Sommelier’s pick
Who: Enrique Varela, wine director at Tango & Malbec Steakhouse. Industry veteran Varela moved to Houston from Santa Rosa, Calif., seven years ago and has been part of the restaurant’s team since Day 1. He took over as wine director in January 2017.
What: 2014 Pascual Toso Alta Barrancas Vineyard Malbec
Why: Toso’s winery is in Maipú in Argentina’s Mendoza highlands. “Las Barrancas,” which means “small canyon,” covers about 1,000 acres at 2,200 feet of elevation. “The grapes, from 60-year-old vines, are hand-picked using small baskets,” Varela says. “The vineyard is carefully managed in order to maximize the grapes’ best potential. They undergo cold maceration for 48 hours before fermentation, then are taken to stainless-steel tanks, where maceration lasts 15 to 20 days. The wine is softly filtered before being bottled, and aging in new French oak barrels follows for 14 months. Upon bottling, it remains in temperature-controlled conditions for another six months prior to release. The wine presents slight hints of violet. It has a fruity nose and evokes blackberries, spices and tobacco. It pairs very well with our uniquely grilled steaks. With its combination of bold flavors and soft tannins, it will appeal to basically anyone who enjoys red wine.”
Price: $92 for a bottle at Tango & Malbec, 2800 Sage, Suite A-100