It’s not everyday you bump into the best young winemaker in Argentina. It’s not everyday you can say that and it actually be true either. But when my mate, Louise, took me to meet the very cool German Berra of Finca Flichman at the recent London Wine Fair, it was fair enough. He’d been voted the top boy in Argentina the year before, and as much as I’m sometimes a bit dubious about these titles, I’ll let him off, I reckon he deserves this one!
Meeting modern winemakers and chatting with them about their past is nearly always eye opening these days. These boys and girls travel around and learn their craft. I’ve got a mate in Bordeaux who works on his Grand Cru Classe estate in Bordeaux wearing his prized cork hat from his year out in Australia! With German, however, it seems to be his surfboard from his time in California that probably takes pride of place is his gaff.
After spending years in California (where he very nearly stayed) and Europe, the family ties drew him back to Mendoza to get stuck into turning the wines of premium brand Finca Flichman into world beaters. The Chardonnay was superb, but I know it’s the Malbecs most are interested in with Argentina. The Malbecs I tried were massive with fruit, but with a huge hit of violet flower too. Just gave it a massive lift. But fear not, it’ll still go great with your steak!
I won’t bore you with the details of the rest of our chat. It’s just worth noting that Sogrape UK bring this one over to Europe, so keep an eye open for anything Finca Flichman on wine lists, and know that the main man, German, has put it together for you!
Cheers
