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Mexican Lifestyles Food & Dining One Man's Mission To Demystify Wine
Mexican Lifestyles Food & Dining One Man's Mission To Demystify Wine | One Man's Mission To Demystify Wine |
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| Written by MEGAN SMITH | |
| Saturday, 10 November 2007 | |
 'Jorge Quant's Vinaterra wine shops make the enjoyment of wine, and especially Mexican wines, accessible to all.' - Photo By Farid Sanchez Today, a little more than 50 wineries have 6,000 hectares of vineyards planted in northern Mexico. The larger labels – Casa Madero, Chateau Camout, Santo Tomas – regularly win international competitions and accolades from wine connoisseurs worldwide. But domestic tastes haven't kept pace with quality domestic production. "There is a great product out there now, world-class wines, but we need to create a demand," says 31-year-old businessman Jorge Quant, owner of Vinaterra wine shops. Two years ago, Quant set out on a mission to demystify wine for Mexican consumers and connect them to an industry that is booming right under their noses. His wine shop franchise now has five locations in Guadalajara, Ajijic and Colima. "Wine is a reason to gather, talk – to be social," says Quant, who brought that philosophy to Vinaterra. In addition to free weekly tastings and in-store wine courses, Vinaterra will help clients host wine events in their homes for groups of eight or more. Arrangements are flexible and can include everything from blending courses to catering a full meal with wines to match each course. Vinaterra features wines from around the world, but specializes in Mexico's excellent small production wineries (often called boutique wines) which customers can't find anywhere else – mostly because boutique wines are hard for most retailers to stock. One of the most significant barriers for the Mexican wine industry, at home and abroad, is cost. No less than 17 different taxes are imposed on wine between vine and purchase, and production costs are high for Mexico's smaller vineyards. It's no wonder, says Quant, that so many people reach for less expensive Chilean and Argentine bottles. Though wine consumption has more than tripled in Mexico in the last ten years, at 0.5 liters per capita annually it still pales in comparison to Europe, where consumption averages around 38 liters per person. Apart from disparities in disposable income, Quant thinks the key reason Mexicans are reluctant to try wines is the aura of exclusivity and pretence that surrounds the drink. "Wine doesn't need to be so sophisticated. That is a misconception I fight all the time. People see a wine list at a restaurant, get intimidated and end up ordering a tequila and Squirt," says Quant, whose goal is to make the experience of wine friendly, from selection to digestion. "The real secret to wine enjoyment is finding the right people, the right moment and the right food." To find information on Vinaterra's locations, courses and special offers, visit its website at www.vinaterra.com.mx. To arrange private tastings or special wine events, contact owner Jorge Quant (in Spanish or English) at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or on his cellphone at (044) 331-360-2951. Where to find and enjoy a variety of Mexican wines in Guadalajara STORES La Europea - A wide selection of Mexico's most renowned labels, suh as Casa Madero, Santo Tomas, and Monte Xanic. Av. Pablo Neruda 2953, 3640-3341. Liverpool, Superama and Chedraui - All these supermarkets have decent selections of Mexican wine, especially whites, though stock is somewhat inconsistent. With few exceptions, you won't find boutique wineries on offer. Various locations. WINE BARS Vintage Cava Urbana - A stylish wine bar with generous pours and friendly staff. Colonias 274, between Lerdo de Tejado and La Paz, 3827-4346. Vinifera - Seventy labels and four tasting options that rotate every two months. Courses offered. Hilton Hotel on Av. De Las Rosas 2933, 3678-0505. RESTAURANTS Santo Coyote - The revamped wine cellar holds some 500 labels, with a wide selection of Mexican wine. It's a wonder to behold. Lerdo de Tejada 2379, 3616-6978. Tinto y Blanco - A wine-lover's restaurant. Dishes are designed for pairing with a selection of fine wines. Fco. Javier Gamboa 245, 3615-9535. Sacromonte - The best in traditional Mexican cuisine gives you the perfect opportunity to explore pairings with a short, but solid, list of Mexican wine. Pedro Moreno 1398, 3825-5477. |
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