An unforgettable evening unfolded at Vinile Chop House, where Trivento hosted an intimate Malbec dinner in collaboration with the restaurant’s talented team. This special gathering celebrated the versatility and elegance of Argentine Malbec, guided by none other than Trivento’s Chief Winemaker, Germán Di Césare, who traveled from Mendoza to share the stories, terroir, and passion behind each pour.
Founded in 1996 in the foothills of the Andes, Trivento crafts wines with a deep respect for the land, blending meticulous winemaking with authentic expressions of Malbec—from vibrant modern styles to timeless single-vineyard gems. The evening’s menu was a thoughtful exploration of the grape, pairing four standout Trivento wines with a curated four-course meal that highlighted bold flavors, refined textures, and perfect harmony.
Germán’s presence made the night truly personal. He spoke eloquently about the vineyard’s soul: “Every section within a plot has a sense of place,” he emphasized, highlighting how subtle variations in soil and microclimate create distinct character even within a small area. He also shared his reverence for nature’s gifts: “The mountains give us the most important elements—water and soil. We work hard with these elements.”
The pinnacle of his passion shone through when discussing the iconic Eolo, sourced from ungrafted vines planted in 1912 in Luján de Cuyo’s historic Vistalba area. At around 930 meters elevation, the 4-hectare vineyard features alluvial soils—rock, sand, clay, and loam—that lend complexity and elegance. Germán described the wine as “clear, precise, powerful, and beautiful,” an expression of four different moods from four distinct soil types, or micro-appellations. First produced in 2000, Eolo holds a special place in his heart as the ultimate embodiment of place and history.
Adding to the evening’s warmth, Germán expressed deep gratitude for recent recognition: “Being named Winemaker of the Year by the renowned Tim Atkin, MW means a lot to me. I am very grateful.” His humility and expertise brought every sip to life.
The night began with the innovative Trivento White Malbec 2025, a rare and intriguing white expression of the grape. Crisp and crystalline, it burst with notes of green apple, lychee, and tropical pineapple, backed by bright acidity and a refreshing, medium-bodied finish. It was the ideal opener—light, surprising, and palate-cleansing.
Paired beautifully with the First Course: Crab Malfadine featuring lump crab, fennel, and mascarpone. The wine’s lively fruit and subtle floral hints cut through the creamy richness of the mascarpone while complementing the sweet crab and anise-like fennel for a fresh, elegant start.
Next came the Trivento Reserve Malbec 2024, a classic crowd-pleaser with deep ruby hues and violet tinges. On the nose, ripe blackberries, juicy plums, and violets intertwined with gentle vanilla and sweet spice from French oak aging. On the palate, it was generous yet balanced—soft tannins, lively acidity, and a persistent, harmonious finish.
This poured alongside the Second Course: Braised Lamb Shoulder with Potato Purée. The wine’s plush dark fruit and subtle oak notes embraced the tender, savory lamb, while its freshness lifted the richness of the braise and creamy potato, creating a comforting yet sophisticated pairing.
The highlight for many was the Third Course, featuring two powerhouse reds: the Trivento Reserve Maximum Red Blend 2023 (a bold Malbec-dominant blend) and the flagship Trivento Eolo 2021, that century-old-vine masterpiece. The Eolo delivered intense aromas of cherry, raspberry, and floral notes, evolving into a powerful yet refined palate with silky tannins, ripe fruit concentration, and a long, elegant finish—classic Luján de Cuyo character with modern freshness.
Paired with Filet Mignon sauced in Black Garlic Béarnaise. The steak’s juicy tenderness met its match in the Eolo’s structured fruit and spice, while the black garlic’s umami depth amplified the wine’s complexity. Earthy, luxurious, and utterly memorable.
To close, the Trivento Golden Reserve 2022—a premium single-vineyard expression from old vines—brought elegance and power. Deep purple-red with violet tones, it offered a bouquet of berry fruits, plum jam, coffee, tobacco, and subtle floral hints. On the palate, it was ripe, juicy, and balanced, with silky tannins, vibrant intensity, and a long, dry finish.
The Fourth Course: Decadent Chocolate Cake with Berry Compote and Black Truffle. The wine’s dark fruit and subtle spice harmonized with the rich chocolate, while the berry compote echoed its berry notes, and the black truffle added an intriguing savory layer for a luxurious, lingering finale.
Under Germán Di Césare’s warm guidance—sharing insights into terroir, history, and heartfelt gratitude—the evening felt illuminating and intimate. Stories of Andean mountains, ancient vines, and meticulous craftsmanship brought every sip to life. For wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike, it was a powerful reminder of why Argentine Malbec continues to captivate: balance, authenticity, and endless pairing potential.
If you’re passionate about Malbec or simply love exceptional wine dinners, keep an eye out for future Trivento events—they’re not to be missed. Cheers to more nights like this!
