Deep ruby color; red fruit, cherry, blackberry, smoke on the nose; black cherry, plum, blackberry, raspberry, oak spice on the palate.
Dry; chewy but relaxed tannins, some acidity. Full body. Fleshy in the mouth. Some oak, but wood is not dominant element. Black fruits take over chewy finish that also includes some bite, some blackcurrant. The wine is standard semi-bold 50-50 cabernet sauvignon-malbec blend until the surprises on the long finish. 13.5% ABV
This is the official wine of Major League Soccer and it does have some kick to it on the finish. There is touch of fruity sweetness on the initial swish, then things get more serious. Some tartness in mid-palate that smooths out with time in glass. Benefits from decanting—not to soften the tannins but to soften and integrate the whole ensemble.
Trivento is the Argentinean property of Chilean wine powerhouse Concha y Toro, Latin America’s leading winemaker. Founded in 1883, Concha y Toro produces wines at every price point, employs more than 3,000 people, and headquarters in Santiago, Chile. Concha y Toro exports to 135 countries. Excelsior Wines is a sales and marketing venture of Concha y Toro and Banfi Vintners in the United States, revolutionizing the way brands are brought to the U.S. market. They also sell and market California wines Little Black Dress and Five Rivers.
Trivento means “three winds”—Zonda, Sudestada, and Polar. Zonda winds are dry and frequently carry dust and can blow at 25 m.p.h. While Zonda is hot and dry in the lower regions, it is the main snow producer in the higher elevations of the Andes; the winds occur between May and November, fall through and spring seasons in Argentina. The Sudesta winds blow from the southeast; they also are dry but usually bring rain between July and October—late winter and early spring in Argentina. Polar—or Pampero—winds are blasts of cold air, often taking form as squall lines. They bring a noticeable drop in temperature and are most common in winter (May through August) but they also occur in summer (December-February), bringing welcome relief for periods of high humidity and extreme heat.
Trivento vineyards cover more than 3,750 acres and eight vineyards in the Mendoza region of northwest Argentina. All the vineyards use drip irrigation systems—Mendoza is high desert with less than eight inches of annual rainfall. Water comes from the snow-capped Andes immediately to the west.
Trivento proudly proclaims it is “The Official Wine of Major League Soccer” in the United States since 2018. Argentineans are soccer crazy, but the likely U.S. marketing move is motivated by surveys showing MLS indexes higher for wine purchases than those of any other major U.S. professional sport.
Trivento Maximum Red Blend Reserve Mendoza 2019 is a value wine with an assertive darker-fruit attack. It gets less frisky and more palate-pleasing after decanting. Should have real appeal for those who like their red wines to firmly assert they are bold red wine. Squeamish sippers may struggle some with the brash black fruit flavors. This certainly will shine when paired with meat-lover pizza, a bunch of alpha guys, and a sporting event broadcast. Given its position with Major League Soccer, an association football game would be ideal. Pair also with rich red meats; lamb; wild game—venison; barbecue brisket; barbecue chicken. $11-15
