Humberto Canale Patagonia Intimo Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this delicious, organic Malbec from the southern region of Patagonia in Argentina that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on February 19.

The family's story begins with the arrival of Humberto Canale in the Rio Negro Valley, a story that is closely linked to the growth of Argentina and the development of Patagonia. The project was made possible because of the arrival of the railway and construction of the irrigation system in the upper valley of Rio Negro at the beginning of 1900. Humberto Canale acquired 400 hectares of land in an inhospitable territory and imported tools to develop viticulture. Bodega Humberto Canale was founded in 1909 and is amongst the most southerly situated wineries in the world. By the middle of the century, they were well-established as a family winery. Five generations of the family have been involved in the business since its founding, now spanning more than 110 years, and today they have 5,000 hectares of vines across 150 vineyards. Pioneering and still family-owned, Humberto Canale combines century-old traditions and modern winemaking techniques to craft their wines. In Patagania, the air is unpolluted, while pure waters from the melting snow of the Andes irrigate the valley. The region is naturally protected by the surrounding dry desert and persistent South-West winds.

Argentina is synonymous with Malbec as the grape varietal is by far the most widely planted across the country with 84% of all Malbec in the country planted in Mendoza, and by comparison only 0.8% is planted in Rio Negro. Malbec is cultivated at various altitudes and on diverse soil types, and with these variations come different styles of wine. This Malbec is from Rio Negro, Patagonia, where the style of Malbec is actually more similar to those found in the Uco Valley with a purplish colour and notes red and black fruit, and herbal tones, a medium palate, freshness, and firmer tannins.

This particular Malbec is from Humberto Canale Intimo range of wines that are classic and traditional in concept, but also stand out for its modern style with a good combination of intense colour, lots of fruit, and just a little bit of wood to add complexity and elegance. The grapes for this 100% Malbec are from their 60+ year old vineyards located in the city of General Roca, which is situated in the northeastern part of Rio Negro. The berries were carefully handpicked and delivered to the winery a mere 1 kilometre away from the vineyard. It was fermented in large concrete vats and 10% of the wine was aged in French and Central European oak casks for 10 months. The wine was aged a further 6 months in bottle prior to its release. The 2019 vintage in Rio Negro was very balanced and produced wines of high quality. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

HUMBERTO CANALE PATAGONIA INTIMO MALBEC 2019 - Rio Negro, Patagonia, Argentina (#144725) (XD) - $14.95
This delicious organic Malbec has a medium-high intensity nose with stony mineral aromas layered over dark red cherry, spice, and touches of ripe plum which also reveal floral and candied cherry hints with time in the glass. It's medium+ bodied and slightly warming on the palate with dark red cherry, spices, and smoky mineral with hints of licorice on the flavour profile. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the tannins are supple and fine-grained. Minerally and slightly spicy on the juicy finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

Other lovely wines from Humberto Canale are available through their Agent - Select Wines Merchants.