Over the past few weeks, Americans have embraced both a “Green month” and an “Earth Day.” With book and documentary, Former Vice President Al Gore has an ever-growing legion of citizens receptive to his warnings about global warming. More consumer products are being shipped in recycled packaging and more Americans are recycling a larger percentage of their household trash every year. Sales of hybrid and electric cars are through the proverbial roof, and waiting lists are the norm. Foregoing processed foods, many Americans have joined the Slow Foods movement, and are discovering the varied authentic regional cuisines from around the world. Green markets and fresh farm produce have never been more popular. It may have been a few decades coming, but U.S. consumers finally have a positive association with “organic,” and this extends to organic wines.

CUMA is an organic brand from the renowned winery Michel Torino, located in the “eco-focused” Cafayate Valley, about 500 miles north of Argentina’s Mendoza region. CUMA wines feature a Malbec, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Torrontes. A pioneer of organic viticulture, Michel Torino is committed to maintaining a pure, clean environment while making high quality organic wines. CUMA means “clean and pure” in the language of the Aymara, who occupied the lofty elevations of northern Argentina before the Incas and have long since migrated throughout South America’s 'altiplano,' or high plains. CUMA also expresses Michel Torino’s deep commitment to preserve the pristine environment of the Cafayate Valley in Salta province. The viticulture and winemaking at CUMA follow certified organic guidelines, with the goal to leave a better world for future generations. In the early 1990s, Michel Torino pioneered “zero farming,” or sustainable agriculture, in its vineyards.

“The Cafayate Valley is a small region where land is precious and devoted to viticulture and the production of spices, with no contaminating industries to be found,” notes Max Lester, Vineyard Manager for Michel Torino. “These conditions, combined with the uniquely dry and windy weather of the valley, have made it natural for us to go organic.”

The CUMA Malbec 2007 has expressive, floral aromas of ripe, spicy red fruits and notes of candied apples, wood vanilla and menthol, on the palate, this wine is juicy and balanced, with very linear fruit if not overly complex. With ripe tannins, good structure and bright acidity, the wine is light on its feet, and has a eucalyptus note on the finish. This verstatile red will pair well with casual tapas, wrap sandwiches, pork, red meats and hard cheeses. The wine retails for about $12.

Click on photo of Christian and Fabien Moreau to download sell sheet of Spectator feature on Chablis producers in the May 15, 2008 issue. Moreau is profiled and their '06 Chablis wines are awarded 90-93 pts.