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!

Featured User: Luis Argüero

Cantine Colosi

Malvasia delle Lipari Passito di Salina 2009

Tenuta Trerose (Tre Rose)

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Sangiovese 2013

Tenuta Pertinello

Pinot Nero 2018

Regale Winery and Vineyards

Cabernet Franc 2006

Valley of the Moon

Carneros Pinot Noir 2010

Arnaldo-Caprai

Grecante Colli Martani Grechetto 2017

Tenuta Col d'Orcia

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2014

Turnbull Wine Cellars

Estate Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

poderi fiorini

I Contrari Barbera dell'Emilia 2015

Podere Fortuna

Fortuni Toscana IGT Pinot Nero 2014

Cantina Tramin

Alto Adige Sauvignon 2017

San Marcos Creek

San Marcos Creek Grenache Rosé 2016

Domaine Magellan

Vin de Pays de l'Hérault Syrah Grenache Carignan 2007

Terre Di Talos

Puglia Nero di Troia 2019

Brenta Bräu

Weizen

Duchessa Lia

Moscato d'Asti 2019

Pyramid Valley Vineyards

Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2009

Fess Parker

Santa Barbara County Viognier 2009

Atelier

Rockpile Zinfandel 2007

Villa I Cipressi

Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2012