Featured User: Luis Argüero

Luis Argüero is a California native of South American origin with a strong case of the travel bug. By day, he works for a San Francisco Bay Area biotech company and by night, he partakes in all things wine. Married, father of a curious toddler, and a member of NASA (North America Sommelier Association), he's currently working towards an Italian Wine Specialist certification. Since “shelter in place” (SIP), he's been conducting private virtual wine tastings for small & large groups, as well as sharing his wine passion & journey via Instagram at @winefromAtoZ. Other interests to occupy his time are running & soccer. Delectable: What sparked your passion for wine? Luis Argüero: With an Argentine father and an Italian wife, wine has always been present in my life. Additionally, living in the SF Bay Area and being exposed to the numerous wine offerings from Sonoma , Napa & Santa Cruz AVAs further helped cultivate this passion. Finally, having traveled extensively throughout various wine regions including Australia’s Hunter Valley , South Africa’s Stellenbosch region, Argentina’s Mendoza region & most of Italy’s wine regions has given me a vast knowledge and appreciation of the local offerings of grape varietals and terroir. D: What wine region are you wild about right now? LA: All things Sangiovese , particularly from Tuscany & Emilia-Romagna (honorable mention to Lambrusco !), even San Marino. From Brunello di Montalcino to Chianti Classico and from Vino Nobile di Montepulciano to Romagna Sangiovese . Even some California Sangiovese producers such as Viansa , VJB Cellars or Enos . D: What is the most unusual wine you’ve ever tried? LA: Vietnamese wines from Da Lat (Lam Dong province) when traveling through Vietnam a handful of years ago. Labeled as either Superior Red Wine or Premium Strong Wine, they were made from local grapes with very little body, structure or flavor. Very one-dimensional but interesting to say the least! D: What is your golden rule for wine? LA: Just like the book saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, all wines should be given a chance to showcase their fruit & terroir. D: Say you’re not allowed to have wine, what is your second option? LA: If not wine, I would be drinking Fernet Branca or some other kind of Italian amaro or digestif. Just like wine, its good for you, right? ;) D: Choose a movie, book, quote, or song and pair it with a wine LA: The entire U2 “The Joshua Tree” album & a great Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir . D: If you were a wine, what wine would you be? LA: I would be a bottle of 1990 Gianfranco Soldera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva , simply for its allure, rarity and prestige. D: What is your favorite bottle you’ve opened recently? LA: Last month, I ordered (& thoroughly enjoyed) a 2013 Rocca Family Vineyards Grisby Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Yountville – Napa Valley). It was our first dinner out since SIP started and it was outstanding!

Cantine Colosi

Malvasia delle Lipari Passito di Salina 2009

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

8.9

Cantine Colosi Malvasia Delle Lipari Passito Di Salina 2009: Grown on the island of Salina, off the coast of Sicily (part of the volcanic Aeolian Islands or Isole Eolie), this wine presents a milder sweetness than I am used to. Strong honey aromas dominate the nose however the warm orange & nectar flavors soothe the palate and bring a familiar smile to my face. Mild hints of apricot & fig appear on other sips as I finish the glass and tasting experience. Overall, a good dessert wine to end any evening. Have a great week! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Severn, Trixie and 1 other liked this

Tenuta Trerose (Tre Rose)

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Sangiovese 2013

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.1

Tenuta Trerose ‘Simposio’ Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG 2013: Beauty in a bottle. An excellent expression of the Sangiovese grape and a perfect way to end this challenging & eventful/uneventful year! Happy New Year to all wine lovers! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Mike, Severn and 3 others liked this

Tenuta Pertinello

Pinot Nero 2018

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.0

Tenuta Pertinello Pinot Nero Forlì IGT 2018: Lunchtime with crescentine fritte & this youthful Pinot Nero from Emilia–Romagna! Red fruits. Cedar. Spice. Nice ripeness and acidity however a few more years will only benefit this wine. Great day to all! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Trixie and Mike liked this

Turnbull Wine Cellars

Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.2

Turnbull Wine Cellars Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003: Pure excellence in a bottle! Balanced. Smooth. Great dark fruits with a hint of vanilla. A legendary wine you return home to after 30+ days abroad. Wish every wine tasted this good! What would your “return to home” wine be? Comment below. Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Severn, Mike and 3 others liked this

Severn Goodwin

'69 Burgundy (rouge) or '68 Napa cab.

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

@Severn Goodwin well, that’s a whole different level! Cheers mate 🍷

poderi fiorini

I Contrari Barbera dell'Emilia 2015

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.0

Polenta al ragu e un buon Barbera dell’Emilia 2015! Barbera/Merlot blend with great balance & structure. Beautiful fruit. Buon anno a tutti! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Trixie and "Odedi" liked this

Podere Fortuna

Fortuni Toscana IGT Pinot Nero 2014

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.0

Podere Fortuna ‘Fortuni’ Pinot Nero 2014: Medium-bodied. Ruby red color. Robust red & dark fruit aromas & tastes. Smooth spice finish. This Toscana Pinot was the first of my 3 Italian Pinot Neros. All in all, this was a beautifully crafted wine that with each sip, I felt a sense of Tuscan terroir & sun, inviting me to try more. Overall, this was a superb Super Pinot Nero. We’re off to a great start! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Trixie and Mike liked this

Terre Di Talos

Puglia Nero di Troia 2019

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

8.9

Terre Di Talos Nero Di Troia 2019: Rich. Dark. Youthful. Juicy red & dark fruits. Black licorice. Smoke. For 5€, happiness never tasted so good! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Mike, Trixie and 1 other liked this

Brenta Bräu

Weizen

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

8.9

Pure. Refreshing. Flavorful. Taking a quick, one day beer break for this amazing Italian mountain beer from the Dolomites! Cheers 🇮🇹🍻 — 4 years ago

Severn, Trixie and 1 other liked this

Duchessa Lia

Moscato d'Asti 2019

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

8.9

DuchessaLia Moscato D’Asti DOCG 2019: Aromatic. Sweet. Strawberry & peach. Some after Christmas sweetness paired with millefoglie mascarpone e cioccolato & biscotti! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Trixie liked this

Pyramid Valley Vineyards

Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2009

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.0

Pyramid Valley Vineyards Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2009: Aromatic. Soft. Natural. Hints of rose, raspberry & mushroom make this such a unique & interesting NZ wine. One if the purest Pinots I have ever tasted! Cheers🍷 — 4 years ago

Trixie, Mike and 4 others liked this

Sharon B

Congratulations on your feature!

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

@Severn Goodwin Thanks a lot. Appreciate the kind words. Looking forward to celebrating with many more fine wines! Cheers

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

@Sharon B Thanks a lot! Be well cheers