Salud! Celebrating the National Day of the Argentine Republic and Malbec World Day

It all began that fateful day on April 17, 1853, when President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento of Argentina made it his personal mission to transform and revitalize Argentina's wine industry. One varietal adapted to Argentina's diverse terroir, Malbec, and decades later prominently positioned Argentina as one of the world's major oenological centers.

On April 17, over 75 cities will celebrate the flagship grape of Argentina on Malbec World Day, a grand affair that brings together wine lovers from around the world in a global tipple. The highly regarded varietal is synonymous with Argentina being the most cultivated variety with well over 43,000 hectares devoted to it, and more in the pipeline. In Manila, the Embassy of the Argentine Republic kicked off the celebrations for Malbec World Day coinciding it with the country's 209th Anniversary with sumptuous food and yes, endless bottles of wine...

Malbec World Day not only celebrates this world-renowned varietal, it also showcases the varied and diverse expressions, terroir and characteristics of Argentina's Malbec wine industry. The very best from Argentina's vineyards take centerstage, at Makati Shangri-La, Manila.

That day, the ballroom was decked with the national colors of the Argentine Republic. Makati Shangri-La, Manila's top chefs led by Executive Chef Nicola Canuti and Executive Chef de Cuisine Sebastian Barcudes, a native Argentine, ensured all the stations were ready for the grand feast.

Manila's leading wine suppliers displayed their finest Argentine wines...

...highlighting the different Malbec producing regions...

...reaffirming Argentina's pre-eminent position as one of the world's major wine producers. Each label represents one of many world-renowned Argentine vineyards with their world-class Malbec and other varietals.

And to think all this started that day back in 1853...

...followed by years of passion and dedication behind the varietal that placed Argentina on the world's wine map.

Each vineyard presents a unique expression of the varietal, adding their own unique character based on the region and terroir of the label. A sip of the different wine labels reveal layers of the varietal's complex character as well as the Argentine winemaker's passion. They say the best way to experience any local culture is to explore their culinary heritage. In Argentina, add a good local Malbec to a sumptuous meal for a truly immersive experience. 

An annual global initiative with the objective of promoting Argentine Malbec and celebrate its international success, Malbec World Day is now on its ninth year. One can't help but feel that sense of national pride from the embassy staff. The Ambassador of the Argentine Republic, His Excellency Jose Nestor Ureta... 

...prepared to welcome the guests. His Excellency and his wife, Madame Adriana Tomas de Ureta, greeted guests for the commemoration of the 209th Anniversary of the National Day of the Argentine Republic and celebration of Malbec World Day at Makati Shangri-La, Manila. 

The country's diplomatic community joined the celebrations...

...along with friends, partners and key movers from the local wine importers and suppliers sector. And with free-flowing wine from the various suppliers, a celebratory vibe filled the air that grand evening at Makati Shangri-La, Manila.

And what's best paired with a good Malbec? Good food. At the different buffet stations, Executive Chef Nicola Canuti prepared his classic risotto a la minute to a seemingly endless line. Over at the other stations, the different chefs served a sumptuous feast...

...including another Argentine staple, tender and savory beef. Argentina is also a leading beef producer, and it just seemed appropriate to include premium beef with a side of chimichurri and chili salsa to the evening's feast, perfectly washed down with a fine Argentine Malbec.

And to complete the Argentine vibe, the elegant tango was performed at the center of the ballroom. Along with the tango, the beautiful game of football and its world renowned beef, you can add Malbec to the Argentine Republic's iconic and enduring legacies. 

For a little more than a century and half since that day when Argentina set out to transform the wine industry, the world now enjoys the fruits of their hard work and uncompromising commitment to excellence. Raise a toast and another for Argentina's National Day and Malbec World Day...Salud!

For more on Malbec World Day, you can visit http://www.winesofargentina.org/.

Dude for Food is now on Facebook and Instagram, check out the FB Page and IG Feed for regular updates on good eats. Better yet, click "Like" and "Follow" and enjoy the ride...just look for the FB and IG widgets on the right sidebar.