Bodegas Santa Ana: A Taste of Classic New World Wines at Sofitel

Experience and innovation. And for more than 120 years, Bodegas Santa Ana nurtured these cornerstone values in producing world class wines. One of the first and pioneering wineries established in Argentina, Bodegas Santa Ana remains the undisputed market leader in the Argentine market, with a growing presence in over fifty countries worldwide.  

And for one special evening, Bodegas Santa Ana's Chief Winemaker, Rodolfo "Opi" Sadler, introduces his classic new world wines in a special wine pairing and tasting at Softel's Spiral.

In the exclusive glass-enclosed veranda of Sofitel's Spiral, wine glasses are carefully prepared and set up for the evening's special wine tasting. The fading light from the late afternoon sun transforms into a golden amber glow, providing a dramatic backdrop to Rodolfo "Opi" Sadler's classic wines.

The wines of La Mascota have been developed to honor the visionary founders of Bodegas Santa Ana, while the Opi label reflects master winemaker Rodolfo "Opi" Sadler's passion and mastery of his craft, a culmination of over thirty years of experience in the wine industry.

A glass of Opi Chardonnay begins my wine journey to Bodegas Santa Ana's rich heritage and Rodolfo "Opi" Sadler's winemaking mastery. A bright golden hue with both sweet and mildly spicy aromas and a distinct fruity note greets you on your initial sip. Balanced and classic notes, and a perfect introduction to Opi's fine line of wines.

Sofitel's Spiral then serves a selection of appetizers, with sweet, salty and savory notes in bite-sized morsels that pair perfectly with the classic Opi Chardonnay.

Next, a glass of Opi Cabernet Sauvignon, a deep, full-bodied red with a medley of intense flavors, with subtle hints of smoky red peppers and dark chocolate. The rich and bold notes are accentuated by a raspberry like aroma, with a refreshing and flavorful finish.

Sofitel's Spiral pairs the rich and bold flavored Opi Cabernet Sauvignon with its Pan-Seared Seabass with Chorizo Marmalade, Warm Chickpea & Arugula Salad, with the delicate flavors of the sea bass contrasting with the sharp notes of the chorizo marmalade. Soft and tender, almost like butter, the pan-seared sea bass just melts in your mouth, while another sip of Opi Cabernet Sauvignon leaves a lingering fruity taste in the mouth. 

Then, we sample the Opi Malbec, an equally rich and bold flavored red with hints of sweet berries and vanilla. Elegantly smooth, the Opi Malbec has a refined yet flavorful grace, classic flavors that capture Rodolfo "Opi" Sadler's dedication to his art.

Sofitel's Spiral pairs the classic Opi Malbec with Braised Beef Pimenton on Creamy Polenta and Grilled Vegetables. The smoky and sweet pimenton complement the tender and juicy beef, balanced flavors perfectly capped by the Opi Malbec. 

A platter of assorted cheeses and cured meats from Sofitel's Cheese Room is then paired with a glass of Gran Mascota Malbec. Elegant, refined, with deep, bold notes pair well with the assorted cheeses, with the Gran Mascota Malbec's subtle sweetness tempering the richness of the cheese and savory cured meats. 

An elegantly plated Dulce de Leche on sweet jackfruit paired with a crisp La Mascota Chardonnay caps the evening. Light, crisp notes of apple and vanilla cut through the sweetness of the creamy dulce de leche for contrasting yet balanced flavors.

Classic new world wines and a winemaker's dedication to his art, Bodegas Santa Ana's impressive wines from Argentina are available at Titania Wine Cellar (for more information, check out Titania Wine Cellar's FB page here at https://www.facebook.com/titaniawines). And to end the night, I get Rodolfo "Opi" Sadler to sign my own bottle...cool.

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