We live in a very Political time and there seems to be no more political a topic than Cuba, or rather Cuban Sandwiches. Everyone has their opinions and they have corralled into caucuses. Sometimes it seems, there is almost no subject that has more controversy, except for maybe tacos, than the perceived authenticity of a person's sandwich.
Like many in Seattle my first exposure to Cuban Pork Sandwiches was Paseo. I have since gone on to taste many peoples Cubano's. Like in life, some are were better than others, but everyone I tried had something to offer. Below I have my recipe for a Cubano, a culmination of the many I have tried and tasted. This is neither authentic nor original, I am just looking to have a good sandwich, and really isn't that what life is all about?
Today, I am pairing this messy sandwich with a nice big juicy Malbec.
Aromas of black cherries and plums are accompanied by notes of violets and vanilla. On the palate the wine is rich and full-bodied with flavors of juicy blackberries, cranberries, and black currants abound, followed by notes of vanilla and sweet spice. There are some herbal aromas (think raspberry leaf), bright cherries and flowers, even lilies. The palate is very tasty, with some subtle bitter flavors, fine tannins and very good acidity. This is a triumph over the vintage. Bravo! It's one of the best values in Argentina too!
90 Points Wine Advocate
Tilia is the entry level wine from the Catena family. They are the first family of Mendoza. The Tilia range is produced at Bodegas Esmeralda, one of the Catena family's oldest wineries in Junin in the eastern part of Mendoza. They blend in some fruit from the south part of the province that has higher acidity, as they aim at drinkable wines. The Tilia name comes from the tilo trees (linden) which are quite common there. In general, the Tilia wines see very little oak, trying to preserve the fruit character of the wine.
