Antares Scotch Ale, Mar del Plata – ruby tinged medium gold, an odd one – ovaltine, pear skin, slightly bitter hops, a touch sweet throughout.

Antares Barley Wine, Mar del Plata – light caramel color; baking chocolate, charred carrots, and, not surprisingly, a strong note of toasted barley – good, if perhaps just a touch more bitter than I prefer.

J.L. Mounier Extra Brut, Cafayate – Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Torrontés – pale butter yellow, fine bubbles; yeast, baked apple, apricots, wet stone; excellent acidity, medium bodied, light toasted notes, fruit forward, finish a bit hot and with a slightly metallic bitterness to it, but overall a delightful sparkler.

Alma Negra Ánimal Espumante, Mendoza – Syrah based sparkling wine, beautiful vivid cherry red color. Vanilla and blackberry on the nose; prickly bubbles, medium bodied, off-dry, milk chocolate, blackberry, a little hot on the palate, slightly metallic finish, a good pool party sparkler.

Rodas Colección Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Mendoza – Rodas is a line produced by Bodegas Esmeralda and offers up a dozen different single varietal wines, unoaked, to highlight the pure flavors of the grapes. Light straw yellow color; green bell pepper, butter on the nose; good acidity, bell pepper, grapefruit and a hint of raspberry, good length, well put together, for a cheap wine (generally under 15 pesos here), this (and the rest of the line) are amazing bargains.

Graffigna Grecánico Dorato 2009, San Juan – Grecanico is one of the classic white grape of Sicily – medium apricot color and a certain level of noticeable viscosity; lemon rind, almond, dry hay, under-ripe pineapple; full bodied, great acidity, spicy notes, great balance, full-on fruit and spice that continue right on through the long finish; absolutely delicious!

Weinert “Montfleury” Gran Rose 2008, Mendoza – Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay – Gorgeous color of pink tinged with orange, like the skin of a perfect nectarine; fresh milk, popcorn, strawberries on the nose; medium bodied, decent acidity, hint of tannin, nicely balanced; with a 14.5% alcohol on a rose, you’d think it would show, but it doesn’t, and at around 25 pesos, this is a spectacular rosé.