Malbec mission

Argentina is well known for its Malbec wines.  I'm well known for my love of Malbecs.  I feel like I have come to my version of mecca. Mendoza province produces 80% of all of Argentina's wine. Hallelujah!

Today we were supposed to have a cycling tour of a couple of wineries in Mendoza,  but it was pouring rain and was a chilly 12 degrees when I got up. 
Thankfully our local tour guide and Fredy were able to flip the schedule and we did just a regular wine tasting tour.  Phew, wine crisis averted. 
We drove out to the first winery.  A cute small family run vineyard where one of the daughters of the owners, Veronica, explained that all of the wines we developed to represent the various family. The most common varietals are Malbec,  Cabernet Savignon,  Merlot,  Syrah and Savignon Blanc.  Veronica described her siblings,  parents and children as wine types. Mama is very fortified and is the grappa made as a pressed wine.  Always under pressure to allow the rest of the family to shine.  Veronica was Malbec,  well balanced, smooth and reliable.  Her brother was Cabernet Savignon,  harsher and best if blended with her sister,  Merlot who is more of a free spirit.  The father is the bottle keeping every contained and organized.  It was a sweet way to understand the different grapes and ways of blending.  I had to pick up one of their Malbecs to remind me of Veronica's passion for her family business. 
Next we went to Trapiche, which is a very large winery that exports all over the world.  I have enjoyed their wines many times.  They are the behemoth in the region. They had a slick tour,  but no where as touching as Veronica's description of her Merlot style husband.  Trapiche
did offer some very health pours,  so they were redeeming in that regard. 
Next we stopped in at a local olive oil production farm.  The smell was intoxicating.  The olives are still very young on the trees,  but the flower buds were starting to pop.  It was a combination of lemon and olives. We learner about the pressing g process and then did a tasting which highlighted the different qualities.  No surprise,  I preferred the spicier versions.  The body oils were also nice. 
The peak of the day came next with a stop at a local restaurant with the most incredible chacuteruie spread I have ever seen.  Eight kinds of meats,  six cheeses,  but then endless extra vegetables and spreads.  This was a religious food experience. 
We made it back to the hotel for a much need siesta. I'm starting to acclimatize to this South America lifestyle.