Andes Encounter - Tasting with (1) Michael Halstrick, Owner + CEO of Norton, (2) Patrick d'Aulan, Owner of Alta Vista and (3) Bernardo Troncoso, Winemaker of Montes, Ultra-premium and Premium South American Wines at Pop Fizzbar by Brent Kroll, Shaw District, Washington DC, USA (2023)

"Andes Encounter 2023" was a road-show of 3 South American owners and winemakers that visited Boston, New York, Atlantic City and Washington DC from September 18 to 21, 2023.

Annette and I were able to catch:

Michael Halstrick, Owner, CEO, Bodega Norton, Argentina

Patrick d'Aulan, Owner, Alta Vista, Argentina, and

Bernardo Troncoso, Winemaker, Montes, Chile

and their wines at a tasting ar Pop Fizzbar, the new DC wine bar "devoted to all manner of bubbles", by Brent Kroll.

All three producers are represented in the USA by Kobrand Fine Wine and Spirits. Kobrand was representated at the tasting by Addie Lewis Mattingly, District Manager.

Pop Fizzbar by Brent Kroll

Located in D.C.’s Shaw neighborhood, Pop Fizz Bar comes to you from the creative mind of owner & sommelier, Brent Kroll. From champagne to crémant, cava to lambrusco, beer, cider, spritzes & more, we gleefully celebrate all things effervescent.

Addie Lewis Mattingly, District Manager, Kobrand Fine Wine and Spirits

Tasting

Norton, Mendoza, Argentina

Michael Halstrick, Owner, CEO, Bodega Norton, Argentina

Over more than 125 harvests, Norton has evolved to become a leader in modern viticulture and winemaking in Argentina, elevating the quality of wines from the estate and the region. Founded in 1895, Bodega Norton is one of the most awarded Argentine wine brands in the U.S. Bodega Norton combines a modern, state-of-the-art facility with a rich heritage and old world charm.

101 Bubbles
Norton Reserva Chardonnay
Norton DOC Malbec
Norton Privada
Lote Negro
Gernot Langes

Alta Vista, Mendoza & Salta, Argentina

Patrick d'Aulan, Owner, Alta Vista, Argentina

Established in 1998, Alta Vista is a French family-owned winery that focuses on the production of high altitude, site-specific wines. The family’s winemaking knowledge and passion, developed over a nearly 200 year ownership of the famous champagne house Piper-Heidsieck, brought them to the top growing regions of Mendoza, an area best suited for the creation of expressive, terroir-driven wines.

Alta Vista Brut Rose
Alta Vista Torrontes
Alta Vista Estate Malbec
Alta Vista Terroir Select
Alta Vista Serenade
Alta Vista Alto

Montes, Chile

Bernardo Troncoso, Winemaker, Montes, Chile

For over 35 years, Aurelio Montes and his partners at Viña Montes have pushed the boundaries of great winemaking in Chile. From literally seeking new heights and planting grapes at elevation in Apalta, to reviving Carmenère to a premium level of quality, to implementing sustainable winegrowing and dry farming, Montes has become a benchmark for new Chilean wineries.