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Hola, and Greetings from the Land of Sun and Wine, |
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Happy Birthday Argentina! Feliz Bicentenario! Two hundred years! We’ve just wound up a four day holiday weekend to celebrate the bicentenario in conjunction with 25 de Mayo, which was the beginning of the May revolution and the road to independence. As is customary throughout the country, there was lots of music, dancing, fireworks, family time, and the customary patriotic holiday food; Locro. Locro is popular in most of the Andean countries. In Argentina locro is based with corn and white beans, and is usually prepared with some kind of meat that includes the bones. Other common ingredients are sausage and vegetables, with the liquid soupy part based on pureed squash. The final result is a hearty stew, rich in nutrients, that is most often served with homemade breads (pan casero). Que rico.
And the weather has been ideal, sunny and nice during the day, and chilly in the evenings. Perfect locro weather. We are deep into fall, with gorgeous colors—red, gold, yellow, orange—dominating the vineyard country and lighting up the city. Afternoons are still perfect for eating outside, as most everyone has been inclined to do during the long holiday weekend. And the peaks of the Andes are vibrant with fresh snow. Ski season will be here in a month or so. It’s time to make your reservations now for Las Lenas. There is no better place in the world for blue sky power days.
We invite you to come enjoy our year-round sunshine and tranquil carefree lifestyle. SV and LV.
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As Argentina Turns - Economy, Politics and Culture Update – May 26, 2010 – By Stephen Vletas
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Argentina just celebrated its bicentenario, but not much has changed politically, or culturally, in all that time. This isn’t good or bad, just the way it is. And even though I see this daily here in Mendoza, it was made even more clear to me last week when I went to Tierra Mansa, our private vineyard community development in Valle de Uco. I arrived on a beautiful morning; clear azure sky, fresh snow on the Andean peaks, air crispy clean, surrounding vineyards a kaleidoscope of fall colors.
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I met the inspector from Vialidad (highway and transportation) who was there to approve our plan to run a commercial water pipeline under Route 94 from TM North’s artesian well, to TM South. All went well, and we received our approval. Then we were joking around, talking about the bicentenario, when the inspector said, “You know, nothing has really changed in two hundred years. One government replaces another, and they all change what the one before did, promising to make things better, but in the end they do nothing, change nothing, at least if we are lucky.” Then he laughed, and I laughed with him, but I asked, “What do you mean, change nothing, if you are lucky?” Well, he said, “If we aren’t lucky, the things they change are for the worse. Much better if we just stay the same.”
I’ve thought about that over the last few days, and though 200 years have passed since the revolution began, that doesn’t come close to telling the whole story. Independence wasn’t actually declared until 1816. And then Argentina was just a confederation of provinces until 1853, when the first real constitution was enacted, but it was changed at the whim of those in power many times over the next century. The first president of a unified Argentine republic (1862) was actually the governor of Buenos Aires, and it wasn’t until 1916 that the first president was actually elected by the people. Then began the years of military coups, starting in 1930. This was interrupted in 1952 when Juan Peron was elected president, but the military guys got Peron too, and they ruled until 1983. So really, Argentina has been a continuous democracy for only 27 years. It’s a young country, and it enjoys, and suffers, all the growing pains that come at this age.
For Argentines, the ups and downs are normal. They don’t complain about it too much. Instead, they accept it, and go on with their lives, living each day, enjoying the weekends with their family and friends, and cooking up an asado at every opportunity.
Now let’s step back a minute and look at the world today. Greece’s financial crisis has turned into Europe’s financial crisis, that is turning into the world’s financial crisis. The U.S. stock market is like a rigged Las Vegas crap game. The U.S. government is printing money, and spending money like there is no tomorrow. If this accelerating avalanche of debt continues much longer, most people realize the result will not be pretty. And who thinks it won’t continue? What politician, or group of politicians, is going to put an end to it?
In my view, this means we need to have a Plan B, and maybe plan C, D, E, as well. For me, Plan B is Argentina, and it has been for a number of years. (It’s also Plan B for some of the world’s top investors, including Doug Casey. See his “Galt’s Gulch” style development in Salta: www.laestanciadecafayate.com )
Argentina has infinite potential. From the tropics of the north, to the ice and penguins of the south, to the Atlantic on the east coast, and the Andes on the west; Argentina is an enchanting country, with all the natural resources conceivable. Brazil has nothing on Argentina, other than a forward looking president with an open mind and a sharp eye for business investment. Argentina has enough undeveloped oil and gas to make the Middle East jealous. The climate is ideal for growing every type of food imaginable, along with the world’s top vineyards. And beef, well, everyone knows we’re famous for that. Open spaces? There are only 40 million people in the country, and the country is enormous. We have less population density than Wyoming……AND we have no debt! I mean the government has a small debt, a few billion USD, not even a week’s interest payment for the U.S. government. And the people themselves have NO debt. They own their homes, their cars, their businesses; whatever they possess, they OWN IT. Imagine that? So in times of economic crisis they say, “What crisis? What’s the difference?”
When I look around today I see investors arriving from all over the world, but not just investors; people looking for a simpler life, a healthy life, and a life they can afford. They want a life where there is value, both monetarily and in terms of lifestyle. And in Mendoza, we have that life, we have the space, and we have the land available for people to carve out their own special place in the world.
Y bueno. Argentina has its faults, like every country, but in today’s world it would be difficult to find a better place to live in such majestic beauty and tranquility. Argentine’s 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 I do. My company, Southern Cross Land, can get you started off on the right foot. We are at your service.
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Real Estate Investment Opportunities, including substantial rental income are available now in our Tierra Mansa project.
TIERRA MANSA - A Private Vineyard Community – In Harmony with Nature.
Special Opportunity in Tierra Mansa South:
We have released 14 vineyard home site lots in the pre-construction phase. Lot sizes range from approximately 1.25 acres to 3 acres. Each lot includes your private vineyard, deluxe villa home, private label winemaking options, and use of the club facilities (clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis court, and park).
Update May 26, 2010 – We’ve sold the first two lots, and 3 more are under contract. We will be planting vineyards on the first phase lots beginning in September, and preparing for construction of the Clubhouse and pool.
You will not find this level of value pricing in any top quality vineyard community anywhere else in the world. Pre-construction pricing starts at $199,500 USD, and this includes your lot, vineyard, and deluxe villa home (150 square meters/1,635 square feet). Larger home options are also available. Payment terms are available.
Significant Rental Income on your home. 10% plus returns in the first year of rental. This is possible when you have a high demand and ZERO supply. There are Zero nice houses for rent in Valle de Uco, the heart of Mendoza’s booming wine tourism industry. Luxury villa homes, ready to build, range in size from 150 m2 (1,635 square feet) to 250 m2 (2,725 square feet). These homes can also be customized to fit your needs, or we can design your home from scratch.
TIERRA MANSA is the best-located managed vineyard community in Argentina, situated in Manzano Historico, Valle de Uco. Neighbors include: Winemakers Michelle Roland/Clos de Siete group and Alberto Antonini, plus Bodegas Monteviejo, Flechas de los Andes, Salentein, J&F Lurton, Mil Piedras, Andeluna, Sophenia, Azul, O. Fournier, La Celia, and many more.
Valle de Uco is a unique place in the world, recognized as one of the 8 Great Wine Capitals.
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To find out how you can stake your claim 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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SCL Management Projects – We continue to manage a variety of developments for foreign clients including:
La Tierra Nueva, located in Vistalba, adjacent to Bodega Nieto Senitinier, just 15 minutes from downtown Mendoza City. This unique project with a European flare began construction in January 2010, starting with a world-class Spa. Construction of the 15 room boutique hotel, 50 seat restaurant, swimming pool, retail space, and gourmet food store began in March. The project also includes a 4 hectare Malbec vineyard that was planted in November 2009. Private label wines will be made this year by purchasing grapes, and will continue until the estate owned grapes are ready for harvest in 2014.
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The Hammam (spa) is scheduled to open in October 2010, and the hotel in February 2011.
Private Label Winemaking: Under the La Morocha brand, we have begun making 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 two wines of our own to sell—La Morocha Malbec, and La Morocha Reserva 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 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 more information please email Stephen Vletas - stephen@southerncrossland.com
Southern Cross Land Real Estate Brokers
As a fully-licensed Argentine inmobiliaria (real estate broker), 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, 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.
FEATURED LISTING - 42 HECTARE ESTATE WITH OLIVE ORCHARDS AND VINEYARDS, LAVALLE: 105 acres, located in prime olive country just north of the Mendoza International Airport off Route 40. Deluxe owners home with modern bathrooms and appliances, two caretaker's homes, storages sheds, equipment. Top quality vineyards and olive orchards. An ideal turnkey agricultural project, and tranquil place to live near the city. This is an efficient profitable business with room to expand. A superior value.
FEATURED LISTING - TOP VALUE - MALBEC VINEYARD WITH BOUTIQUE WINERY TO RECYCLE, VALLE DE UCO: 26 acres planted with 4 and 5 year old Malbec, walking distance to Vista Flores. Hail protection has just been installed for the entire vineyard and it’s in excellent condition. The vineyard yields approximately 10,000 kilos per hectare. A new small home is ready to live in, and the partially finished winery can be completed in short order. This property is Ideal for a high quality boutique winemaking operation, and a wonderful place to live. |
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FEATURED LISTING – FINCA LA MARIPOSA, MALBEC VINEYARD FOR UNDER $100,000 USD: This 8.25 acre gem is located in Vista Flores, Valle de Uco. The property has stunning views of the Andes, a small caretaker’s house, electricity, and definitive water rights. There is ample space to build an owners home, and vineyard density can be improved to increase production. A great spot to relax and enjoy a private vineyard. Motivated sellers.
FEATURED LISTING – TOP VALUE – TOP VALUE - MALBEC VINEYARD WITH RIVER, TUNUYAN, VALLE DE UCO: This lush 11 hectare (27.5 acres) property in the heart of Valle de Uco is planted with 6 hectares (15 acres) of four year old Malbec. Just a 10 minute drive from the town of Tunuyan, the property has a new 100 square meter galpon/storage building with cement floors and a separate lockable office, 250 multi colored rose plants, 20 apple trees, and 250 2- year-old Chandler walnut trees, plus a meandering stream with trout that forms the northern border. There are several beautiful home sites around the property, all with stunning views of the Andes Mountains. There is also ample room to build a small boutique winery or boutique hotel. Definitive water rights and electricity to the property are included. Fantastic value, with motivated sellers.
TOP VALUE - IDEAL FOR DEVELOPMENT - TUPUNGATO, VALLE DE UCO: 50 hectares located along on Corredor Productivo; this property has an artesian well, water reservoir, caretaker’s house, and is ready to be planted with vineyards or walnuts. This is the premier wine zone and walnut growing area of Valle de Uco. Perfect for tourism. Neighbors include Bodega Andeluna, Bodega Sophenia, Bodega Azul, and Bodega Salentein. Exceptional value.
FEATURED LISTING – TURNKEY 55 HECTARE TEMPRANILLO VINEYARD, VALLE DE UCO: Located in San Carlos, a stones throw from Bodega O. Fournier, 16 hectares are planted in high quality 40+ year old Tempranillo, and 10 more hecs planted with 8 year old Tempranillo. Well, water rights, represa, caretaker house, galpon, and plenty of room to expand. Suitable to build a winery, or to develop and subdivide.
TOP VALUE - IDEAL FOR DEVELOPMENT - TUPUNGATO, VALLE DE UCO: 50 hectares located along on Corredor Productivo; this property has an artesian well, water reservoir, caretaker’s house, and is ready to be planted with vineyards or walnuts. This is the premier wine zone and walnut growing area of Valle de Uco. Neighbors include Bodega Andeluna, Bodega Sophenia, Bodega Azul, and Bodega Salentein. Exceptional value.
TOP VALUE - MALBEC VINEYARDS AND ORCHARDS - 25 HECTARES – TUPUNGATO, VALLE DE UCO: This 62.5 acre property is on route 89 (approximately 5 km from the town of Tupungato, 2 km from the rotunda that divides this route from the Corredor Productivo). The land includes: peach trees (40 acres), 17.5 acres of Malbec vineyards (8.75 acres with 35-40 year old vines and 8.75 acres with 15 year old vines), 1.25 acres of cherry trees, 1.25 acres of walnut trees, and 1.25 acres of plum trees. Included are 2 caretaker’s houses, a storehouse (galpon), reservoir (represa) and an 8’’ well. The land is situated at 1,096 mts above sea level and has the following geographic coordinates: 33,24,22.4 latitude S and 69,10,32.4 latitude W.
LEGRAND FARM AND VINEYARD – TUPUNGATO, VALLE DE UCO: This special property is located 3 km from the center of the town of Tupungato; 25 acres of land planted with 6.25 acres of apple trees, 8.75 acres of 50 year old Malbec and 6.25 acres of 50 year old Chardonnay (vineyards are planted using the trellis system). There are an additional 3.75 acres of uncultivated highlands, ideal for building an owner’s home or other structures to take advantage of the beautiful views over the vineyards and the valley, and of course, the Andes views are stunning. The property includes a caretaker’s house, storehouse (galpon), reservoir (represa) and a jointly owned well. This is an exceptional value, and one of the most beautiful properties in the valley. The geographic coordinates are 33,21,38 latitude S and 69,06,0.58 latitude W.
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 and 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. Ideal for a couple with children, or as a corporate gathering place.
VILLA LONGONE EXCLUSIVE HOMESITE LOTS IN CHACRAS DE CORIA:: Only 9 lots between 1,000 and 1,250 square meters in a quiet private neighborhood with key pad access entry gate and views of the Andes. ONLY 2 LOTS REMAINING!! 5 minutes from the Chacras town square.
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Wine in the news, and SV’s top picks:
Congratulations Argentina on 20 new gold medals in the Brussels International Wine Competition. Top winners included: Michel Torino, Alta Vista, Finca Eugenio Bustos, Ciga SA, Bodegas Universo Austral, Atamisque, Bodega del Desierto, Pernod Ricard, Dante Robino, La Celia, Don Carlos and Flichman.
From the winners we especially enjoy the Catalpa Malbec 2008, Alta Vista Premium Malbec 2008, La Celia Heritage Malbec 2006, and La Celia Reserva Malbec 2007.
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In fact, Bodega Atamisque is our favorite up and coming winery, and along with the Catalpa Malbec, we recommend the Catalpa Pinot Noir, and the Atamisque Malbec, and Atamisque Assemblage, a tantalizing blend of Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery, on the outskirts of Tupungato, also features a trout farm, and a fabulous restaurant…one of our favorite lunch spots. Of course you must try the fresh trout. Que rico.
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Some of SV’s long-time favorites: Primus Pinot Noir www.bodegasalentein.com, Alma 4 Chardonnay Roble and Viognier champagne, a private label champagne produced in Bodega Familia Zuccardi, Henry Malbec 1992 made by Bodega Lagarde www.lagarde.com.ar/; Obra Prima Reserva Malbec produced by Familia Cassone; Fabre Montmayou Gran Reserva Malbec; Melipal Malbec Reserva (from the wineries 80 year old vines, aged 18 months in new French oak); 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 the Rolland Collection, Michael Rolland; Yacochuya, and San Pedro de Yacochuya, from a 60 year old vineyard in Cafayate.
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And how about a lunch to go with your wine? Fantastic every time, no matter how often you go; you can’t beat Bodega Melipal, Bodega Ruca Malen, or the over the top Finca Decero, all located within five minutes or so of each other on Route 7. And while Mendoza is clearly famous for its Malbec, at Finca Decero, you can’t leave without tasting their Petit Verdot.
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 – Owner
Laura Cecilia Villegas - President
and the Staff of Southern Cross Land
www.southerncrossland.com
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