Argentine Wine Making with Matthew and Amy Kot of Solsticio Wines

Episode 33 : The Wine Down

Episode Synopsis

Tim and Brandon welcome guests, Matthew and Amy Kot from Solsticio Wines to share their magic for creating Argentine wines and bringing them to an international audience.

Though they live in America, the Kots have followed their passion for excellent wine and opened Solsticio–in the process creating a fabulous label. We talk about the climate and science of the region, working with growers and winemakers of Mendoza, Argentina, and finding the kind of audience that they knew was ready to support their vision.

From the Malbec and Torrontés that Argentina is renowned for, to opening up our palates with very fine Sparkling wines, their contributions to the Argentine wine market are thoroughly enjoyed.

Guest Bio

Coming from the States, Matthew and Amy Kot decided to jump into the Argentine wine business by creating Solsticio Wines. They have made the leap from being passionate onlookers, to producing Malbec, Torrontés and Sparkling wines that keep in the fine local tradition of Argentina’s Mendoza province.
Their secret has been knowledge of the local land and fruit, and respect for the growing and cultivating practices of the region. Solsticio has been excellently rated and awarded medals and awards by the Los Angeles Wine Festival, among others.

Episode Breakdown

00:01 The Wine Down intro.
00:49 Welcoming Matthew and Amy Kot of Solsticio Wines.
02:07 Tasting the Torrontés, and learning about the Argentine Torrontés tradition.
04:05 The market’s movement towards Sparkling wines.
05:01 Living in Los Angeles and working with local winemakers from a distance.
06:27 “Why Argentina to begin with?”
08:07 The early 2000’s and the surge of American interest in the Argentine wine market.
10:44 The early days of the label–2002.
12:47 The timing of the Malbec craze, and the history of the popular interest.
14:20 The Andean climate and the ideal stress for grapes.
17:10 Resveratrol and the flavor profile of the high altitude fruit.
19:24 Canopy growing and irrigation techniques for the vineyard.
21:33 The current Argentine question of identity.
22:17 Focussing on four wines: Malbec, Torrontés, Espumante, and Malbec Rosé.
24:00 Tasting the Sparkling wine.
25:34 Learning on the job about Los Angeles wine distribution.
28:48 The reduced costs (and risks) of Argentine wine.
30:00 Economic concerns and factors to working in Argentina.
32:20 Maintaining oversight on the project.
34:50 Thick skins and pigment in a Malbec Rosé.
37:05 Winning the LA Food and Wine Society award for pairing the Torrontés.
37:58 Tasting the Malbec Rosé.
38:36 Moving on to the big boy–the Malbec.
40:10 Working with the agronomist and winemaker to get ideal sugar and alcohol.
42:48 Where to find Solsticio in Los Angeles; working as grower, producer, importer and distributor.
46:29 Cheers and goodbye.

Additional Links

http://www.solsticio.com/

Comments

Hosted By

Sonja Magdevski

My voracious appetite for knowledge has led me to incredible journeys as well as halted me in my tracks. Through all I have done the one thing that connects me to the earth, to my work and to others is information.

Brandon Bartlett

Brandon Bartlett is a Senior Sales / Channel Manager at Beam. Beam owns Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Sauza Hornitos, Effen vodka, Knob Creek, Cruzan rum, and many others. Brandon has been in the hotel, restaurant, bar, nightclub, cigar, wine, and liquor business for 25 years.