Showing posts with label paraje-altamira. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paraje-altamira. Show all posts

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  • Date publishedMonday, October 16, 2023

Chakana Finca Los Cedros Malbec 2020 (Argentina) - Wine Review



red wine review is a lovely organic and vegan Malbec from Paraje Altamira in Argentina that arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on .

Chakana Wines was founded by the Pelizzatti family in 2002 when they acquired 300 hectares of land in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. The Pelizzatti family is originally from the mountainous region of Valtellina in Lombardy, Italy, where their ancestors had a long history of making quality wines. In 2003, Chakana had their first successful grape harvest at Finca Nuna in Agrelo.

Expansion and an exhaustive study of the soils occurred during the decade until tragedy struck in 2009, where late frosts affected 70% of the vines at Finca Nuna. In 2010, a group of families who were inspired by the Pelizzatti family and moved by their passion and strength joined the winery project as shareholders. This has led to further exploration in the search for quality, including developing an appreciation for agroecology (sustainable farming that works with nature) and alternative production methods.

Later in 2010, a 15-hectare farm was purchased south of the Tunuyán River, in Paraje Altamira, and it was named Finca Los Cedros. Further expansion occurred, including exporting wines to international markets, and in 2012 they started the formal transition to organic certification. In 2014, Chakana obtained organic certification for their vineyard and winery in Agrelo, and furthermore, obtained Demeter biodynamic certification in 2016.

As the Pelizzatti family stepped away from the project in 2019, Chakana continues today with this same spirit and purpose under renewed leadership. Chakana is considered one of the benchmarks and models in winegrowing due to their essence and philosophy, including their sustainable and organic winemaking practices. As soil is not only essential for food production, it also serves as a reflection of terroir, and in the search for the best wines, one cannot underestimate the importance of soil or fail to attend to its care or knowledge.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Malbec, a single vineyard wine that was grown at Chakana's Finca Los Cedros vineyard high up in the Paraje Altamira GI at 3,600 feet above sea level, in the district of La Consulta, in the department of San Carlos. The climate in this area is cool and sunny, with good thermal amplitude, but is also relatively more humid than other areas of Mendoza due to its location at the foot of the mountain. The vineyard is drip-irrigated using a reservoir of crystalline meltwater. The grapes were planted at a high density on sandy loam soil with calcareous gravel. The grapes were manually harvested and placed into small boxes. Upon arriving at the winery in Agrelo, the grapes were fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 10 months in a combination of 5,000 Litre oak barrels and concrete vats.

The 2020 growing season was a challenging one in Mendoza. The vintage was one of the earliest and warmest on record, and along with low rainfall, led to reduced yields. However, the grape quality was excellent if you were able to pick at the right moment. Let's see how this 2020 Malbec from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Chakana Finca Los Cedros Malbec 2020 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

CHAKANA FINCA LOS CEDROS MALBEC 2020 - Vegan, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#32142) (XD) - $20.95
Organic and vegan. 100% Malbec. The medium-high intensity nose is rich and spicy with dark fruited aromas of blackberry, violet floral, black cherry, and stony-earthy mineral notes accented with dried herbs and spices. It's medium-full bodied and ripe with chewy, well-structured tannins and juicy acidity that frames the dark fruited, blackberry, violet floral, black cherry, black plum, and mineral flavours with a touch of spice. Some smoky and tea leaf characters add further intrigue on the nicely textured and somewhat chalky and drying mid-palate. Mineral and smoky notes linger on the long, juicy finish. On the bigger, savoury side of Malbec and a highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely Chakana Wines can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia / Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedSunday, March 12, 2023

Manos Negras Stone Soil Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

red wine review is this lovely Malbec from the famed Paraje Altamira appellation within the Uco Valley that landed at the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is made by Manos Negras, a producer that was born out of a friendship between an American Wine Educator, an Argentine star viticulturalist, and two Kiwi winemakers, all with extensive international experience and a no nonsense, hard-nosed work ethic.

Manos Negras is co-owned by Jeff Mausbach and Alejandro Sejanovich, friends who built a long-lasting friendship through experience and hard work. Jeff spent over a decade as Wine Education Director for Bodega Catena Zapata and has travelled the world preaching the gospel of the unique character of Argentine wines. Alejandro was Vineyard Director for Bodega Caetna Zapata for 15 years and pioneered high-altitude vineyard planting while also conducting ground breaking research on Mendoza Malbec clones. The Kiwi winemakers are Jason Mabbett, who was a professor of winemaking at Auckland University and also made wine in Australia, California, and Argentina, and Duncan Killiner who has made wine from Israel to Uruguay and from Italy to Chile, while also taking on winemaking consultant duties for producers in Chile and Argentina.

The winery's name literally translates to "Black Hands" and reflects their philosophy towards winemaking - get their hands black with wine by rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty with a fearless, hands-on approach to winemaking from budbreak to bottling. That's how they make the hand-crafted wines of Manos Negras.

This particular Malbec was grown in the Paraja Altamira GI within the Uco Valley in Mendoza. The soil profile in Mendoza is unique and every vineyard has patches of very rocky top soil that is rich in limestones. These small lots produce Malbec grapes of exceptional concentration with a flinty minerality. This Malbec was sourced exclusively from small lots of rocky, mineral-rich soils.

From a good-to-excellent vintage, let's see how this 2019 Malbec from Paraje Altamira is tasting tonight...

Manos Negras Stone Soil Malbec 2019 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

MANOS NEGRAS STONE SOIL MALBEC 2019 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#482109) (XD) - $21.95
100% Malbec grown in small lots of rocky, mineral-rich soils, this has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose of distinctive earthy-stony mineral aromas layered over ripe dark berry, blackberry, cool herbs, spices, and hints of black plum. It's mid-weighted on the dry, salty palate with lovely dark berry, blackberry, spices, and stony mineral flavours which are supported by fresh, bright, and juicy acidity. Supple tannins are well-structured and lightly chalky textured. Lovely stony mineral notes linger on the long, savoury finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Manos Negras can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedFriday, July 1, 2022

Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely, vegan-friendly Malbec from Argentina. A frequent visitor to the LCBO that came to Ontario last fall, the 2019 vintage arrived in LCBO VINTAGES a couple of weeks ago as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release and is widely available for purchase across the province.

The winery where this producer resides was built in 1920, but Kaiken Wines was only established in 2001. Aurelio Montes, founder of Chilean winery Bodega Montes, travelled back-and-forth across the Andes from Chile to Argentina and in 2000 he rediscovered Mendoza as a generous land, filled with superb vines and hardworking people. Kaiken Wines takes its name from the Caiquén - a wild goose from Patagonia that flies across The Andes between Argentina and Chile, much like Aurelio Montes. Today, Kaiken Wines owns vineyards in some of Argentina's prestigious winegrowing regions with the goal of producing wines that faithfully express the terroir. Additionally, Kaiken's philosophy is to produce premium wines sustainably with respect for the environment, as well as using biodynamic farming techniques.

Kaiken produces this Malbec using grapes from three high-elevation areas of the Uco Valley in Mendoza - Los Chacayes, Altamira, and Gualtallary. The Malbec from Los Chacayes was grown at 1,250 metres (4,101 feet) above sea level in an area that has a temperate climate, with severe winters and warm summers, and cool nights. The soils at this site in Los Chacayes are rocky and mixed with coarse sand and some lime; it's also permeable and low in fertility. The Malbec from Altamira was grown at 1,200 metres (3,937 feet) elevation and has a large diurnal temperature range with cold nights and warm days, while also in a zone that experiences early and late frosts. In Altamira, the soils are chalky with sand, lime, and stones. The last parcel of Malbec comes from the very high altitude region of Gualtallary between 1,300 - 1,600 metres (4,265 - 5,249 feet) above sea level. The climate in Gualtallary also has a large diurnal temperature range, as well as instances of Zonda wind, while the soils are alluvial, poor, and stony with an important quantity of calcium carbonate and sand. The grapes were manually harvested and selected at the winery during March and April, and fermented in concrete tanks using selected and native yeasts. It was aged for 12 months in a mix of new, second-use, and third-use French oak barrels, followed by another 6 months in bottle prior to release.

With nearly ideal growing conditions, the 2018 vintage delivered well-structured wines featuring fine-grained tannins and ripe fruit flavours. Let's see how this 2018 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2018 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

KAIKEN ULTRA MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#50849) (XD) - $19.95
Fresh, medium-high intensity aromatics are a touch reductive with spicy, ripe dark fruit, blackberry, and stony mineral with touches of violet. It's medium to medium-full bodied with smooth, refined, well-structured, and slightly grippy-chalky tannins that support the ripe, dark fruited, blackberry, stony mineral, peppery spice, and violet flavours. Acids are fresh and juicy, while stony mineral notes linger on the long, balanced finish. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Kaiken are available at the LCBO and can also be ordered through their Agent- Trajectory Beverage Partners.


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  • Date publishedSunday, April 17, 2022

Celebrating Malbec World Day 2022 - Argentina's Flagship Grape

is , a celebration held worldwide every April 17th since 2011. As Argentina's flagship grape varietal, Malbec arrived in Argentina 169 years ago and on , the government of Mendoza took the first steps to make wine production an important industry focus for the country. This focus led to the establishment of the country's first agricultural school that focused on winemaking.

Malbec World Day 2022

Malbec was originally grown in Bordeaux and in the southwestern French region of Cahors, where it is still the primary red wine grape. It's history can be traced back to at least the year 1316, when Pope John XXII founded the University of Cahors and the clerical elites enjoyed the "black wine of Cahors". In 1853, the first Malbec vines entered Argentina by crossing the Andes on the backs of mules in the saddlebags of Miguel Amado Pouget who was hired to lead Quinta Agronomica, Mendoza's first agronomic school. The graduates from this school were Argentina's first formal, homegrown agronomists and vine growers.

Descending from France's pre-phylloxera vines, Argentine Malbec thrives today in the high-elevation, sunny, and desert climate of Argentina. In 1974, the first Malbec varietal wine was registered for export, and in 1991, the Luján de Cuyo D.O.C. was established. Founded by a handful of pioneering wineries, the Luján de Cuyo D.O.C. was the first of its kind in Argentina and helped promote and protect the development of Malbec, while also setting the stage for the future development and understanding of terroirs.

Today, Malbec is the most widely cultivated varietal in Argentina with more than 109,000 acres planted across the country's wine growing regions spanning from the north to Patagonia in the deep south, resulting in a diverse range of styles and flavour profiles. Since the early 2000s, wineries and researchers began studying the relationship between Malbec and terroir, with many studies showing the impact of climate and temperature on aromatic and flavour components and profile. In February 2021, the Catena Institute of Wine published a study in Scientific Reports that "irrefutably proves the existence of terroir and its persistence across vintages." Winemaker's continue to explore and break new ground by seeking higher-altitude, cooler climates to create Malbec wines of elegance and structure.

Here are seven Malbec wines that I've had the pleasure of enjoying over the last couple of weeks that should provide you with a nice introduction to the varietal, and all are available at the LCBO.

Tasting Notes:

DOMAINE BOUSQUET GRAN MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21983) (XD) - $24.95
Blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 5% Syrah. The medium-high intensity nose is rich and dark with fine wood spice aromas layered over blackberry, currant, cassis, violet, and vanilla. Full-bodied, structured, and dry on the palate with lightly tangy blackberry, herb, black currant, cassis, wood spice flavours with touches of pepper. Fresh, juicy acids whet the palate, while the youthful tannins have some grip. Savoury wood and spice notes linger on the structured finish, with very good length. On the bigger side of Malbec. Agent: B. Cojocaru Agencies Inc. Score: 90+ pts

Domaine Bousquet Gran Malbec 2018 (90+ pts)Virgen Natural Malbec 2019 (89 pts)

VIRGEN NATURAL MALBEC 2019 - Vegan, Sustainable, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21987) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. This organic, unoaked Malbec has a fresh and fragrant nose that is ripe and fruit-forward with black-blue-purple fruit, plum, grapey, and white pepper spice aromas, plus whiffs of stony mineral. On the medium-full bodied palate it shows impressive fruit concentration with more fruity black-blue-purple fruit, and grapey flavours joined by touches of dried herbs and spice adding a pleasant savoury component. Mild tannins have a refined, slightly dusty texture. Acids are juicy. Tapers to a minerally, finish, with very good length. Agent: B. Cojocaru Agencies Inc. Score: 89 pts

TRAPICHE MEDALLA MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#547869) (XD) - $19.95
The nose seems somewhat quiet, offering glimpses of ripe plum, purple fruit, peppery spice, and stony mineral aromas with subtle oak nuances. The medium-full bodied palate is rich and ripe with fleshy concentration and lovely flavours of purple and black fruits, plum, white pepper spice, and stony mineral notes. Acids are juicy and succulent, while the dusty, fine-grained, and lightly structured tannins offer a pleasingly textured mouthfeel. Stony mineral and meaty notes linger on the savoury finish, with very good length. Agent: Dandurand. Score: 89 pts

Trapiche Medalla Malbec 2018 (89 pts)Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2018 (89 pts)

TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES RESERVA MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#29280) (XD) - $19.95
The fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers lovely aromas of freshly crushed dark berries, blackberry, violets, and savoury earthy, stony minerality notes. It's medium-full bodied on the ripe, chewy palate with more dark berry, blackberry, violets, dried herb, and earthy mineral characters on the flavour profile. Showing a touch of warmth at this stage, but still balanced, while the acids are fresh and juicy. Smooth tannins have a fine, dusty texture. Minerally with violet, dark berry, and subtle oak notes linger on the long finish. Agent: Charton Hobbs. Score: 89 pts

NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2018 - Uco Valley & Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#178657) (XD) - $16.95
The medium-high intensity nose is quite attractive with violets, ripe black fruit, blackberry, spice, and dark plums with subtle mineral notes rising out of the glass. On the dry, chewy, medium-full bodied palate it has salty mineral and peppery spice notes that join the black fruit, blackberry, and violet flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the salty, smooth, and fine-grained tannins have a pleasant, slightly chalky textured grip. Minerally and slightly chalky on the finish, with very good length. Agent: Sylvestre Wines & Spirits. Score: 89 pts

Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec 2018 (89 pts)Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2019 (89 pts)

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2019 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot, the fresh, medium+ intensity nose is wood spiced with vanilla surrounding a core of red and black fruit, black cherry, plum, and violet with hints of dried herb and florals emerging with time in the glass. It's full-bodied and quite tangy on the dry palate with black cherry, plum, and violet flavours, turning savoury and woody on the back palate. It has fresh, juicy acids and elegant, smooth, and supple tannins with just a touch of grip. Savoury, earthy, and wood spiced on the finish, with very good length. Agent: Profile Wine Group. Score: 89 pts

EL ESTECO DON DAVID RESERVE MALBEC 2020 - Calchaquí Valley, Argentina (#483263) (XD) - $17.20 $15.20 until Apr. 24
Grown at high altitude in the Calchaquí Valley in the North of Argentina at over 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) elevation. Screw cap. The medium-high to highly aromatic nose is fresh and intense with spice and stony mineral aromas surrounding notes of dark berry, blackberry, tobacco, and dark chocolate with flecks of violet. The medium-full bodied palate has very good structure with dry, savoury flavours of chocolate, spice, tobacco, plus dark berry and blackberry notes. On the salty mid-palate it has fresh, juicy acidity, while the tannins are smooth and well-rounded. Savoury chocolate and earthy notes on the fresh finish, with very good length. Agent: Dandurand. Score: 90 pts

El Esteco Don David Reserve Malbec 2020 (90 pts)


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  • Date publishedFriday, April 15, 2022

Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Leading up to celebrations on , wine review is this delicious Malbec from Paraje Altamira that first arrived at the VINTAGES late last year (with bottles still available), and a new shipment arriving later this month as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Susana Balbo is Argentina's first female winemaker and after almost two decades dedicating her talent to national and international companies in the wine business working as a consultant, in 1999 she founded her namesake wine brand and the Dominio del Plata winery in the heart of Lujàn de Cuyo, Mendoza. Some of Susana's many accomplishments include being elected by her industry peers as the first President of Wines of Argentina, and also chairing the Buenos Aires W20 summit - a group within the G20 organization that promotes gender equity in the world's 20 leading economies. With a pioneering spirit and innovative winemaking, Susana continues to the push limits searching for uncharted territory in the wine world. In 2011 and 2012, Susana was joined by her son José and daughter Ana. Together, the Balbo family continues to focus on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

This red wine is from Susana's Signature range of wines that captures her ultimate expression as a winemaker by creating bold wines with artistic finesse. The Signature range highlights Susana's breadth of winemaking expertise, while her approach is to seamlessly apply her human touch to enhance the grape's character and preserve all elements of terroir.

The Signature Malbec is actually a blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot with the grapes coming from Susana's favourite vineyard - Finca La Delfina. This vineyard, which is also named after her mother, is located in the high altitude winegrowing region of Paraje Altamira at 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) above sea level, in the Uco Valley. The grapes were hand-harvested, fermented with selected yeasts, spent some time on lees with battonages. The wine was aged for 13 months in 70% second-use and 30% new French oak.

Across Argentina, the 2019 vintage is receiving rave reviews as a chilly spring with cool breezes kept frost and disease mostly at bay. Summer was hot and dry, particularly in Mendoza where temperatures regularly reached 40 degrees Celsius. Noticeably cooler temperatures at the tail-end of summer preserved acidity and aromatics. Harvest was mostly smooth and grape quality was excellent. The 2019 vintage is described as one for the history books, so let's see how this 2019 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2019 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2019 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of 96% Malbec and 4% Merlot, the fresh, medium+ intensity nose is wood spiced with vanilla surrounding a core of red and black fruit, black cherry, plum, and violet with hints of dried herb and florals emerging with time in the glass. It's full-bodied and quite tangy on the dry palate with black cherry, plum, and violet flavours, turning savoury and woody on the back palate. It has fresh, juicy acids and elegant, smooth, and supple tannins with just a touch of grip. Savoury, earthy, and wood spiced on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines my Susana Balbo are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent -Profile Wine Group.


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  • Date publishedFriday, March 25, 2022

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2020 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2019 Zuccardi Q Malbec last summer, red wine review is the latest vintage of this consistently well-made Malbec that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Zuccardi Wines was founded by Alberto Zuccardi in 1963 in Maipú, Mendoza, with a strong visionary and innovative spirit. With winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi, the third generation of the family continues its strong tradition and lead the development of the new stage of the winery, including a dedicated area within the winery for Research and Development to study of the terroir and the different variables that affect wine production. Today, Sebastián is globally recognized as an ambassador for Argentina's unique terroirs, most notably in the high elevation Uco Valley in Southern Mendoza. The goal is to produce wines with identity through the different terroirs in a sustainable manner. Zuccardi Valle de Uco has been named Best Vineyard in the World for the last three consecutive years.

This Malbec is from Zuccardi's "Q" range of regional wines that began as a project in 1999 when they marked the best vineyards and plots with the letter "Q" for Quality. These designated vineyards and plots are given extra care and attention during growing and vinification process in order to produce wines of exceptional quality.

Once again, this 100% Malbec is comprised of grapes grown in the IG Paraje Altamira (San Carlos) at 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) above sea level, and in IG Los Chacayes (Tunuyán) at at 1,000 metres (3,200 feet) above sea level. Both of these regions are situated in the Uco Valley, and although the percentage of grapes from each IG was not specified, Paraje Altamira grapes typically dominate the blend.

In Paraje Altamira, the very heterogeneous soils originated in the alluvial fan of the Tunuyán river, in its upper zone. The sandy loam surface has medium and large gravels and at variable depths, with abundant calcareous material throughout. In Los Chacayes, the soils originated in a series of super-imposed alluvial fans from the middle of the Uco Valley. The very heterogeneous soils are normally sandy loam with moderately eroded strata of small stones, with occasional coverage of calcium carbonate or gypsum.

The exceptional 2020 vintage was characterized by limited yields and the surprisingly high speed of maturity. Combined with the pandemic, this really fast vintage was one of their most challenging ever. However, the grapes arrived at the winery healthy and in high quality, generally showing excellent aromatic complexity and a lot of juiciness, texture and structure in the mouth. The grapes were selected by cluster, filled by gravity, and fermented in concrete vessels using native yeasts. Like previous vintages, it was aged in a combination of concrete and used 500 L unroasted French oak barrels. Let's see how this Uco Valley Malbec is tasting tonight...

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2020 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC 2020 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#723478) (XD) - $20.95
From grapes grown at high-altitudes in Paraje Altamira (San Carlos) and Los Chacayes (Tunuyán), this 100% Malbec has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose that is stony with dark berry, and purple fruit aromas with subtle dark cherry, dried herb, and spice. The lovely stony notes continue on the dry, medium+ bodied palate with dark berry, purple fruit, spice, and plum flavours, all of which are supported by fresh, well-balanced acidity and refined, dusty textured tannins. Stony notes linger on the long, crisp, and balanced finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

There are many fine Zuccardi wines available at the LCBO, including the 2021 Zuccardi Serie A Torrontés I enjoyed last the weekend, while other wines not found at the LCBO can be ordered through their Agent - The Bacchus Group.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, March 12, 2022

Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

I first came across this lovely, high-altitude, single vineyard Malbec from Paraje Altamira, Argentina, at the LCBO lab three years ago and have been enamoured with this wine ever since. For red wine review, I bring you the latest vintage of this terrific wine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Founded by the Catena family in 1902, Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's most internationally renowned and celebrated wineries. Recognized for it's pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture, Catena is also responsible for introducing the world to premium quality Malbec. Now in its fourth generation, the winery is led by Dr. Laura Catena, who has spearheaded significant terroir research in pursuit of her family's dream to produce Argentina's "Premier Crus." In February 2021, The Catena Institute of Wine published a research study that proved irrefutably the existence of terroir and its persistence across vintages for Malbec wines.

Like other Catena wines I've enjoyed over the years, this Malbec is from Catena's Appellation range of wines which follow Burgundy's pattern of where the village the grapes are grown lends their name to the appellation. In Argentina, the rural towns of Lunlunta, Vista Flores, San Carlos, Tupungato, Agrelo, and La Consulta lend their names to the beautiful historic vineyards that surround them and proudly displayed on the label for each of Catena's wines in this range. In France, the village vineyards are small and often owned by siblings and cousins within the same family due to the Napoleonic code which establishes that at a person's death, his or her land is divided equally among his or her heirs. Being a Latin country, Argentina also shares the Napoleonic code, and over half of the vineyards in Mendoza are less than four hectares in size and owned by multiple family members. The Catena range of "Village" wines express the diversity of terroir and the historic farming customs of these local families.

The history of this wine can be traced back to the 1950s when Don Domingo Catena began sourcing Malbec from the vineyards of Altamira in the Uco Valley. Today, this wine is from the Altamira Vineyard located at 1,095 metres (3,593 feet) elevation on alluvial origin soils which are loamy with rounded rocks on the bottom, and a composition of 80% sand, 10% clay, and 10% silt. At these high elevations, the combination of intense sunlight and cool nights help produce an elegant, minerally, and slightly spicy Malbec with a deep texture and flavours. From the excellent 2018 vintage, let's see how this Paraje Altamira Malbec is tasting tonight...

Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec 2018 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

CATENA PARAJE ALTAMIRA MALBEC 2018 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#492413) (XD) - $22.95
100% Malbec that was grown in Paraje Altamira at 1,095 metres (3,593 feet) above sea level, it was aged for 12 months in mostly used French oak. The fresh, intense nose has lovely ripe black and purple fruits balanced with savoury stony-earthy mineral aromas and touches of herbal spice adding complexity. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is rich and nicely structured with spicy, dark berry, violet, currant, stony-earthy minerals, and some herbal notes on the complex flavour profile. Fresh acids are well-balanced, while the structured, refined tannins have a pleasantly and lightly chalky grip. Minerally with black cherry, currant, and violet accents lingering on the juicy finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from Catena Zapata are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedThursday, February 24, 2022

Salentein Reserve Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2018 Salentein Reserve Malbec approximately 18 months ago, red wine review is the latest vintage of this consistently lovely Malbec that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Founded in the 1990s, the goal of family-owned Bodegas Salentein is to produce first-rate wines with a commitment to the earth where they come from. Situated in Tunuyán, in the heart of Uco Valley, Salentein respects nature and participates in the life of the area's community because the people are an essential component and reflected in the wine's expression. Salentein is a pioneer bodega in the Uco Valley whose exceptional range of wines is a testament to the diversity and quality that can be achieved in its high-elevation estate vineyards.

Salentein's vineyards are located in the elevated mountainsides at the base of the ancient and snowy Andes in an area known as the Uco Valley. The characteristics of the Uco Valley include its elevation (900 - 1,500 metres / 2,950 - 4,900 feet), alluvial soils, sunny days and cool nights, all of which provide the ideal microclimate for grape cultivation and growth of the highest quality Malbec grapes. Chief winemaker Jose "Pepe" Galante is heralded as one of Argentina's most important winemakers and helped pioneer the effort in winemaking that catapulted Malbec and Argentine wines onto the international stage.

This 100% Malbec is crafted with fruit from three different estate vineyards within the Uco Valley, with the oldest vines planted at the turn of the decade. 68% of the grapes are from the El Oasis estate which is 1,050 to 1,100 metres (3,444 to 3,608 feet) above sea level. 30% of the grapes are from the La Pampa estate, which is part of the San Pablo GI, and located at 1,250 metres (4,100 feet) above sea level. The remaining balance comes from the El Tomillo estate in Altamira GI and situated at 1,150 metres (3,772 feet) above sea level. The grapes were manually and mechanically harvested at different times, depending on the estate. After fermentation, the wine was aged for approximately 12 months in 80% French and 20% second-use American oak barrels. The 2019 harvest has received rave reviews across Argentina with a cold winter and dry summer delivering balanced and concentrated wines with great colour and acidity, albeit with slightly lower yields. Let's see how this 2019 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Salentein Reserve Malbec 2019 (90+ pts)

Tasting Note:

SALENTEIN RESERVE MALBEC 2019 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#640854) (XD) - $17.95
Lovely, fresh, intense, dark fruited and savoury nose with aromas of ripe blackberry, blackcurrant, earthy, violet, dried herb, and touches of wood spice. It's full-bodied, structured, and concentrated with savoury, earthy, dark currant, blackberry, black cherry, and dried herb flavours. Acids are juicy and succulent, while the youthful, fine-grained tannins have some grip and will soften with some time in the cellar. Structured with savoury, earthy, and wood flavours joined by some tangy berry notes lingering on the long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines from Bodegas Salentein are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Azureau Wines & Spirits.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, February 22, 2022

CARO Amancaya Reserve Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

red wine review is a lovely blend from Argentina that newly landed at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The idea of Bodegas CARO was first conceptualized in 1999 when the Catena family and Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) formed a partnership. The name comes from the first two letters of each producer - CAtena and ROthschild. A year later, the concept became a reality with the goal of producing a single wine that combined Argentine and French cultures and the two signature grape varietals from each producer - Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

With four generations of winegrowing experience, the Catena family contributed with its vast knowledge of the high-altitude terroirs in Mendoza and its passion for Malbec. Domaines Barons de Rothschild contributed its centuries-old skills in growing, vinifying and ageing great Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as blending wines that are more than the sum of its parts. The Bodegas CARO winery is located in a historic building in the heart of Mendoza and has cellars that were originally built between 1884 and 1895. After finding success with their first wine - a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend, they launched the Amancaya several years later.

In the Quechuan language, the Amancaya is the name of a flower of the Andes that is found in the Mendoza area. A blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from the generic Mendoza appellation, the grapes were actually sourced from selected plots of old vines in Lujan de Cuyo, just outside Mendoza City, and from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. In Lujan de Cuyo, the soils are quite varied depending on how close the vineyards are to the mountains or Mendoza River, and tend to form alluvial layers of loam, rock, and gravel. In Paraje Altamira, the vineyards are planted at 1,000 metres (3,280 feet) above sea level on the ancient alluvial bed of the Tunuyan River. The grapes were hand-harvested, carefully sorted and destemmed, then fermented in stainless steel tanks. Half of the wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, while the other half was aged in concrete vats.

With nearly ideal conditions across the growing season in Mendoza that consisted of fine weather, little rain, and high diurnal temperature ranges between day and night, the 2018 harvest is considered one of the best of the decade. The resulting wines are generally well-structured with fine-grained tannins, and ripe fruit flavours. Let's see how this 2018 red from Mendoza is tasting tonight...

CARO Amancaya Reserve Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (91 pts)

Tasting Note:

CARO AMANCAYA RESERVE MALBEC/CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Lujàn de Cuyo & Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina (#21999) (XD) - $23.95
Blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the rich, elegant nose is highly aromatic with notes of ripe black-red-purple fruits, stony minerals, earth, currant, cassis, and spice. The medium-full bodied palate is very ripe with a rich array of red, black, blue, and purple fruit that balanced with savoury, stony minerals, white pepper spice, and earthy flavours. Acids are fresh and lively, while the supple, refined tannins have a subtle textural grip. Juicy with smoky mineral notes lingering on the long finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from Bodegas CARO are available through their Agent - Select Wines Merchants.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, December 7, 2021

Argentina National Wine Day Nov. 24, 2021 - Virtual Tasting Event

I had the pleasure of attending a virtual wine tasting event a to celebrate - an event held annually since November 24, 2010, the day when a presidential decree was signed recognizing wine as the country's national drink and honouring the wine industry's contribution to Argentina's national identity. This virtual event was presented by The Embassy of Argentina, The Consulate of Argentina in Toronto, and Wines of Argentina. Leading the tasting of the 4 wines (all are lovely and reviewed below) was Argentine wine writer and oenologist, Joaquin Hidalgo, and moderated by Christopher Waters, Dip, WSET, Director of Education at IWEG, as they explored the diversity, resiliency and culture of Argentina through its national drink: Vino Argentino.

Celebrating Argentina National Wine Day on Nov. 24, 2021

The first Vitis Vinifera vines were introduced in Argentina by Spanish settlers in 1551 and they soon discovered that the soil and weather conditions favoured the growth of vines, especially in regions near the Andes Mountains. With the first Quinta Normal de Agricultura (School of Agriculture) inaugurated in 1853, the wine industry expanded nationwide. Fast forward to more recent times, modernization of the wine industry occurred during the 90s, leading to more wine being produced, as well as much more wine being exported to markets worldwide. Today, Argentina is the world's 5th largest wine producer, and 10th largest wine exporter with 895 wineries producing Vino Argentino. Locally, Argentina is the 9th most consumer of wine, with Buenos Aires 2nd in wine consumption per capita, behind only Paris.

Winegrowing activities are spread throughout the Argentina, from Salta in the north to Patagonia in the south, as well as in the Atlantic provinces. However, the workhorse of winegrowing in the country is the Cuyo region, representing 95% of the country's cultivated surface area. Moreover, Cuyo is the most prolific winegrowing region in South America and one of the most important worldwide.

Cuyo means "desert country" in the Huarpe Millcayac language of the native peoples that inhabited this area, prior to the arrival of the colonizers. This area is an arid and fertile region located in the central-west of the country, at the foot of the Andes mountain range. Making up Cuyo are the provinces of La Rioja, San Juan, and the famous Mendoza. Importantly, it is in Cuyo where the diverse character of Argentine viticulture is most evident. The region has a semi-arid climate with scarce vegetation, cold winters and hot summers which are enhanced by the influence of the Andes that also shows off its highest altitudes here and provides the main source of irrigation. The pure snowmelt water from the Andes feeds the main rivers of the region, which are then used by a system of reservoirs and channels for the irrigation of crops.

All of the lovely wines included as part of this tasting are from Mendoza. Malbec is by far the most widely grown varietal in the country, and these two wines are a chance to compare and contrast. Cabernet Sauvignon is becoming more widely planted, while Semillon from Argentina is a rare treat here in Ontario. The Cabernet Sauvignon arrives in LCBO VINTAGES on the weekend, while the other 3 wines are available right now in LCBO VINTAGES for your enjoyment as you explore some of the diverse wines of Argentina.

Tasting Notes:

NIETO SENETINER SEMILLON 2019 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19399) (XD) - $15.95
100% Semillon from vineyards planted in 1947 at more than 1,200 metres (3,930 feet) altitude, with 30% of the wine aged in barrels for 10 months. The elegant, fragrant, and complex nose delivers lovely aromas of paraffin, white floral, smoke, and herbs surrounding a core of white fleshed orchard fruit. The medium-full bodied, concentrated, structured, and powdery-textured palate is dry with spicy flavours of orchard fruit, tangy citrus, white floral, and herbs backed by fresh, lively, and juicy acidity. The paraffin and smoky flavours return on the leesy mineral finish, with excellent length. New in Oct. 30 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Agent: Sylvestre Wines & Spirits. Score: 90 pts

Nieto Senetiner Semillon 2019 (90 pts)

LUIGI BOSCA MALBEC 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#452672) (XD) - $18.95 $16.95 until Jan. 2, 2022
This 100% Malbec was grown in Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, from vines averaging 35 years of age, and between 900 to 1,100 metres (2,950 to 3,600 feet) altitude. It was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. The fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers lovely aromas of ripe, dark fruited, blackberry, black cherry, and dark currant aromas surrounding a core of smoky, earthy, and savoury mineral. On the ripe, full-bodied, and fleshy palate, it has spicy dark berry flavours of blackberry, black cherry, and grilled herb with violet and boysenberry accents, followed by savoury, stony mineral notes. Acids are fresh, juicy, and well-balanced, while the smooth, refined tannins are dusty textured. Subtly spicy on the mid-palate, with smoky, stony mineral notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. VINTAGES Essentials. Agent: FWM Canada. Score: 89 pts

Luigi Bosca Malbec 2019 (89 pts)Lupa Malbec 2018 (91+ pts)

LUPA MALBEC 2018 - Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#629964) (XD) - $38
100% Malbec from 60 year old vines grown on calcareous soils of alluvial origin at 1,180 metres (3,609 feet) above sea level. It was fermented in concrete tanks with native yeasts, then aged for 21 months in mostly used French oak barrels. Recyclable, plant-based cork. Fine, attractive, and highly aromatic nose has spicy and minerally aromas surrounding a core of ripe dark berry, blackberry, and purple fruit, accented with dried herbs and subtle wood spice. It’s medium-full bodied and slightly warming with spicy, ripe blackberry, violet, mineral, and wood flavours supported by juicy, mouth-watering acidity. The structured and refined tannins are lightly chalky textured and drying. Very satisfying, minerally aftertaste with excellent length on the finish. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. VINTAGES Classics September 2021. Agent: DB Wine & Spirits. Score: 91+ pts

BODEGA PIEDRA NEGRA GRAN LURTON SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Los Chacayes, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#980334) (XD) - $24.95
The fresh, fragrant nose offers lovely dark red fruited, cassis, currant, earthy, and mineral aromas accented with leafy herbs and whiffs of cocoa powder. On the full-ish bodied palate it is ripe and complex with tangy red and black fruits, currant, blackberry, raspberry, black plum, oak spice, and graphite flavours, all supported by fresh, juicy acidity. The structured and youthful tannins are quite firm and drying at this stage. Lovely graphite and dark berry notes linger on the long-lasting finish. Approachable now, but will reward cellaring for 2-3 years. Dec. 11 LCBO VINTAGES Release. Agent: Trajectory Beverage Partners. Score: 90 pts

Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (90 pts)


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  • Date publishedThursday, July 15, 2021

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the 2018 Zuccardi Q Malbec earlier this year, and for wine review I am delighted to try the 2019 edition as it returned to the LCBO last weekend as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Zuccardi Wines was founded with a strong visionary and innovative spirit in Maipú, Mendoza in 1963. In 2005, Sebastián Zuccardi, the grandson of founder Alberto Zuccardi, becomes the third generation of the family to continue the strong family tradition and lead the development of the new stage of the winery. Starting in 2008, Sebastián dedicated an area of the winery to Research and Development to study of the terroir and the different variables that affect wine production. In 2016, Zuccardi Wines opened their new winery with the goal of producing wines with identity through the different terroirs of the Uco Valley, while also crafting their wines using sustainable practices.

This Malbec is from Zuccardi's "Q" range of regional wines, a project that began in 1999 when they marked the best vineyards and plots with the letter "Q" - which stands for Quality. During the growing and vinification process, these grapes are given extra care and attention in order to produce wines of exceptional quality.

Like the previous vintage, this Malbec is composed of fruit from the Uco Valley, specifically from IG Paraje Altamira (San Carlos) grown at 1,100 metres (3,600 feet) elevation, and IG Los Chacayes (Tunuyán) that was grown at 1,000 metres (3,200 feet) elevation. The soils in Altamira, which is located on the southern side of the Tunuyán river, originated from in the alluvial fan of the Tunuyán river, in its upper zone. The soils are very heterogeneous (diverse) with sandy loam on the surface and medium and large gravels at various depths, along with an abundance of calcareous material. In Los Chacayes, which is located at the foot of the Andes, the soils originated in a series of superimposed alluvial fans, in the middle zone of the Uco Valley. Again, the soils are heterogeneous with a mix of mostly sandy loam with strata of moderately eroded small stones, with occasional coverage of calcium carbonate or gypsum.

The exceptional harvest in 2019 was fresh and dry, with temperatures below average and great thermal amplitude (diurnal temperatures). The result was very good natural acidity, tannin structure, and excellent, ripe (but not over-ripe) fruit. Let's see how this 2019 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2019 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC 2019 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#723478) (XD) - $19.95
This 100% Malbec from Altamira (70%) and Los Chacayes (30%) was fermented in concrete vessels using native yeasts, followed by ageing 70% in concrete and 30% in used 500 L untoasted French oak barrels. The intense, bright, and spicy nose offers aromas of dark berry, purple fruit, stony mineral, and dried herbs. The chewy, medium+ bodied palate has lovely spicy, dark berry, and purple fruited flavours with stony mineral notes adding interest. It's framed by fresh, lively acidity and refined, supple tannins that have a slightly dusty/grippy texture, leading to a nicely balanced, juicy, spicy, and savoury finish, with very good length. A perennial recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

There are many fine Zuccardi wines available at the LCBO, while other wines not found at the LCBO can be ordered through their Agent - The Bacchus Group.


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  • Date publishedWednesday, April 28, 2021

Finca La Escuela La Grava Malbec 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2016 Finca La Escuela La Piedra Malbec back in 2019, tonight's wine review is another fine Malbec from the same Estate in Argentina that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the May 1st LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is crafted by TintoNegro, a producer whose name literally translates to 'black wine' in Spanish as they celebrate the Malbec varietal that is known for its dark, blackish colour. TintoNegro was founded by friends and colleagues Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, and were joined soon thereafter by Jorge Crotta in 2013. The wines of TintoNegro are meant to reflect the heart of soul of Malbec in Mendoza with a particular emphasis on exploring the terroirs of Mendoza by isolating vineyard sites and winemaking techniques.

This lovely bottle of Malbec is from the Finca La Escuela vineyard that is named after an active 100-year-old rural school house that resides on the vineyard property in Paraje Altamira, at the base of the Andes at an altitude of 4,000 feet above sea level. This small 7.5 hectare vineyard has a very unique soil profile that consists of limo (silt), piedra (stone), grava (gravel) and arena (sand). With each soil profile lending its own aromas, flavours and textures to Malbec, a grape known for being a window to its terroir, TintoNegro crafts four distinct single soil wines that are harvested, vinified, and aged in the exact same way, thus allowing each wine to best express a sense of place.

This particular Malbec was grown on a small patch in the middle of the La Escuela vineyard where the soil is gravelly, or grava in Spanish. The vineyard has small stones and pebbles on the surface, resulting in slightly warmer temperatures, producing wines of intense floral aromas, dark red fruit flavours, and soft, supple tannins. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Finca La Escuela La Grava Malbec 2017 (90+ pts)

Tasting Note:

FINCA LA ESCUELA LA GRAVA MALBEC 2017 - Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#547851) (XD) - $24.95
The fresh, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers a lovely, complex mix of floral, earth, milk chocolate, stony mineral, dark red berry, and violet aromas in a savoury profile. The medium-bodied palate has supple, fine-grained tannins balanced with fresh, vibrant acidity that supports the lovely aroma replays joined by white pepper, slightly spicy notes on the flavour profile. Really well-balanced with stony mineral, dark red berry, and violets lingering on the long, slightly chalky finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines from TintoNegro can be ordered from their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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  • Date publishedSunday, January 3, 2021

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

For my first wine of 2021, wine review is a lovely Malbec that is a frequent visitor to the LCBO as a VINTAGES listing and most recently arrived on shelves across Ontario as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release. While a few bottles of the 2018 may still be available throughout the province, the 2019 will be arriving aplenty as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Viticulturist Sebastián Zuccardi grew up in a winegrowing family that had a strong visionary and innovative spirit which began with Sebastián's grandfather in prior to 1963 and passed down to his father. Sebastián studied at the Agricultural School, becoming a winemaker and continued his studies as an Agricultural Engineer.

Today, Sebastián is the third generation of the winegrowing family and leads a young agricultural and winemaking team with the goal of crafting wines that express the place and region through the continuous exploration of the different terroirs in the Uco Valley. Since 2008, under Sebastián's initiative, Zuccardi established an area of research and development dedicated to the study of the terroir and the many variables that affect the production of the wine.

I've tasted and enjoyed many Zuccardi wines over the years, including several from the Zuccardi Q line that was launched in 1999, but this is the first time I've profiled the Q Malbec. The "Q" stands for Quality, and the project was a great yearning for Sebastián Zuccardi's dad as he did the work in the vineyards that were started by Sebastián's grandfather in 1963. The Zuccardi Q line of wines is special for the family as they were the first wines to bear the Zuccardi name.

In the vineyard, the best plots of each vineyard are marked with a "Q", denoting that these vines require special attention to achieve grapes of exceptional quality. which in turn help to produce exceptional wines. Zuccardi also employed the farm workers with better skills to work these particular plots. The Zuccardi Q Malbec is a regional wine, using specially selected grapes from specially selected vineyards in the micro-regions of Paraje Altamira (San Carlos) and Los Chacayes (Tunuyán), the two main sub-regions within the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Los Chacayes is a distinct area that previously used to be part of the broader Vista Flores region, hence the labelling on the bottle.

Zuccardi Q Malbec 2018 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC 2018 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#723478) (XD) - $19.95
100% Malbec from Paraje Altamira (San Carlos) at 1,100 metres elevation and Los Chacayes (Tunuyán) at 1,000 metres elevation. It was vinified using gravity-flow, native yeasts, and underwent malolactic fermentation. It was also aged in a combination of concrete and oak. The medium-high intensity nose has a savoury core surrounded by ripe blackberry, smoky mineral, and spice accented with violet florals. The palate is medium-bodied with more ripe blackberry flavours followed by spice, violet, and smoky mineral notes. There's some warmth on the mid-palate, along with fresh, lively acidity and smooth, fine-grained tannins that are nicely textured. Finishes with smoky mineral notes and some chalkiness on the long, satisfying finish. Score: 89 pts

There are many fine Zuccardi wines available at the LCBO, while other wines not found at the LCBO can be ordered through their Agent - The Bacchus Group.


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  • Date publishedTuesday, December 8, 2020

Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

For wine review, I continue the series on some lovely Malbec wines from Argentina. This particular bottle is arriving at the LCBO as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Kaiken Wines, the name of which comes from the Caiquén wild goose from Patagonia that flies across The Andes between Argentina and Chile. Like the border-crossing Caiquén, Aurelio Montes, founder of Chilean winery Bodega Montes, made several trips across the Andes to Argentina and in the year 2000 he rediscovered Mendoza as a generous land, filled with superb vines and hardworking people. Although the winery was built in 1920, it was in 2001 that Aurelio realized Mendoza was the perfect place to make Kaiken Wines.

Today, the winemaking team consists of Chilean Gustavo Hörmann and Argentinean Rogelio Rabino, with support from Aurelio Montes. Kaiken owns vineyards in some of the most prestigious regions of Argentina with the goal of crafting wines that faithfully express the terroir they come from. The philosophy at Kaiken has always been to produce premium wines with respect for the environment and our collaborators, promoting a sustainable culture in all stages of the winemaking process, including the use of biodynamics.

Although this Malbec is generically labelled from Mendoza, the grapes were actually grown in three separate vineyards located in the sub-regions of the Uco Valley. The first batch comes from Los Chacayes in Tunuyán at an elevation of 4,101 ft. (1,250 m) where the climate is temperate with cool nights and the soils are rocky and mixed with coarse sand and some lime with low fertility and high permeability. The second parcel of Malbec comes from Altamira in San Carlos that was grown at 3,937 ft. (1,200 m) above sea level and has a large diurnal temperature range with cold nights and warm days. The soil in Altamira is chalky with sand, lime, and stones. The third and final parcel of Malbec comes from an extremely high-elevation vineyard in Gualtallary, Tupungato, at 4,265 - 5,249 ft. (1,300 - 1,600 m) above sea level. This area in Gualtallary also has a large diurnal temperature range, along with instances of Zonda wind - a strong, dry wind - and has alluvial, poor, and stony soils, with an important quantity of calcium carbonate and sand. All of the grapes were manually harvested and fermented in concrete tanks and aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels for 12 months. The name of this delicious wine "Las Rocas" comes from the hundreds of rounded boulders that lie among the vines at their Los Chacayes vineyard in Tunuyán.

Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2018 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

KAIKEN ULTRA LAS ROCAS MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#50849) (XD) - $19.95
100% Malbec from three separate vineyards across the Uco Valley grown at 3,937 - 5,249 ft. (1,200 m - 1,600 m) above sea level. Spicy, medium+ intensity aromas are layered over blackberry, dark berry, and smoky dark minerals with touches of oak. Lovely floral and peppery spice aromas arrive with time in the glass. It's medium-bodied on the palate with nice dark berry, dark mineral, blackberry, and touches of violet on the flavour profile. Succulent acids are juicy and well-balanced, while gritty tannins seem just a bit tight at the moment. Dark berry and mineral notes linger on the tight finish, with very good length. Enjoy over the next 5 years. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Kaiken can be found at the LCBO or through their Agent - Trajectory Beverage Partners.


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  • Date publishedThursday, October 22, 2020

Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Personally, I enjoy drinking rosé all year-round, so for wine review I opened this lovely rosé from Argentina that arrived during the summer as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Susana Balbo Wines, a family winery located at the foothills of the Andes in the town of Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, within the province of Mendoza. After working in the wine business as a consultant around the globe for nearly two decades, Susana Balbo decided to fulfill a dream of having her own winery and established Susana Balbo Wines in 1999. After ten years of steady growth, Susana welcomed her children - José, winemaker who graduated from UC Davis (California) and Ana, Bachelor of Business Administration from University San Andrés (Buenos Aires) - to the family business as they joined the team.

The team at Susana Balbo Wines is devoted to sustainable winemaking, quality, and innovation. They work daily to address issues related to their product's sustainability throughout all of their production processes, including corporate social responsibility, environmental impact, and economic growth. Susana Balbo Wines has acquired various sustainability certifications and is in the process of becoming a Certified B Corporation.

Argentina is characterized by having large tracts of fertile land with diverse climates. Being situated at the foothills of the Andes, these high mountains accumulate ice of the purest water which will then slowly melt during the spring and summer months to provide a unique source for the development of their vineyards. And even though Malbec is the most widely planted varietal in Argentina, it offers a wide palate of flavours depending on the altitude and soil where it is planted. weather conditions, and the winemaking process. This brings us to the art of blending, where Susana combines the knowledge of terroir and winemaking skills, allowing her to express her talent.

As with the 2018 Susana Balbo Signature White Blend that I enjoyed back in August, tonight's rosé wine is also a blend. This dry rosé is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Pinot Noir that was grown in vineyards 1,200 metres above and hand-harvested. Susana decided to experiment by creating a new, fresh, aromatic, and engaging rosé in the style of Provence, applying similar techniques used for white wines - early picking times and extremely gentle pressing to get a very light-pink, red onion peel, salmon colour.

If you are in the Ottawa area, there are quite few bottles this delicious rose available for purchase at the LCBO, while only minute quantities remain elsewhere across Ontario. This rosé is also available, along with other wines from Susana Balbo, via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2019 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE ROSÉ 2019 - Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#493130) (XD) - $22.95
A hand-harvested 60/40 blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir grown at 1,200 metres above sea level. It has an elegant melange of melon, grapefruit, orange citrus and floral aromas. It is medium-full bodied with good concentration on the palate with bright, lively acidity. Tangy citrus, grapefruit, peppery, and mineral with a kiss of honeyed notes in a dry flavour profile. Crisp and dry on the long finish with a touch of mineral. Lovely! Score: 90 pts


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  • Date publishedSunday, October 20, 2019

TintoNegro Finca La Escuela La Piedra Malbec 2016 (Argentina) - Wine Review

wine review is this lovely red wine from Argentina that will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on . It is also featured as the Wine of the Month in this Release and will be widely available across Ontario.

It is produced by TintoNegro, meaning black wine in Spanish meant to celebrate the essence of the Malbec grape - which is known for its dark, blackish colour. TintoNegro was born out of a long-time friendship and professional collaboration between Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, colleagues at Bodega Catena Zapata for almost 15 years. In 2013, Jorge Crotta, who was also at Catena Zapata for several years, joined the partnership and is involved with the management and winemaking team.

The TintoNegro portfolio explores the terroirs of Mendoza where Malbec thrives, gradually isolating unique vineyard sites and winemaking techniques which can showcase the heights of concentration and complexity to which Malbec can aspire. In order to showcase the unique profile of each soil, TintoNegro has created a line of four single soil wines from Paraje Altamira in the southern part of the Uco Valley. Each harvest is vinified and aged in the exact same method, thus highlighting how a difference of soil (or terroir) can create a completely different wine. This La Piedra Malbec from their La Escuela property is one of the four wines. One day, I hope to have the opportunity to try their entire line.

La Escuela is a small 7.5 hectare estate vineyard located in Paraje Altamira at 4,000 feet above sea level, at the foot of the Andes mountains. It is named after the still active rural school (Escuela) that is located on the property. La Escuela has a diverse soil profile with plots of sandy (arena), silty (limo), rocky (piedra), and gravelly (grava) soils.

This particular wine comes from a small patch of rocky, limestone driven soil that is located in the middle of the vineyard, hence its name La Piedra, which also means stone in Spanish. These white stone soils with limestone deposits produce help produce a complex, spicy Malbec with black fruit flavors and minerality.

Tinto Negro Finca La Escuela La Piedra Malbec 2016 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

TINTONEGRO FINCA LA ESCUELA LA PIEDRA MALBEC 2016 - Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#010443) (XD) - $24.95
This has a fresh, medium+ intensity nose of blackberry, dark berry, and stony mineral notes with some spicy characters. It is medium+ bodied with ripe blackberry, mulberry, stony mineral flavours with touches of vanillin oak spice and floral. There is fresh, juicy acids, while ripe tannins are supple and smooth. Nice white pepper spice on the mid-palate, while the finish is long with lovely stony mineral, smoky, and dark berry notes. A wonderful wine to enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Score: 90 pts


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