Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
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NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 30 MAY 2018 to leave a legacy for future generations, which include daughter Antonella and son Nicolás. ey strive to make wines of value that express terroir—the marriage of climate, geography, and the individual intentions of a winemaker to make wines that speak truthfully of their place. Proemio means "prologue" in Medieval Spanish, which kick-starts a book or play, and that was Marcelo and Patricia's mission, to jump-start Argentina's potential for making wines of exceptional quality. Protected by the Andes Mountains, whose spring melt-off provides necessary irriga- tion to the vineyards, Mendoza is Argentina's largest wine-growing region, home to some of the highest altitude vineyards in the world. Because the growing season is long, hot, and arid, the high altitude is a saving grace, as is the cool air from the mountains, which helps the grapes retain the acidity necessary for structure. Proemio's vineyards are located in the top subregions in Mendoza, within three estates: the Russell Estate in Maipú, the Per- driel Estate in Luján de Cuyo, and the Paraje El Cepillo Estate in Uco Valley. Once known mostly for bulk wine produc- tion, the Region has trended toward upgrades facilities and modernize winemaking. "e key," Bocardo says, "is honoring tradi- tion, family lineage. Modern facilities cannot create soul. Making wine, you need time, and patience; it cannot be rushed. My grandfather and father started with only three hectares. ey grew grapes, and sold them for bulk. It was business. But I saw how deeply they cared for their vines, their grapes, the care they took at harvest. It hurt them to sell the grapes, I could see. I was 12; I watched in silence. I wanted to ask why, but I remained silent. ey taught me by doing, and I learned by watching. I learned patience." Bocardo speaks softly, rhythmically, and / E AT+ D R I N K / with him we time travel to the foot of the Andes Mountains, where harvest is actually under way. We imagine staring up at the mag- nitude of power from that mountain range, its beauty gazing down upon us, the purity in the air, the sun on our backs, the warm grapes at perfect ripeness in the palms of our hands. Lunch was prepared to pair with the wines. Chef Anthony Caturano of the North End's Prezza and Gloucester's Tonno prepared several wonderful dishes, starting with grilled quail and lentils. With that we explored a soft and supple 2017 Terroir Blend of Malbec, Ca- bernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, alongside a velvety 2015 blend of Syrah and Garnacha. With braised beef and gnocchi, we sampled a seductive Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a smokey and textured Petit Verdot. With truffled pecorino and tallegio, we tasted a stately and complex 2013 Grand Reserva Win- emaker's Selection blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Garnacha. Bocardo raised his glass. Our afternoon was winding down. "I want to offer you a taste of my 2011 Icon Barrel Selection, a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot, from my oldest vineyards in Maipú, to thank you for coming." It was a perfect wine with which to finish. We had slowed our pace, and captured the muse. "The key is honoring tradition, family lineage. Modern facilities cannot create soul. Making wine, you need time, and patience; it cannot be rushed." PROEMIO WINES CAN BE AT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS C E N T E R B E V E R A G E Stoneham B R A D F O R D L I Q U O R S Haverhill H A R R I G A N C O R K & C A S K Beverly K A P P Y ' S Peabody, Danvers, Medford, Malden L I Q U O R C A B I N E T Burlington L I Q U O R J U N C T I O N Reading W E S T N E W B U R Y F O O D S West Newbury I D Y L W I L D E F A R M S Acton IN THE KNOW