FuZion, An Argentinian White Blend

Their red almost caused a riot...

Zuccardi Winemaking Family

You may remember that the first wine reviewed in our bargain wine column was a Shiraz-Malbec red wine from Argentina. That wine nearly caused a riot when at one point after a very favorable review (not mine) there weren’t enough bottles to go around. The present wine comes from the same Argentinian producer but is a mélange of two white grapes, Chenin Blanc and the better-known Chardonnay. Before reviewing this wine I want to mention a policy change. Starting now I will usually taste two wines with the same meals and cheese. One will be a $10 wine and the other will cost more, perhaps a lot more. My wine cabinet is brimming and this is the only way that I can manage to taste and review so many wines that interest me. Today’s companion wine is an organic Gavi from the Piedmont region of northern Italy.

Today’s wine is produced by the Menoza-based family-owned Famila Zuccardi winery founded in the early 1960s. This huge region in the Andean foothills of western Argentina is home to over 30,000 grape growers and boasts some of the highest vineyards in the world. Both Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay are widely grown in Mendoza. This is our first 2009 wine.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
fuZion Chenin Chardonnay 2009 Argentina 13.5% alcohol about $7

Usually I start an article by quoting the Liquor Board’s marketing materials. Interestingly enough, in this case there aren’t any. So I’ll quote the back label, but unlike the red fuZion this label requires no translation. Tasting Notes: Brilliant yellow color with green hues. It’s a lovely dry wine with floral and citrus notes. Crispy, with good harmony in the palate and a refreshing finish. Serving Suggestion: Delicious with chicken, seafood, and salads. Ideal as aperitif or Asian foods. And now for my review.

With the first sips the wine was appley and somewhat acidic. Its length wasn’t bad and there was a touch of sweetness. The first meal was a chicken leg baked in a soy, garlic, and black pepper sauce with potatoes and onions. There was a side of green beans in tomato sauce and another side of okra in a similar sauce but with ginger as well. The wine was refreshing and really cut the grease. Interestingly enough it was slightly bitter; a taste that I found positive.

The second meal started with Matjes herring that the wine greeted with refreshing acidity and fine citrus notes. Then I went to an omelet that muted the wine’s acidity but gave it a floral taste. When it faced roasted, unskinned eggplant with plenty of oil and garlic, the wine was refreshing but short. I finished this round with a high-quality French style lemon pie with a buttery crust. The wine retained a certain force including some citrus.

The final meal was a vegetarian box; they called it baked ziti siciliano with eggplant and mozzarella cheese. I added a generous helping of grated Parmesan cheese. The fuZion showed perky acidity and citrus; its length was good. I finished the meal with slices of fresh pineapple; the wine couldn’t compete with the pineapple’s acidity but was able to retain its citrus taste.

I tasted this wine with two cheeses; a marbled Cheddar and a sheep’s milk Feta. With the cheddar the wine was fairly long and citrusy; it was very present and the two made a good combo. With the Feta the wine’s acidity sharpened. Once again this was a good pairing.

Final verdict. I will definitely buy this wine again; it’s a good quaffing wine and is priced right. The family makes an inexpensive organic wine that’s available in my area and I have every intention of picking up a bottle and reviewing it.

Access the companion wine A Piedmont, Italy Biodynamic Wine

About the Author

Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink fine Italian or other wine, accompanied by the right foods. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. His wine websites include
www.theworldwidewine.com    and    http://www.wineinyourdiet.com

Visit his website devoted to Italian travel www.travelitalytravel

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