The SOMM Journal

August / September 2018

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60 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 A Century of Excellence In 1883, as phylloxera devastated Euro- pean vineyards, Trapiche was founded in the heart of Mendoza. In those early days, Argentinian viticulture and winemaking were deeply transformed as rail transpor - tation finally reached the region, enabling the delivery of thousands of gallons of wine to the rest of the country. Built next to the railway line so wine barrels could be easily loaded into wagons, Trapiche became the first winery in Argentina with its own train station. In addition to helping establish Mendoza as a winemaking region, Trapiche created a new standard for quality in the area. Facing competition from imported European wines, the winery's leaders traveled to France to study winemaking techniques and styles; they ultimately gravitated to - ward Bordeaux, an inspiration that spurred the launch of numerous Trapiche wines crafted from French grape varieties in a powerful yet dignified style throughout the 20th century. "I feel like I found a total gem in Trapiche," says Katie Lasley, Wine Captain at Portland's El Gaucho, which has been a longtime supporter of the winery's releases. "If I can share the winery's award- winning history with a guest who doesn't already have Trapiche on their radar, that's the goal." In 1983, after 100 years of progress and innovation, Trapiche felt its century's worth of successful business warranted celebra - tion. As the winery planned to launch a new wine for its centennial, it encouraged local artists to submit designs for its brand and label. Victor Grippo, a painter, engraver, and sculptor from Buenos Aires, selected a bronze medallion to commemorate Trapi- che's century of excellence, thus informing the name of Argentina's first premium wine: Medalla. Katie Lasley, Wine Captain at El Gaucho in Portland, OR.

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