Pasarisa Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is the second of three delicious Malbec wines that arrived at the LCBO on the weekend as part of the March 5th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Pasarisa is one of Catena Zapata's newer range of wines that was launched in 2015 and celebrates Argentina's wine producing regions outside of its roots in Mendoza. Pasarisa gets its name by taking the first two letters from Patagonia, Salta, and La Rioja, then finishing with the initials of South America. The range was launched by Catena as part of their vision for the future, along with the work of the Catena Institute, to extensively research and improve Argentina's viticultural and vinification practices outside of Mendoza. Additionally, the hope is to bring economic prosperity to these poorer regions by finding special locations for the cultivation of grapes beyond Malbec.

With this new range of six wines, Catena works with growers in the three regions of Patagonia, Salta, and La Rioja to highlight their varied history, culture, and wine styles. From the remote and southerly region of Patagonia, where the climate is cool and windy, is a Merlot and Pinot Noir, the most widely planted varietals after Malbec. From the high-altitude region of Salta is a Torrontés, the only white in the range, and a Cabernet Sauvignon where some plantings go back to the mid-19th century. Lastly, from the iron-rich soils of La Rioja is a Syrah that pairs nicely with local cuisine that features many dishes made with lamb. For the sixth wine of the collection, Catena returns to its roots with a regionally blended Malbec from Mendoza. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PASARISA MALBEC 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#21986) (XD) - $16.95
The medium+ intensity nose is spicy with stony mineral notes surrounding a core of ripe dark berry, blackberry, and plummy aromas. The medium to medium+ bodied palate is very ripe with dark berry, blackberry, black cherry, plum, spice, and mineral flavours supported by fresh, balanced acidity and ripe, fine-grained, and slightly grippy tannins. Smoky minerals linger on the savoury finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines from Pasarisa can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.