From the monthly archives:

November 2008

In the Middle

2008.Nov.10 Monday

 The Federal Republic of Central America, also known as the United Provinces of Central America, was a short-lived state in Central America, which consisted of the territories of the former Captaincy General of Guatemala. An experiment in republican democracy, it existed from July 1823 to 1840. It was intended to be a federal republic modeled [...]

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Three for Brunch?

2008.Nov.08 Saturday

 There may be some perfectly nice people who use the word ‘brunch’ but I prefer not to know them.” – Heywood Brown, author Perdriel, Argentina – Up bright and early after, once again, only a few hours sleep – but managed to get down to the hotel’s cafe and make my way through a cup [...]

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A Foursome Before Dinner

2008.Nov.08 Saturday

 When nature exceeds culture, we have the rustic. When culture exceeds nature then we the pedant.” Confucius, philosopher Maipú, Argentina – Returning to the hotel at a reasonable hour around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. from our steady tasting and lunching, John and I decided to venture out for a stroll around Plaza Independencía, the central [...]

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Lunch-in Three

2008.Nov.07 Friday

 I go by the theory of reciprocity – if we are accommodating to our customers, they will give us something back in return.” – Michael Egan, CEO Luján de Cuyo, Argentina – I’m going to try to shorten up these posts a little – I’d like to get back onto food and catch up to [...]

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Five in the Foothills

2008.Nov.05 Wednesday

 The Argentine industry was focused exclusively on the internal market and when I arrived to the country it only exported bulk wine. In the 90’s, everything changed. Argentina had to modify its wine-making style in order to grow exports, because what they were making for the local market was not what the rest of the [...]

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Followed by a Mendoza Quartet

2008.Nov.04 Tuesday

 Nobody ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American public.” – H.L. Mencken, writer Mendoza, Argentina – It seemed to be the question on everyone’s lips, along with a voiced answer from many. “What do Americans think of Argentine wines?” The U.S. market has become so important to the Argentine wine world that it [...]

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San Rafael Trio

2008.Nov.02 Sunday

 My family purchased vineyards in Napa Valley over 35 years ago, and I have been making wine for almost 25 years, with over 30 harvests under my belt. I was fortunate to make my own wines at Robert Pepi Winery with my father until the winery was sold in 1994. Since 1996 I have been [...]

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