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Hola, and Greetings from the Land of Sun and Wine, |
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November 4, 2011 - It’s warm and beautiful—Mendoza the way we like it— everything is lush green, we’re basking in sunshine, and people are out in shorts and T-shirts enjoying the parks, plazas and Peatonal sidewalk cafes. The city is bustling with activity; tourism is thriving, new restaurants are opening around the city, new hotels opening in Valle de Uco, and a huge new Hotel/Casino/Event center, Arena Maipu, just opened in Maipu on October 28. And out in Valle de Uco, the prime wine country, I’ve never seen such activity in my eight years of living here, yet it’s still one of the most tranquil places on earth to relax and enjoy the splendors of the Andes and a fine Malbec.
With ideal weather and summer upon us, now is a perfect time to visit, enjoy, and invest. And now we make it easier than ever, and more fun, with our all-inclusive real estate and wine tours. We can make all the arrangements for you so all you do is relax and enjoy. Please email Stephen for more details.
We are now winding up the vineyard planting season. Thousands of hectares will have been planted in Valle de Uco, Agrelo, Lujan, and Lavalle by the end of November. Many of the new vineyards that were planted in late September and October are already sprouting green shoots.
That is the process we are in now with our Tierra Mansa private vineyard estate project in Vista Flores, Valle de Uco. With Tierra Mansa North almost sold out, our planting this season has focused on Tierra Mansa South; where we are preparing for a specially priced pre-sales event on November 28, 2011. This investment grade pricing is a great opportunity for anyone concerned about inflation; in any country. And if you are looking for a premier lifestyle property, with full concierge services, that can provide significant rental income, you won’t find a better one anywhere. For more information, please email Stephen.
Of course by now everyone knows that President Cristina K won a landslide victory in the October presidential elections. On her coattails she carried her party to a majority in Congress as well. While the economy is rolling along and GDP is up over 6%, Queen Cristina will have to face the problems of rising inflation and a peso devaluation in the coming months. Will be interesting to see how she handles this. Our suggestion: keep all your money in USD or another foreign currency to your liking, and nothing in AR pesos.
Mendoza International Airport continues to add direct flights to new destinations. Aerolineas Argentinas now has flights from Mendoza to Santiago, Chile in an attempt to compete with LAN Chile. LAN is now offering flights to Lima, Peru, and the surrounding countries. For those visiting Machu Pichu and other destinations in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, you can now fly direct. And Copa Airlines will soon be offering direct flights to Costa Rica.
The airport also has direct flights to Cordoba, Bariloche, Salta, and Iguazu Falls, to go along with 5 daily flights to Santiago, Chile, and 8 daily flights to Buenos Aires. FYI Update: The airport in Bariloche will be closed until sometime in December. The San Martin de Los Andes airport will also be closed until sometime in December. They say for repairs, but really it’s because of the volcanic ash. To reach this area you should fly into Neuquen and then drive south to San Martin, Junin, and Bariloche, or fly into Esquel to enjoy that beautiful area.
If you are flying to Mendoza from an international destination, it is easier and faster to fly though Santiago, Chile. Only fly through Buenos Aires if you want to stop off to spend time in that city. Be aware that most international flights land in Buenos Aires, at Ezeiza International Airport, an hour outside the city. If you are making a connection anywhere in Argentina, you then have to take an hour ground transfer to the domestic airport—J. Newberry (Aeroparque)—to catch all domestic flights. We recommend you have at least four hours between arriving international flights and departing domestic flights. In Santiago you need about ten minutes between these flights.
We hope to see you here soon!
Saludos,
Stephen Vletas and Laura Villegas
Quick notes:
Tourism sector continues to grow. Last Friday night, October 28, we had the “Event of the Year”, with the opening of Arena Maipu; a $65 million USD investment by a financial group from Buenos Aires (Puerto Madero and Victoria Casinos). The complex features a 118 room hotel, spa, casino, convention center, four restaurants, and a 5,000 seat indoor arena for concerts and theatrical extravaganzas. The developers are calling this “ground zero for Wine Tourism”, as Maipu is home of the original wine country, with wineries like Lopez, Trapiche, Triventa, and La Rural all nearby. With the additional of this convention space, Mendoza is now the largest convention center in Argentina outside of Buenos Aires.
The developers put on an over the top opening that showcased top dancers and models from Buenos Aires, thanks to producer Marcelo Tinelli. If you are from the U.S. think “Dancing with the Stars”, but more risqué. Many wineries were on hand to feature this year’s finest wines and champagnes; food was catered by Francis Mallman 1884;, and an open bar was enjoyed by all courtesy of the developers. Press was swarming from all over the country, and that meant that many important politicians attended as well, including those newly elected last week. Add in comics, producers, actors, and the who’s who of business, and that rounded out the guest list. I was invited, thanks to Nestor Nardella and Laura Ramos of Nardella Productions. All the press whoopla aside, it was a fabulous party and we wish the developers success. The indoor arena will open Friday November 4 with Diego Torres. Click here to see photos and read about the event (it’s in Castellano).
Marcelo Tinelli is investing in Mendoza – Sticking with the stars, Marcelo Tinelli, producer of Bailando por un Sueno (Dancing for a dream), has purchased 160 hectares of prime vineyard property and will be planting vineyards next season. With an investment of over $5 million USD, Tinelli and fellow stars plan to produce their own private label wines in their own winery. Tinelli’s “Showmatch”, and Bailando por un Sueno are top rated Live TV programs in Argentina.
Tourism sector continues to grow – Opening of The Beef Club, an Argentine Steak House: Part of theEntre Cielos project, The Beef Club will open with a special party Friday November 4. The project features a 5-star boutique hotel, Spa + Hamam, a gourmet restaurant, Katerina, commercial shops and a premium Malbec vineyard. This is the most luxurious boutique hotel in the province and one of the top small hotels in South America. They can also arrange custom wine tours and other activities during your stay. Please contact their reservations department through their web site to book your trip soon!
HOTEL FUENTE MAYOR, a new upscale hotel in Vista Flores, Valle de Uco, opened its doors on October 7. This is the first full-scale hotel resort to open in Valle de Uco, and they could not have picked a better location in the heart of the valley, between Tunuyan and Manzano Historic, and just five minutes from our Tierra Mansa private vineyard community project. The first 28 rooms are now available, with another 28 opening by January. The spa is open and will be adding more facilities in the next two months. On Saturday, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the restaurant overlooking the vineyards and the Andes. Not only was the food (everything from traditional milanesa to steaks, chicken, pork tenderloin, fresh trout, salads and home baked breads) delicious but the service was outstanding and the staff super-friendly throughout the hotel. The hotel also has meeting rooms for conventions, parties and weddings to accommodate small groups of 20, up to large parties of 400. And by February they plan to have their casino open. Check out their web site! And if you need help with reservations we receive a special rate for our clients.Email Lujan.
Nadia OF; our new favorite restaurant in Chacras de Coria: While we’ve known about Nadia OF for a while, we had never visited until it was recently recommended by clients staying at nearby Bed and Breakfast, Robles de Besares. Well, the food is sensational, traditional yet new, and the wines of O. Fournier are among our all-time favorites. Don’t miss the B Crux blend. And Besares is our top recommendations for accommodations in Chacras, along with Finca Adalgisa.
Brazil is making its move on Argentina, and they’ve chosen Mendoza to set up shop. The government of Brazil wants to improve trade with the wine industry of Mendoza, plus they realize that foreigners from all over the world are visiting Mendoza to do business, buy property, and set up other businesses. These Brazilians don’t miss a trick. In our private label winemaking business (our brands are La Morocha and Ojos Negros), Brazil is our number one market, and we’ve barely scratched the surface. Private label winemaking is just one of the areas we work in with our Project Development and Management service expertise. We also specialize in hotel and resort development, and in vineyard and winery management. Email Stephen for details of our services.
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As Argentina Turns - Economy, Politics and Culture Update – November 4, 2011 – By Stephen Vletas
Remember the adage that all politics is local, so instead of talking about Queen K’s reelection, I’ll first talk about Mendoza’s Department of Irrigation.
The Irrigation Department, which has autonomy from the national and provincial government, has just initiated a five year moratorium on drilling new water wells for irrigation in Valle de Uco.
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So, those properties that have wells, and or have definitive irrigation rights, just got a LOT more valuable. Many properties without definitive irrigation rights or a well—that have been selling for around $15,000 USD per hectare—are now basically worthless for five years.
So please, buyers really beware. Many of those property sellers have contacted us to say they have well permissions. No doubt they will try to say they can drill a well. But the fact is they cannot. Anyone who had permission to drill, but hasn’t drilled yet, has lost the permission. Any questions about this, contact Stephen.
Now is the time to think opportunity! And think soon, and think who has water from wells? FYI, I have always advocated owning properties with wells; for highest quality water and most consistent water levels.
I was recently asked by several journalists what I thought about Mendoza’s future and about Valle de Uco in particular. Here’s what I said: “We see a positive future with steady growth for Mendoza in general, and an even brighter future for Valle de Uco. When Route 40 is completed, 4 lanes, all the way to Tunuyan, Valle de Uco will be only 30 minutes from the city and from the international airport. Valle de Uco is on the way to becoming its own world class destination. Within the next three to five years we see Valle de Uco as being one of the premier mountain resort vineyard locations in the world, and a place that will attract people from all over the planet to enjoy its splendor, lifestyle, and investment opportunities.”
OK, I said this last month, but it has even more urgency now with the new provision for no more new wells for 5 years. Water is more valuable than gold in Valle de Uco, and really, throughout Mendoza Province. Follow the water, and buy in the best zones, and you’ll be setting yourself up with a great investment for the future.
If you’d like to discuss some good investment options, email Stephen.
Now to Cristina K. Fernandez, Queen K, or simply Cristina as she promoted herself during the campaign. She’s Queen again, collecting, they claim, around 54% of the vote in the October 23 Presidential election. In an interesting aside, in the early afternoon, when all polls were still open, Queen K’s dominions declared victory with over 50% of the vote. Keep in mind that there are virtually no computer systems used to record the votes, exit polls don’t really exist here, and there weren’t enough ballots at many of the polling locations for all the people who showed up to vote; and voting is mandatory by law. Oops! It’s good to know that Queen K and her people can predict the future so accurately as they are going to need that ability, and a lot more to deal with the country’s inflation and looming Peso devaluation.
In that regard Cristina handed down an edict last Friday, through the Central Bank, saying that any Argentine who wants to buy USD, or other foreign currency, using AR pesos, must first file a request with AFIP, the IRS of Argentina. So she is not saying people CAN’T buy USD, but she’s making it difficult, especially for the middle class and the poor, who have money saved in cash, and most likely it was never declared, as over 50% of the population works in black, including over 50% of government employees. Oops again!
So Queen K is putting the hurt on her own people, El Pueblo, as she calls “the people”, to try to hold the value of the peso. What she is apparently forgetting is that the AR peso, or really any currency, will only hold its value if people have confidence in the currency and the government behind it. So, question for Queen K. Hey, what happens when you tell people they can’t exchange AR pesos for USD? Well, most likely they panic and start taking all their money out of the banks. And then?? Oops!
Our advice to all our clients is simple. Keep you money in USD, or in your favorite currency (read not AR pesos), and as the devaluation progresses you’ll profit along the way. And if Queen K holds it together, you’ll be no worse off. Right now we are receiving 4.50 AR pesos for 1 USD, even though the official rate is about 4.24 to 1 USD.
So on with the campaign promises. While many of the world's leading economies are trying to claw their way out of staggering debt, Cristina K’s government plans to maintain its economic independence while spending revenues and reserves to create jobs and build a more egalitarian society. That’s easier said than done. Veremos (we’ll see).
Hewlett Packard just made a deal to begin manufacturing laptops here, and the government is offering big tax incentives to local software companies through 2019. Brazil’s Rio Vale, one of the world’s top mining companies, is investing millions of USD in southern Mendoza province and in Neuquén Province. In general, Cristina K is making a big push to improve manufacturing and technology businesses throughout the country. It will be interesting to see if the quality of the products can improve or not. Normally, due to pricing controls, technology and other related products produced in Argentina cost more than foreign equivalents, and are of lower quality. But the people buy them anyway because the foreign equivalents aren’t allowed to enter the country, or if they do enter, import taxes make them unaffordable for most people.
Real estate values continue to rise, and more Argentines than ever are investing in land, vineyards, farms, homes, apartment buildings, and selected businesses. So is all this appreciation creating a bubble? No. Why? This is something I continue to harp on. All this growth is being accomplished with ZERO debt. People are buying with cash, and they are looking to hold for the longer term. Argentines are accustomed to crisis. They know how to adapt and survive, and when in doubt about anything, they buy real estate or new cars, stuff that’s real.
And they buy on fears of inflation also (real estate is valued in USD, not AR pesos). So all is not perfect in Queen K’s village. Inflation is the dark cloud on the horizon, and it’s a lot worse than the government admits. (The truth: It is pushing over 30%.) If commodity prices fall or inflation outpaces the government's ability to keep spending on social programs, we’re going to have a mess. But keep in mind, if it happens, this will be a mess without much government debt, and with almost no private debt. That makes it a lot easier and faster to recover, and those with capital to invest will make a lot of money as they did from 2003 to 2007. The outcome that will hurt Argentine consumers the most is a devaluation of the AR peso, and I’d have to agree with people who are talking 7 or 8 pesos to 1 USD. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this, and looking for opportunities on the way. One step we’ve already taken: signing a number of contracts for services, rents, and construction in AR pesos. If there is no devaluation, nothing changes. If we get the devaluation, we save a ton of money on these contract payments.
Y bueno. Argentina has its faults, but in today’s world it would be difficult to find a better place to live in such majestic beauty and tranquility. Looking for a place to retire? Mendoza is a lot less expensive than Palm Springs or Florida, with just as much, or more, sunshine, and our wine is better! Argentines are well-educated, "simpatico", and they will welcome you with open arms. It is easy to make friends and to establish a social life, especially if you can speak a little Spanish (we say "Castellano"). On the business and investing side of things, Argentina is quirky and often hard to understand, but if you have a good idea and can execute it, you can do very well. And if you need help getting started, that’s what we do. My company, Southern Cross Land, can get you started off on the right foot. We are at your service. Email Stephen with any questions.
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A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY IN THE WORLD-RENOWNED WINE COUNTRY OF MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
TIERRA MANSA – A PRIVATE VINEYARD COMMUNITY AT THE FOOT OF THE ANDES MOUNTAINS – The next phase of Tierra Mansa (Tierra Mansa South) will launch in November, with special pre-sale pricing available for only one day, on November 28. For our current subscribers and clients, we can give you a preview if you contact us soon. All lots in TM South include irrigation water and potable water from our Artesian well, and Malbec vineyards with drip irrigation. Electricity is at the site, available whenever you want to begin construction of your home. The project also features a Club House with guest suites, personal concierge services, security, Wi-Fi, DirecTV and other amenities. In addition, we offer turnkey vineyard and home management services, and private label winemaking options.
Publicity for the event builds momentum! We were just featured in Mendoza Online, and at the Arena Maipu opening. This week Punto a Punto will run a feature and we are having another event for real estate agents from around the country. Two weeks ago we landed a front page spot from Diario de Los Andes, Mendoza’s largest daily newspaper, for an article written by their top financial writer, Gabriela Balls. Click here to read the article. We have also been featured recently in Ecocuyo, Ambito Financiero, and Inmuebles Hoy, among others.
For those who can’t be with on this day, we can work with you via email, phone, or Skype. We have set pricing to create a value investment no other development can match, but really, no price can be put on the way of life or the location in the heart of Valle de Uco, Mendoza’s premiere wine country.
We invite you to share it with us. Email Stephen for more information.
TM update November 4, 2011 – We are planting Malbec vineyards on 6 more lots in TM South now. One luxury home is under construction and more are on the way. Water (irrigation and potable) and electricity are available to all lots. We've planted more than 350 Alamos trees as part of the landscaping for the new main entrance that will begin construction soon, along with our clubhouse, reception, guest suites, gourmet kitchen and asador. We want to welcome SanCo S.A., Mendoza's top construction company to our team. SanCo will be constructing the clubhouse plus several new homes in TM South in the coming months. Click Here to see current TM photos.
Our quincho in TM North is asado Heaven. Really, there is not a more beautiful tranquil place to enjoy a classic Argentine barbecue with an array of salads, fresh breads, and the finest wines of Valle de Uco. We fire up the grill every weekend, kick back and catch rays on the sun deck, and for those hardy enough, you can swim in the spring water represa. If you are looking for a vacation home location—with stunning mountain and vineyard views— you can't beat TM.
To find out how you can own on one of these exclusive lots at Tierra Mansa, please contact Stephen Vletas at stephen@southerncrossland.com or telephone our Mendoza City office at +54 (261) 425-9303. Stephen can also be reached via Skype: Stephen.Vletas svletas@wyom.net We have detailed informational PDFs we can send on request with site plans, pricing, FAQ, and deluxe home floor plans. A PPT presentation is also available. Please inquire.
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AND NOW WE MAKE IT EASIER THAN EVER TO VISIT US AND HAVE A GREAT TIME IN THE PROCESS
Real Estate and Wine Tours
Ultimately, living in Mendoza, one of the world’s 8 Great Wine Capitals, is all about making friends and enjoying the best of life. The diversity of geography, culture, and adventure activities, along with a splendid climate, savory food, and unparalleled South American hospitality, blend into a feast for all your senses.
Now you can try out this lifestyle for yourself, and get a first-hand look at the top real estate investments in the area, including the premiere managed vineyard community in famed Valle de Uco—Tierra Mansa, a special place in harmony with nature.
If you’ve been dreaming of a new life full of adventure and opportunity, but have had a hard time getting past all the details of investing in a foreign country, then this four day all-inclusive tour is the perfect way to educate and orient yourself.
And let’s get down to business. You’ll have all your queries answered by one of Mendoza’s leading real estate and property development companies; Southern Cross Land, plus Stephen Vletas, the company’s founder, will be available throughout the flexible tour to meet with each of you individually.
If you book your all-inclusive 4 night/4 day Mendoza Real Estate and Wine Tour now, by this time next year you could be earning a significant rental income from your Tierra Mansa home, or relaxing on your veranda overlooking your vineyards and sipping your favorite wine or cocktail. Please click here for more details, including detailed itineraries and hotel options.
Fly-fishing and Wing Shooting anyone? If you would like to add world class fly fishing or wing shooting to your Real Estate and Wine Tour, please contact our friends at Frontiers Travel. They have more experience than anyone in the business, and can hook you up with the best lodges and guides in Argentina, and throughout South America.
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SCL Project Development and Management – We continue to develop and manage a variety of projects for foreign clients including:
Entre Cielos – Hotel, Spa/Hamam, Restaurant, Vineyards, Retail Space - The luxury boutique hotel is open and it’s fabulous! The Haman/Spa has been open since last November. Located in Vistalba, adjacent to Bodega Nieto Senitinier, just 15 minutes from downtown Mendoza City, this unique project has a distinct Swiss/European flare. Click on the link above to see more about the unique characteristics of the Hamam. Construction of the 15 room boutique hotel, restaurants, swimming pool, retail space, and gourmet food store began in March 2010. The project also includes a 4 hectare Malbec vineyard that was planted in November 2009. Private label wines were made this year by purchasing grapes, and will continue until the estate owned grapes are ready for harvest in 2014. There is retail space for rent in this prime location, plus job opportunities in hotel management and tourism. The new Beef Club Restaurant opens tonight, November 4, and features private wine tasting rooms and a Cognac/Cigar Bar. For more information please email Stephen.
Private Label Winemaking: Under the La Morocha brand, we make private label wines for clients in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and the United States. While our focus is on Malbec, Argentina's premier grape, we make other varietals as well as blends. We currently have three wines for sale—La Morocha Malbec, La Morocha Reserva Malbec, and Ojos Negros Malbec. The wines we make for these labels can be privatized to our client's needs, with all custom labeling done here in Argentina, and then the wines can be shipped to the clients designated country.
Due to low labor costs, and the top level expertise and experience of Argentine winemakers, we are able to deliver high quality wines across a range of price points. For example, a high quality Malbec varietal costs between $3 and $5 USD per bottle, Xworks in the Mendoza winery. Our logistics experts can ship anywhere in the world. Shipping costs are available on request for 20' and 40' containers. For more information please email Stephen.
Southern Cross Land Real Estate Consulting Services
SCL stays on top of the market with its real estate listings that include the finest vineyard and rural properties, wineries, estancias, homes in private neighborhoods, commercial city properties, and luxury city apartments. Please inquire about the type of property that suits your needs. On the web site you will find a convenient client profile form you can send us with your specific desires, and then we can go to work finding exactly the right property to match your requirements. When you work with SCL, you can be assured that any property you buy has free and clear title, and that the title can be registered legally in your name.
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SV's TOP RECOMMENDATIONS.
SV NUMBER ONE PICK – THE BEST property available today in Valle de Uco – 123 hectares (307 acres) in the premier vineyard zone next door to the Clos de Siete group (Bodegas Monteviejo, Flechas de los Andes, Culvier de los Andes, Diamondes). 40 hectares are planted with Red Delicious apples in full production. 3.5 hectares planted with Malbec and 2 hectares planted with table grapes. Four caretaker’s homes in good conditions, storage sheds, a 2.5 million liter represa, and commercial well to irrigate the entire property. On the main road access is a park with pine trees, rose gardens, a 5-bedroom owners home, guest home, and quincho. The uncultivated land is level and ready to plant high quality vineyards to match those at Clos de Siete. 180 degree Andes views are off the charts. Anyone looking for the highest quality vineyard project, winery project, or tourism project, or a combination of all three, should seriously consider this property. Email Stephen for details, price, and Google map.
NEW LISTING - PREMIER MALBEC/BONARDA VINEYARDS – 52 HECTARES IN LUJAN DE CUYO – 18 hectares of Malbec and 5.5 hectares of Bonarda vineyards in full production with drip irrigation system. Additional hectares are ready to plant. The vineyard is impeccably maintained, owned by a U.S. winery, and managed by a well-known winemaker and agronomist from Mendoza. Award winning wines have been made from these grapes by the same winemaker for the past six years. There is an excellent local Mendocino management team (agronomist and winemaker and workers) in place and they are willing to continue working for new owners. Email Stephen for price and more details.
NEW LISTING - 56 HECTARES IN LAS PINTADAS, VALLE DE UCO – Prime finca in Las Pintadas. This area is exploding with new vineyards and wineries, with the bulk of the buyers coming from Chile. This farm has a well for irrigating the entire property. The majority is being rented to garlic farmers for cash flow, but there are 3.5 hectares planted in Malbec vineyards. Excellent development opportunity with below market asking price. Email Stephen for price and more details.
PRICE JUST REDUCED!
FEATURED LISTING: BRAND NEW LUXURY HOME AND MALBEC VINEYARD IN VALLE DE UCO’S PRIME WINE COUNTRY – Located in Tierra Mansa North, this is a new fully-furnished luxury home, 3 bedrooms/2 baths, garage, covered verandas, ready to move in, plus it includes 3.5 acres of Malbec vineyards. Sensational Andes views and a very private lot location.
BODEGA ALTUS, TUPUNGATO: $3.2 MILLION USD. This is one of the top brands to ever come on the market. Email Stephen for details. FYI, owners just raised the price, and they will raise it again in 3 months or so, just the way it works here!
BODEGA IN LUJAN DE CUYO: 200,000 liter state-of-the-art winery with 26 hectares of planted vineyards in production. $1.4 MILLION USD. Great business opportunity with lots of room for expansion. Email Stephen for details.
FEATURED LISTING – 16 HECTARES WITH PINOT NOIR VINEYARDS IN VALLE DE UCO: Near Tunuyan in the heart of prime wine country. Set off the tranquil Calle Basqunan, just two minutes from Corredor Productivo, this lush green property includes a small lake, a spring creek, and a fabulous home site overlooking the vineyards and the lake, plus astounding Andes views. 1.5 hectare vineyard planted with Pinot Noir in 2008, with plenty of room to plant another 6 to 7 hectares of vineyards, fruit trees, or walnuts. Best use: an exclusive private residence or country tourism project. Value priced.
BEST APARTMENT IN MENDOZA CITY: How about a luxury three bedroom executive apartment on its own floor in the city’s trendiest neighborhood? We’ve seen hundreds of apartments around the city, and some really nice ones, but this place takes the cake. Fully and immaculately furnished, with modern kitchen and bathrooms, central air and heating, secure parking, and your own elevator entrance. You have to see this place to appreciate it. This is turnkey living, just walk in and unpack. Ideal for a couple, a family, or as a corporate gathering place.
DELUXE ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT IN FRONT OF PARQUE SAN MARTIN – EXCELLENT RENTAL INCOME: Priced under $100,000 USD. New 1 bedroom Regency Park Apt with WiFi. Huge patio, security, private inside parking space, plus extra storage room for bikes, motorcycles, boat and trailer, extra car, etc. Completely furnished, with 2 split AC's, new refrigerator, new stove, dishes, pots, pans, silverware, towels, lines, etc. Ready to move-in and enjoy one of the world's best cities for climate, sunshine, wine and cuisine. Also producing excellent short term rental income. The best buy we know of on a city apartment.
Additional Apartments: There are a number of high quality apartment buildings including The Newlands projects and El Bosque. Let us know your needs and we can arrange showings at the best properties with Real Estate Broker, Jorge Alguacil.
LAVALLE: This area continues to boom. Many new olive orchards and vineyards are being planted now, and top quality olive oil is being produced here. Value pricing remains good though there has been significant appreciation this year.
** 91 hectares – includes 56 hecs planted in vineyards, 4 hecs planted in olives, private well, 6 caretaker’s houses, owner’s home, 4 galpons, complete inventory of tractors and equipment. SOLD
** 30 hectares – 25 hecs planted in vineyards and 4 hecs in olives. Well, 3 galpons, 2 caretaker’s houses, all equipment. SOLD
** 138 hectares – 54 planted with vineyards, 50 hecs leveled and ready to plant. Another 34 virgin land. 3 caretaker’s houses, 2 galpons, all equipment. SOLD
** 47 hectares – 17 hecs planted with vineyards, 20 leveled and ready to plant. All equipment.
** 22 hectares – 21 planted with vineyards, caretaker’s house, galpon, private well, all equipment. SOLD
** 30 hectares – 26 hectares of young olive trees, and 4 hectares of vineyards. 2 caretaker’s houses, well, definitive water rights.
** 20 hectares – Fully planted with olive trees in production, including Arbequina variety which is best for making olive oil. Definitive water rights, well, 3 caretaker’s houses, galpon, 2 tractors.
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And please remember, we specialize in Property Scouting. Tell us the property you are looking for, and we’ll do our best to find it.
Wine in the news, and SV’s top picks:
Bodega Lurton, one of our Tierra Mansa neighbors just down the street on Route 94. Chacayes is the signature wine, a blend of mainly Malbec aged for 18 months in French oak. It is powerful, complex, and expressive of Valle de Uco’s best terroir. Piedra Negra, named after the black stone soils of the Andean foothills, this lush Malbec is typically Argentine; full of elegance and refinement. This is one of our favorites wines for a Sunday asado in the quincho at Tierra Mansa.
Bodega Diamandes, the newest edition to the Clos de Siete group in Valle de Uco. They are making high quality Bordeaux-style wines, very elegant and complex but with an Argentine flair. For sure try the 2008 Gran Reserva, a blend of 75% Malbec and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Wine Bar and the Terraces are open for tastings by appointment. They are neighbors of ours in Tierra Mansa, so of course the views from the winery are spectacular.
Bodega Alta Vista, one of our all-time favorites, located in Chacras de Coria. You should definitely indulge in the Alta Vista Alto, and Alta Vista Classic Malbec. Both are a wonderful combination of old French tradition and Argentine terroir.
Bodega Altus, a classic label from Tupungato, and their lunch is “the best” on the wine tour circuit. The Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant combination of dark fruit, pepper, and oak, with lots of structure and a long finish. Perfect for a lunch time asado. And for sure treat yourself the the Gran Reserva Blend (Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot). Please Note: This winery is for sale, along with the restaurant. A great opportunity for the right person.
Bodega Azul, in Tupungato, Valle de Uco. We love these wines!!! They make a fabulous Malbec, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Merlot, all at super value prices. Then step up to the Azul Reserva or Gran Reserva. These are two of the best blends you’ll find, and the pricing is the best value available in a wine of this high quality.
Finca La Celia, San Carlos, Valle de Uco. You can’t go wrong with any of their wines, beginning with the locally sold La Consulta Malbec. We drink it at lunch at La Posado del Jamon with a milanesa de cerdo. Que rico. For dinner, The La Celia Reserva Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon will be great company for any fine cut of meat. And if you like blends (we love them), go for the La Celia Supremo. The blend changes with each year, though Malbec is always the dominant grapes.
Bodega Atamisque, We especially enjoy the Catalpa Malbec 2008, the Catalpa Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, the Atamisque Malbec 2007, the Atamisque Cabernet Sauvignon, and Atamisque Assemblage 2007, a tantalizing blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery, on the outskirts of Tupungato, also features a trout farm, and a cozy restaurant, Rincon Atamisque…one of our favorite lunch spots. Of course you must try the fresh trout. Que rico. In the U.S., the wines are imported by Wine Bridge Imports. Wine Bridge also sells Hinojosa Wines from Valle de Uco, a Malbec Reserva and a Tempranillo, and both have an excellent value to quality ratio.
Bodega Jean Bousquett, on the south side of Tupungato, on Camino del Vino, is doing great things with the marketing effort being led by Stephen Reiss, a friend and fellow connoisseur of fine wines and food. In fact, Stephen is a renowned chef and top wine professional. If you want to learn how to easily talk about wine, and demystify wine lingo, visit his web site at www.wineeducation.com
Bodega Septima, Septima Dia Malbec, is a superb Malbec at an excellent value. 100% pure Malbec, 10 months aged in American and French oak. Bright red with purple hues, dark fruity jam with hints of berries and fresh plums, aroma of vanilla and black chocolate balanced with fruity aromas typical of Malbec. Nice generous tannins combined with the oak flavors gives balance and a long finish. We buy cases at a time and have it around the house to drink every day, though it can also be for special occasions. And for sparkling wine fans; try the Maria Codorniu Extra Brut.
We are at your service to arrange custom wine tours to suit your needs. Email Lujan in our downtown Mendoza City office for details and information.
Some of SV’s long-time favorites: Primus Pinot Noir produced by Bodega Salentein, Alma 4 Chardonnay Roble and Viognier champagne, a private label champagne produced in Bodega Familia Zuccardi, Henry Malbec 1992 made by Bodega Lagarde. Obra Prima Reserva Malbec produced by Familia Cassone; Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec; Melipal Malbec Reserva ; B Crux, a blend of Tempranillo, Malbec, and Merlot produced by Bodega O. Fournier; Bodega Chakana; Chakana Estate Selection blend and Chakana Malbec Reserve; Bodega Poesia, Poesia Malbec Cabernet blend; from theRolland Collection, Michael Rolland; Yacochuya, and San Pedro de Yacochuya, from a 60 year old vineyard in Cafayate.
Travel planning services, and VIP special event services for businesses. If you need any assistance with travel arrangements or are interested in our Real Estate and Wine tours, just let us know and we are at your service. For special corporate and group events, we offer translation services, private tri-lingual guides and hosts, private transportation, and custom arrangements to suit your needs. Email Stephen for details.
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We invite you to visit us in Mendoza, to enjoy with us our 300 plus days of sunshine each year. Savor some of the world's best wines, delve into the local culture of music, art, and dance...hike, ski, or ride horseback in the magnificent Andes Mountains…go biking, fly-fishing, river running....or just kick-back and do nothing at all while reveling in our laid-back lifestyle.
Best Regards y Saludos,
Stephen Vletas – Founder and CEO
Laura Cecilia Villegas - President
and the Staff of Southern Cross Land
Mendoza City, Mendoza, Argentina
www.southerncrossland.com
P. S. Laura and Stephen are personally available to answer all your questions.
Please email stephen@southerncrossland.com or laura@southerncrossland.com They can also arrange a time to talk by telephone or Skype. Stephen speaks English and Castellano. Laura speaks Castellano.
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