Roger Dagorn is one of the only Master Sommeliers in the world and the wine director of the restaurant Porter House New York. Moreover, he is a senior lecturer in a course about wines in the College of Technology at the City University of New York (CUNY).
During his career, this American achieved several awards that made him an authoritative voice to give his opinion about wines from all over the world. In this interview, the specialist speaks about Argentina and its performance in United States and other international markets.
Do you think Argentinian wines fit with the taste of international consumers?
Many Argentinian wines are now fitting into international consumer’s tastes since Argentinian winemakers have focused more on the international market and making wines accordingly.
What is the perception of Argentinian wines in United States?
The perception of Argentinian wines in the U.S. has changed in recent years. Today, it is very common for an American consumer to buy a reasonably priced Argentinian wine in a wine shop to consume at home. Restaurants very often offer Argentinian Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon by the glass. American Steakhouses will have multiple listings of Argentian wines on their wine lists.
The most distinctive feature of the wines of Argentina is that it is well suited to the food of Argentina. Argentina is know for their beef, something that Americans relate to.
What wine style best suits US consumers?
Americans usually enjoy big, bold, full-bodied and full-flavored wines. Having said that, I believe the American palate is subject to change. Many Americans do have sophisticated tastes in wine and are very discerning and, therefore, open-minded.
Do you think Malbec has the potential to be successful in the US market?
I think Malbec from Argentina are already showing signs of success in the U.S. and will continue to do so, as long as the winemakers continue in their current quest for quality.
Do you think that Argentinian exports will keep on growing or will stop?
Argentinian wine exports can continue to grow if it continues to market properly and diversify. You need to send more wine ambassadors like Nora Favelukes to the U.S. to lecture to the American press, trade, public and the culinary schools. This works!
Should Argentina export another varietal apart from Malbec?
It would certainly be wise to diversify. Other winemaking countries have learned that fact the hard way. Having seen a drop in sales in their signature grape variety, they found themselves shortsighted in this direction. They now have to scramble to promote the other grape varieties. Argentina has other interesting grape varieties of note it can promote such as Torrontés, Bonnarda and Pinot Noir.
What advice would you give to Argentinian winemakers to succeed abroad?
My advice to Argentinian winemakers is to continue marketing an educating the international markets on the new and expanding wine regions and lesser exposed grape varieties. The consumer may eventually tire of the same wine regions or grape variety over time, and look for some new fashionable direction.
Translation: Ana Tagua
Tags: AWA, judge, Master Sommeliers, Roger Dagorn
