Connected to some fabulous local food bloggers who stumbled across Famiglia Meschini’s Malbec at our beloved Cafe Maude. 
http://www.garnishwithlemon.com/2012/10/26/house-wine/
Famiglia Meschini Makes it as House Wine
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Bad vintages can lead you to a good place… Or how the Famiglia Expanded
The rare summer rains of 2011 in Mendoza were not favorable to our Sauvignon Blanc grape which grows best in the dry dessert of Mendoza. Eugenio and I were worried, quite worried. Some would say by coincidence or maybe divine providence, Eugenio reconnected a friendship from his youth with Rodolfo Zorich, a Chilean whom Eugenio had met eons ago during his youth during annual family vacations on the Chilean coast.
Roldofo knows his way around Chilean wines and the country’s amazing terroir, filled with verdant valleys and peaks. Through him we were fortunate enough to connect with some absolutely gorgeous vineyards making spectacular wines.
The first was in Chile’s lush Casablanca Valley. Just 22 miles from a sea, this fertile valley known for its cool morning fog and frequent ground cover is a cool microclimate ideal for Sauvignon Blanc. But would we love the Sauvignon Blanc from Chile as much as the original from our vineyard in Argentina? It took one taste. And thus the 2011 Famiglia Meschini Sauvignon Blanc was born. Adopted from Chile, but loved the same as our own – from its peachy nose with fresh herbs and citrus to its crisp long finish. We were dazzled and think you will be too.
And, as one more addition to our family was not enough…. (we like big families)
We are now producing Pinot Noir! Hailing from the Casablanca Valley of Chile, it has enticing aromas of black cherry and a seductive full-flavored, round mouth. This Pinot won us over hands down. We joined forces with another Chilean winery to produce this beauty and are excited to bring you this new wine.
Next, we were led to the Colchagua Valley where we were smitten, and who can blame us. Here we found the perfect Carmenere grapes that produced an earthy, cocoa nose. We blended it with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon to create a smooth finish that will have you reaching for another glass. It has a brilliant crimson color, one that will soon match the beautiful fall leaves here in Minnesota that will be moving us into a chillier season. (We try not to think of it as winter here at Meschinis!)
Simply put, there is always enough love to go around – Eugenio and I fell so in love with these wines that we had to call them our own. Help us welcome the newest members of the Famiglia. Give them a try and drop us your thoughts – Teresa@FamigliaMeschini.com
From our family to yours – Salut!
Diner Blanc
The Chardonnay for those who aren’t really into it.
FAMILIGIA MESCHINI PREMIUM UNOAKED CHARDONNAY, 2011, MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
Sat, 06/02/2012 – 12:52 by Amanda Paa
So often when I’m trying to guide a customer in the right direction when picking a wine I hear, “I’m definitely not a Chardonnay drinker!” To me, it’s like music to my ears because I am very confident I can change their minds by introducing them to this unique and vibrant Unoaked Chardonnay from Familigia Meschini. This wine (and the entire line) is made with such amazing passion and care by the owners of this vineyard, Eugenio and Teresa Meschini. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet the couple who reside right here in South Minneapolis and hear their “wine story”! It is unlike any other Chardonnay I have had, in a good way, a really good way. On the nose it’s tropical and fruit forward with hints of mouthwatering honeydew, and granny smith apples instead of all oak and butter. Fermented in all stainless steel barrels and never touching a smidgen of oak, this Chardonnay is refreshing and medium bodied with a slightly crisp finish. When talking to Eugenio, his goal in creating this wine was to really let the best expressions of the grape shine through, not the oak (which is what turns so many off), and I think he’s nailed it. Perfect for summer sippin’ on the patio as well as paired with some grilled Halibut or maybe shrimp kebabs and a light salad!
Memorial Day Meant for Torrontes and Spicy Shrimp
Memorial Day is the kick-off to Summer Entertaining and I can’t think of a better way to start the season than with a bottle of Famiglia Meschini Torrontes. It tickles your tongue - that’s seriously the best way to describe it! It’s love at first bubble with enticing aromas of peach, flowers & apricot. It’s a great wine to drink all by itself and pairs exceptionally well with spicy foods.
I’m excited to pair this amazing Torrontes with one of my favorite spicy shrimp recipes; Spicy Shrimp with Ginger & Garlic French Green Beans. It’s such a yummy combination, perfect for my Memorial Day gathering!
Spicy Shrimp with Ginger & Garlic French Beans:
Serves 4 recipe adapted from a Fine Cooking Magazine
- 1 lb. shrimp (20-24/lb), peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup Mirin (sweetened rice wine)
- 2 Tblsp. soy sauce
- 1 large scallion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (add more to your taste)
- 2 Tblsp. untoasted Asian sesame oil
- 2 tsp. garlic, minced
- 2 tsp. minced fresh ginger
- 1/2 pound French green beans
Directions: In a medium glass bowl, combine the shrimp, mirin, soy sauce, scallion, and red pepper flakes. Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Heat a large skillet over med-high heat. Add the sesame oil and then the garlic and ginger, stirring until the garlic begins to turn color, about 10 seconds. Add the green beans and stir quickly to coat with the garlic and ginger. Continue to cook until the beans start to turn a bright green color, about 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and the marinade. Cook, stirring constantly, until the juices have reduced and thickened slightly and the shrimp are pink – an additional 3-4 minutes. Place on a large platter. I serve this with a warmed baguette – to soak up all the yummy, spicy sauce! Enjoy!
Sometimes all you need is a cheeseburger, fries and a…. Cab.
Savvy Wine Lush, Gushes over Famiglia Meschini Cabernet with a Cheeseburger.
FAMIGLIA MESCHINI CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA
Cost: Average price $14
Where buy now: Byerly’s Ridgedale, Solo Vino, Sorella Wines & Spirits, South Lyndale Liquors, Swirl Wine Bar, Thomas Liquors
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Vintage: 2008
Famiglia Meschini Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva
Sometimes all you need is a cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. What if I told you you could swap that Coca-Cola for a Cabernet?
This week’s pic is an homage to steak and cab, but in a good, down home kinda way. I was recently up in the Cloquet area, about two hours north on Hwy 35, and home to the “World’s only Frank Lloyd Wright designed gas station!” (Yawn) My in-laws live up there and many years ago, they introduced me to a hamburger joint that’s been around since 1960: Gordy’s Hi-Hat.
Gordy’s food is a real treat, and since it is only open Spring through Fall, it has become a righteous annual rite. The place doesn’t look like it’s been touched for decades, just the way I like it. Phenomenal hand-pattied burgers, crispy fries, amazing Wild Alaskan Cod fish sandwiches (don’t get me started about the malts and shakes!). When I go, I usually throw all caution to the wind and get a double cheeseburger w/ fried onions. This trip, I only got a single. To go. Boy, that was stupid.
Since we ate a late brunch, it was time already to head back to “Da Cities”. But we HAD to make a stop at Gordy’s, so I got a cheeseburger to go. That puppy made it all the way back to town. As we were driving, I could smell nothing but the greasy goodness that was an all-beef patty, fried onions, cheese and melty condiments. You know what I smelled? I smelled America, folks, and it couldn’t have smelled any sweeter.
Once home, I raced to unpack the car. For the entire ride, I had one wine in mind to have with my delicious spoils. Famiglia Meschini Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva.
Why pair a smooth Cab with a greasy burger? Because it’s brilliant.
Years ago while on a business trip, I ate dinner at a hoity-toity Chicago steakhouse called Gibson’s. I dined with the president & CEO and a writer from the Boston Globe. I was really young and wanting to do the “right” thing. But on that night, I just didn’t crave steak tartare or a filet. I needed a cheeseburger and fries. So, that’s what I ordered. The Boston Globe writer said, “You know what, that sounds good,” and she had the same. Sometimes, right is just right. Nowadays, I typically choose to drink a Cab alongside a good burger. It’s nostalgic for me.
Oh yes, the wine. Silly me. I’ve waxed poetic about Famiglia Meschini in a previous review. http://www.thesavvylush.com/white-wine-of-the-week-|-white-wine-reviews/famiglia-meschini-premium-white-blend.html
I just love that they are doing this as organic as possible. Making wines they like, importing and selling it all themselves. Again, this equals savings to you and me! The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva is a triumph. Upon opening the bottle, scents of black cherry, oak and history come pouring out. This Cab isn’t super dense or thick, it’s just lovely. It has the usual characteristics of a Cab: bold, dark cherry fruit, slight oak presence and full bodied. And, at a price of around $13.99, it’s even more wonderful. If you’re a fan of Cab’s and enjoy the likes of J.Lohr or Liberty School, I implore you to give this one a try.
Red wine, red meat-damn son, let’s eat!
Book Clubs and Wine – can’t have one without the other.
Sometimes it’s the book that you are just dying to dissect, discuss and debate. But, if you are like me, it’s also about the friendships and the wine. So many people have declared Famiglia Meschini Torrontes as the ”perfect book club wine”. It’s light and fun and has just the right amount of bubbles. To good books and wine. Salud!
Nothing sweeter than this artwork.
Nothing sweeter than this artwork.
My kid’s school was studying Argentina for their annual “Carnaval” celebration and Famiglia Meschini made the hallway. What a great honor it was to see our crest. Thanks Kids!
Malbec-Syrah with Thin Mints… A match made in heaven.
Love my creative foodie friends.
Our foodie friend, DeeAnn McArdle of Unleash Your Inner Foodie just came up with the fabulous pairing of Famiglia Meschini Malbec-Syrah with Thin Mints.
The spice and red cherry notes of the malbec-syrah blend matched with those delectable chocolate peppermint delights.
Give it a try before those cookies disappear. You won’t be disappointed!
Melting March Snow
fast melting snow,
spring’s symphony warms up,
steady drip from the rooftop,
icicles giving way to their true nature,
robins know, long before us,
off in the distance, rebirth draws near
by don iannone