Kingston, Jamaica — On a refined Kingston evening, The Coppers restaurant transformed into a vibrant portal to Argentina, hosting an exclusive culinary and wine pairing experience to mark World Malbec Day. The event, orchestrated by Harbour Wines and Spirits, offered a curated exploration of Argentina’s flagship varietal — not just as a beverage, but as a cultural ambassador.
At the centre of the evening was His Excellency Marcelo Balbi Calvo, Argentina’s Ambassador to Jamaica, whose presence deepened the event’s symbolic weight. “Wine is more than a drink. It’s a connector — of cultures, climates, and communities,” Calvo shared, noting Malbec’s evolution from a French import to a global signature of Argentine identity.
The evening’s design, however, wasn’t merely diplomatic. It was sensorial.
Guests embarked on a five-course journey orchestrated by Executive Chef Ramesh Maragh, who deftly incorporated Malbec into the fabric of each dish — from a caramelised onion soup enriched with Trivento Reserve, to a pan-roasted beef tenderloin infused with Zuccardi Q, a celebrated label from the Uco Valley. Each pour, each bite, reflected both discipline and delight.
Wine pairings were selected from Harbour Wines’ portfolio, with insights offered by Brand Manager Kaydene Senior and Commercial Manager Dr. Debbiann Spence-Minott. The selections highlighted Argentina’s terroir-driven versatility: dark fruit, spice, velvety tannins, and that unmistakable Malbec structure. “You’re not just tasting wine,” Spence-Minott noted. “You’re tasting altitude, soil, sun, and tradition.”
The finale — a trio of desserts including an Alfajor and Malbec-laced cheesecake — was paired with the luxurious Trivento Eolo Icon Malbec, a wine that embodies the sophistication of high-altitude winemaking.
In a graceful exchange of gifts, Ambassador Calvo received a bottle of the Eolo, while presenting Spence-Minott with a personal copy of The Secrets of Malbec, bridging diplomacy with shared passion.
The evening closed not with ceremony, but camaraderie — a toast to the vine, the voyage, and the vibrant relationship between Jamaica and Argentina. In that room, under the soft Kingston lights, wine wasn’t just poured — it spoke.
