Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/142283
"We're still a work in progress," explains Cuvelier, family co-owner who serves as the winery's Export Manager. "We feel that we haven't fully matured yet as a winery. But we also feel that we are on the right track." Granted, Cuvelier Los Andes is indeed in the spring of its existence— the winery did not have its first yield until 2003, and there are still 20 acres of land that need to be planted. But the winery's "newbie" status is belied by Cuvelier's continuation in Argentina of his family's longstanding passion for creating the perfect expression of grapes through patience, determination and savoir-faire. Even though Cuvelier is modest about the winery he oversees, his lineage does provide him with a measure of confidence that may not be present in other young wineries. "When it comes to winemaking, it's never a question of what we want to do," Cuvelier says. "Rather, it's a matter of figuring out if we can do it. It's all about trial and error, about continual experimentation." This attitude has enabled Cuvelier to release outstanding wines that showcase the capabilities of Mendoza's exceptional terroir, from the annually changing Grand Vin blend to the statuesque Grand Malbec, as well as the other varietals and blends that make up the CLA Colección. It has also allowed him to express a sense of whimsy by creating 300 cases of a pressed rosé created entirely with Malbec grapes. While the label displays Cuvelier's lighter side, it does carry a serious undertone. "We didn't want to make a rosé just for the sake of creating one, especially since we feel it can raise awareness of our label," he says. "It needed to be a state-of-the-art rosé, and we feel like this has been achieved." Ultimately, the story of Cuvelier Los Andes is about more than just growing a brand or even making tremendous wine; it's also about respecting the family's two centuries of viticultural passion and acumen. "I have lots of reverence for my family's history," Cuvelier says. "The legacy is not a burden by any means, but it does inspire me to try to do my best." O Baby: Meet Adrian Migliore of L.A.'s Red O Adrian Migliore had a challenge. As General Manager of Red O in Los Angeles, he needed to select wines that would prove equal to the cuisine of Rick Bayless, the celebrity chef and Mexican food impresario who founded the eatery. However, the wines of Cuvelier Los Andes made this an easier endeavor than anticipated. "Bayless loves these wines, Migliore explains. " "The first time he tried the Colección Malbec, he said that it could pair with every item on the menu. " This stellar endorsement has inspired Migliore to encourage wine pairings with some of Red O's star dishes, such as the Grand Vin coupled with carne asada served with roasted tomato salsa. "We have a lot of people who come in ready to order Margaritas, he says. "It's great " to show those guests how pairing wine with our food can result in an excellent experience. —R. M. " Baptiste Cuvelier, co-owner and Export Manager of Cuvelier Los Andes, and Adrian Migliore, General Manager of Red O in Los Angeles. Cuvelier Los Andes wines are distributed exclusively by Hillside Wines & Spirits in South California and Regency Wines Nevada in Las Vegas. july 2013 / the tasting panel / 113 TP0713_100-148.indd 113 6/24/13 6:03 PM