Ruta 40: A trip to Argentina from the heart of Covent Garden

Originally posted in the former Global Guestaurant Blog on Dec 15, 2011 here

(Review by Tim Francis of the global volunteer blog team)

Wrapping presents, planning trips to see the family, ordering a free-range turkey from the local butcher, it can only mean one thing, Christmas! Just make sure you don’t overlook one vital component, the perfect wine to accompany your Christmas dinner. Ruta 40 to the rescue!

Founder Christian Rothhardt set up Ruta 40 in January 2011 to bring Argentinean wine to the masses. After returning from holiday he tried in vain to buy some of the good quality wine he had sampled, only to find it was impossible to source in the UK; surprising as Argentina is the fifth largest wine producer in the world. As a result Christian decided to set up Ruta 40, Europe’s first dedicated supplier of Argentinean boutique wine.

The company is named after the longest road in Argentina, running from the north to the south of the country parallel to the Andes Mountains. Christian scoured Argentina to find small independent growers whose wine he could import directly to the UK for members of his Ruta 40 wine club. This evening I was invited along to their Christmas Tasting in Covent Garden, London, giving guests the chance to sample eight different wines selected specifically to accompany the perfect Christmas dinner.

On arrival Christian personally greeted everyone with a warm smile and a glass of Argentinean bubbly, the perfect way to start the evening. We took our seats around tables laid out with fresh glasses for each wine along with bread, meat, and a selection of the most delicious cheeses. A projector and screen indicated that this was going to be much more educational than a regular wine tasting.

Christian’s enthusiasm for Argentinian wine is unparalleled; he went on to give us a history of each of the wines and vineyards, all of which were personally known to him. All the grapes are handpicked, the wine is organic, and produced using water flowing from the Andes. We were also treated to gossip of marriages, divorces, and rivalries amongst the local wine makers. What Christian doesn’t know about Argentinean wine isn’t worth knowing!

As the evening progressed, the wine flowed, as did conversation around the tables. There is something magical about wine that just draws people together. Who would have thought I’d befriend a Hedge Fund Executive or Head of Communications for a global business news network. By the end of the night we were taking photos, exchanging emails, and promising to meet for dinner at what I am assured is the best Indian restaurant in the country!

As with all wine tastings, there is the opportunity to purchase the wines sampled. No high-pressure sales technique here, just an order form on the table to complete if you wish. Many of the guests did just that, a testament to the good quality of wine selected by Christian. Prices ranged from £14 per bottle up to £47 for a huge Magnum – perfect for keeping thirsty families happy around the Christmas table.

Regardless of whether you ordered or not, it was a great way to spend an evening. What’s not to like about drinking good quality wine, great conversation, and making new friends!

Come the end of the night Christian let us help ourselves to another glass or three of the plentiful leftovers from the tasting. We all took full advantage of this before staggering outside, the extra boost of alcohol helping to buffer us against the bitter winter chill awaiting.

Tags: boutique wine covent garden london Guestaurant Ruta 40 wine club wine producer