside more artistically ambitious, risky New Hollywood films, Carol Reed’s handsome, well-performed take on the stage musical from Dickens’ novel was a safe, not entirely unworthy choice for the Academy, winning six Oscars including Best Picture. Where is love, Consider yourself, I’ll do Anything and As Long As He Needs Me.
Fiddler on the Roof (Norman Jewison 1971)
Topol is iconic in Norman Jewison’s successful adaptation of one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history—as poor Jewish milkman Tevye is struggling to uphold tradition while raising five daughters in the village of Anatevka. No that is not possible, not even with Jewish daughters. Nominated for eight Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor. Just in the first act we have Tradition, Matchmaker, Matchmaker, If I Were a Rich Man, Miracle of Miracles and the haunting Sunrise, Sunset. Tell me you wouldn’t’ be rooted to your seat for the second act!
Cabaret (Bob Fosse 1972)
Of all the films on this list, Cabaret might be the one that’s aging the best. Bob Fosse‘s grounded, yet electrifying period musical holds the record for most Oscar wins for a film that didn’t win Best Picture, released the same year as The Godfather. Time has been very good to Cabaret, a historical snapshot of a place where darkness and fear are sinking their talons far and wide… and where sometimes sad hookers sing beautiful songs. Among the eight Academy Awards Cabaret racked up were Best Actress honors for a luminous Liza Minelli, Best Supporting Actor for a haunting, comic Joel Grey. Everyone is invited in Willkommen, Maybe Next Time and Cabaret with Liza in top form.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Richard O’Brien 1975)
Still going strong in limited theaters after nearly five decades, 20th Century Fox’s sweetly bizarre and affably raunchy spectacular thrives on a larger-than-life Tim Curry as Dr. Frank N. Furter, and catchy pop songs. Richard O’Brien‘s iconic musical tribute to ’50s schlock is both a toe-tapping musical and an immortal, generations-spanning ode to sexual discovery. This is the longest-running film in history, the ultimate cult classic. And you do know how to do the Time Warp, right?
All That Jazz (Bob Fosse 1979)
A year after doing Jaws 2, Roy Scheider gave the performance of his career in Bob Fosse‘s semi-autobiographical drama, primarily inspired by a chunk of his career where he was simultaneously editing feature film Lenny and staging Chicago on Broadway. Nominated for nine Oscars including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Scheider. All That Jazz and On Broadway are iconic.
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