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 tonight's red wine review, I bring you the latest vintage of this terrific wine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the March 5 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...

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Alamos Selección Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Malbec that returned to the LCBO this weekend as part of the March 5 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Alamos, a producer whose history is rooted in over 100 years of family winemaking with the founding wine family of Argentina - the Catenas. With generations of passion and expertise, the adventurous spirit of Alamos wines are crafted from high-elevation vineyards at the foot of the Andes. The wines are flavourful, approachable, and authentically Argentine, with this Malbec the pinnacle of their portfolio.

The winemaker at Alamos is Lucía Vaieretti. She comes from a family of winegrowers who have been tending vines in Mendoza for more than 40 years. Lucía attended Don Bosco, South America's most prestigious viticulture and enology school and has been working with the Catena family of wineries for nearly 20 years, eventually taking over the Alamos cellar in 2016. Alamos wines are internationally renowned for their ability to blend quality grapes from various terroirs and elevations. At high elevations, the intense sunlight leads to thicker grape skins and richer, more flavourful wines, while the crisp, cool nights allow the grapes to gain complexity while retaining balance and acidity. The mineral-rich irrigation from mountain snowmelt also add to the rich, layered aromas and flavours of Argentina's signature varieties.

Without a doubt, Malbec is Argentina's signature varietal with 23 percent of the country's vineyards planted to the varietal and two out of every three bottles exported to other countries. Malbec is grown from north to south and this particular bottling is from the small winegrowing sub-region of La Consulta in the southern Uco Valley of Mendoza. It was grown and hand-picked at high-altitude vineyards between 910 to 1,520 metres (2,985 to 4,986 feet) elevation. At the winery, the grapes were de-stemmed, crushed, and fermented in upright and conical tanks, with each Malbec lot kept separate throughout the vinification process. The wine was aged in French oak for 9 to 12 months prior to blending, then aged another 4 months in bottle.

I first enjoyed the 2016 Alamos Selección Malbec in November 2020. I also enjoyed the 2018 vintage when it first arrived on shelves in July of last year and am curious to see if it has evolved much over the past 8 months...

Tasting Notes:

ALAMOS SELECCIÓN MALBEC 2018 - La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#322800) (XD) - $16.95
100% Malbec from high-elevation vineyards between 910 to 1,520 metres (2,985 to 4,986 feet), the medium-high intensity nose offers lush, ripe dark fruited aromas of blackberry, purple fruit, violet, and dried herbal spice with some savoury, earthy, and stony minerality notes rising out of the glass. It's medium-full bodied with juicy, well-balanced acidity and smooth, rounded, fine-grained tannins that support the ripe blackberry, black cherry, and black raspberry, smoky mineral, and wood flavours. Slightly tangy with a touch of warmth on the mid-palate, while smoky mineral, wood, black raspberry and dark berry notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines from Alamos are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - E & J Gallo Winery Canada.

Read More

Salentein Reserve Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2018 Salentein Reserve Malbec approximately 18 months ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this consistently lovely Malbec that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the February 19th 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...

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.

Read More

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

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely blend from Argentina that newly landed at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the February 19 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...

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.

Read More

Crios Chardonnay 2020 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review for this Family Day long weekend is this delicious Chardonnay from the Uco Valley in Argentina that arrived at the LCBO this weekend as part of the February 19 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

After deciding to follow the family business in viticulture, Susana received her degree in enology in 1991 to become the first woman in Argentina to do so. Susana worked as a consultant for many wineries in Argentina and internationally over the years, and eventually fulfilled a lifelong dream to have her own winery and create her own wines when she established Susana Balbo Wines in 1999. More recently, Susana and her team have worked tirelessly to meet international high quality standards for their wines while also showing commitment to food safety, environmental sustainability, and corporate social responsibility.

This white wine is from Susana Balbo's Crios range of wines that was borne out of her love for her children, José and Ana, and desire to forge a legacy for her family, helping them navigate their own life journeys with lessons learned from a lifetime of trailblazing entrepreneurship. The handprint logo on each Crios bottle symbolizes this relationship and illustrates the hand as powerful tool for mothers, allowing them to hold, provide warmth, nourish, and comfort, as well as teach the next generation the skills and wisdom achieved. Conviction, energy, and identity all go into making something with your hands, establishing an indelible personal mark.

To bring out the very best in Crios wines, Susana and her team choose the region of Argentina most suited for growing each particular grape, and nurture each variety to elevate its intrinsic character. Together with her children, Crios wines are crafted to be enjoyed across generations and to represent values we strive to instill in our own families, including reminding us to stop and enjoy the small pleasures of life.

This particular Chardonnay is sourced from the Uco Valley at high-altitudes averaging 1,050 metres (3,445 feet). The grapes were hand-harvested and hand-selected, followed by destemming and soft crushing. It was aged on its lees for three months in second- and third-use French oak barrels. The 2020 vintage growing season was extremely good and minimally impacted by the pandemic. Let's see how this high-altitude Uco Valley Chardonnay is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CRIOS CHARDONNAY 2020 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#243196) (XD) - $15.95
Screw cap. The medium-high intensity nose is fresh with ripe lemons, citrus, apple, and white peach underpinned by leesy mineral notes. It has good weight on the dry, medium+ bodied palate with fresh, zippy acidity lifting the ripe lemon, citrus, apple, white peach, leesy mineral, and grapefruit flavours with a touch of wood spice. Leesy mineral, citrusy, apple, and grapefruit notes linger on the satisfyingly long and juicy finish. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines from Susana Balbo are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

Read More

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.

Read More

Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina that arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the feature on wines from Argentina in the February 5 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This red wine is produced by Bodega Luigi Bosca, Argentina's oldest family-run winery. It was founded in 1901 by Leoncio Arizu and soon after joined forces with the Bosca family that emigrated from Piamonte, Italy, to form Bodega Luigi Bosca - Arizu Family. Celebrating it's 120th anniversary last year, Luigi Bosca is regarded as one of Argentina's pioneers in winemaking. Luigi Bosca helped establish Argentina's first D.O.C., paving the way for the development of new Geographical Indications (GIs) throughout Mendoza. Today, the historic Luigi Bosca is run by the fourth generation of the Arizu family based in Mendoza's original premium zone - Lujàn de Cuyo.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the third most planted red variety in Argentina with more than 35,000 acres planted, representing approximately 12% of all red varieties. More than three-quarters of all Cabernet Sauvignon planted within the country is in Mendoza, with Maipú and Luján de Cuyo the historical regions with older vines - and also where this wine is from. The Maipú sub-zone is located on the southern outskirts of Mendoza City, dominated by flat vineyards at high-altitudes, while Luján de Cuyo is situated just west of Maipú and south of Mendoza City. Cabernet Sauvignon is also one of the most researched varieties in Argentina, and the majority of new plantings are located in the premium growing zones, such as the Uco Valley. In Maipú and Luján de Cuyo, the climate is warm and dry, helping Cabernet ripen and give it an intense and voluptuous style with good body and structure. In Maipú, Cabernet has a classic profile of black fruits and spices, while in Luján de Cuyo, with its deep silty, clay, and sandy soils, delivers good varietal typicity reminiscent of black fruits and a broad, rounded palate.

This particular Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted with grapes grown in Luigi Bosca's own vineyards located in Maipú and Luján de Cuyo. This Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vines that are on average 40-years-old. The grapes were manually harvested, bunch selected, and de-stemmed, followed by fermentation in stainless steel. After ageing for 14 months in French and American oak barrels, the wine is gently filtered and bottled. The 2019 vintage is considered excellent with a slightly cooler than normal growing season resulting in concentrated and balanced wines, albeit with yields slightly lower than normal. Let's see how this 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LUIGI BOSCA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Maipú & Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#128629) (XD) - $18.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 40-year-old vines grown between 800 to 1,000 metres (2,600 to 3,200 feet) elevation. The fresh, medium-high intensity nose is black fruited with dark currant, spice, and woody aromas with a hint of vanilla. On the medium-full bodied palate, it has delicious ripe black and red fruits, currant, cassis, spices, and wood flavours supported by fresh acidity. Structured tannins are smooth and refined. Spiced wood notes linger on the crisp, juicy finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines from Luigi Bosca are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - FWM Canada.

Read More

El Enemigo Chardonnay 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Wow. I can't believe how the time flew by. In October 2020 I recall enjoying the 2017 El Enemigo Chardonnay - a wine that was excellent upon opening, but really blossomed into something special over the course of 7 days that I had it open. For tonight's white wine review, I opened the latest vintage of this terrific wine that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend along with a pair of excellent Bonarda wines from the same producer as part the feature on wines from Argentina in the February 5th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

El Enemigo Wines is a passion project founded by Catena Zapata head winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena, Dr. Laura Catena's younger sister. The name El Enemigo, which means 'the enemy within', was inspired by Dante Alighieri's poem "The Divine Comedy", and the goal was to produce wines that would respect history while rejecting the status quo. El Enemigo has gained global recognition for many of their wines by displaying the best of the Mendoza and Uco Valley soils, while also combining old and new winemaking techniques.

Chardonnay is Argentina's third most widely planted white wine varietal with more than 14,400 acres planted and representing 16% of all white wine varieties planted in the country. Chardonnay is the queen of white grapes and produces wines of great character and personality, all of which depend on the terroir where it's grown and techniques used by the winemaker in the vineyard and cellar.

In Argentina, Chardonnay has historically been grown in Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, Mendoza, where the elevation is between 700 and 1000 metres above sea level and the climate is hot, dry, and sunny. More recently, since the early part of the 2000's, many producers have migrated their vineyards to higher areas, in the mountains, in the search for a cooler climate. For every 100 metres in elevation, the temperature drops by about 1°C. Mountain vineyard Chardonnay resides mainly in the Uco Valley, with Tupungato having the most vineyards, but the pinnacle for Argentine Chardonnay is in Gualtallary - where this wine is from. These regions offers a combination of alluvial, stony soils with high calcium content, and a cool climate, along with the orientation and layout of the vines that all contribute produce high quality wines that are Burgundian in style. Argentina's high elevation vineyards and intense sunlight allows Chardonnay to ripen fully while maintaining bright acidity.

Like the previous vintage, the grapes for this Chardonnay were grown in Gualtallary - a high-altitude region situated within Tupungato, which is at the northern reaches of the Uco Valley - at an elevation of 1,470 metres (4,822 feet) above sea level on deep-calcareous, rocky soils. The grapes were barrel-fermented using wild yeasts in 500 L French oak barrels, then aged for 9 months in French oak with veil. With near ideal growing conditions, the 2018 vintage produced excellent quality fruit and a bumper crop, resulting in excellent wines across Argentina. Let's see how this 2018 Chardonnay is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2018 - Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#482984) (XD) - $24.95
Beautifully fragrant, elegant, refined, and complex with minerality, nut, and mealy aromas accented with ripe orchard fruit, apple, pear, lemon citrus, and a touch of honey. On the dry, medium-full bodied palate it is creamy and spicy with bright acidity. It is lightly honeyed with baked apple, lemon citrus, mineral, and mealy with some nutty tones on the flavour profile. Nicely textured on the mid-palate. Long, juicy, and succulent on the finish with lingering minerally and leesy notes. Gorgeous! Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other fantastic bottlings from El Enemigo Wines are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Noble Estates Wine & Spirits.

Read More

El Enemigo El Barranco Bonarda 2017 and El Mirador Bonarda 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of excellent wines made with Bonarda from Argentina that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the February 5 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Until the end of the last century, Bonarda was actually Argentina's most widely planted red varietal. Today, Bonarda is Argentina's second-most planted red wine variety with more than 44,000 acres planted, representing 15% of all red wine varietals. Bonarda was introduced to Argentina by European immigrants at the end of the 19th century and it was thought to be of Italian origin like Bonarda del Piedmont. However, in 2009 it was proven that it is actually Corbeau Noir, a European varietal originally from Savoy in the French Alps.

Over the years, the grape vines adapted to have little in common with those of Savoy and Piedmont. The varietal is now known as Bonarda Argentina and thrives in the warmer terroirs of Argentina. Sixty percent of Bonarda Argentina is cultivated in eastern Mendoza, where it is warmer and located at approximately 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level. Both of the wines in this post are from eastern Mendoza - one from the town of Junín, and the other from Rivadavia.

Both of these lovely wines were crafted by El Enemigo Wines, a passion project founded by Catena Zapata head winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena, who is Dr. Laura Catena's younger sister. The name El Enemigo, which means 'the enemy within', was inspired by Dante Alighieri's poem "The Divine Comedy", and the goal was to produce wines that would respect history while rejecting the status quo. I've enjoyed a number of excellent wines from El Enemigo over the years and the winery has gained global recognition for displaying the best of the Mendoza and Uco Valley soils. Many El Enemigo wines, including their single vineyard Bonardas and Chardonnay, combine old and new winemaking techniques that feature the use of concrete eggs in conjunction with 100-year-old oak foudres. The 2017 vintage across Argentina was excellent in quality, but low in yield. Let's see how this pair of Single Vineyard Bonarda wines are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

EL ENEMIGO EL BARRANCO SINGLE VINEYARD BONARDA 2017 - Junín, Mendoza, Argentina (#15132) (XD) - $21.95
100% Bonarda grown at 650 metres (2,132 feet) above sea level on sand and river stone soils. It was fermented using wild yeasts and aged for 12 months in 100-year-old foudre. The generous, fragrant, and elegant nose has lovely aromas of dark berry, currant, black cherry, funky earth, and plum which lead to fine stony mineral notes that fill the glass. On the medium+ bodied, slightly chewy palate it offers pleasing notes of dark berry, currant, black cherry, stony minerals, and gentle herbal spice, all supported by fresh, balanced acidity. Refined tannins have a subtle, textured grip, while on the lingering finish it has mineral, dark berry, and herbal notes, with very good length. A really fine expression of Bonarda. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

EL ENEMIGO EL MIRADOR SINGLE VINEYARD BONARDA 2017 - Rivadavia, Mendoza, Argentina (#15120) (XD) - $21.95
This 100% Bonarda was grown 650 metres (2,132 feet) on sand and deep clay soils. It was fermented using wild yeast and aged for 12 months in 100-year-old foudre. The rich, elegant, refined, and intense nose is deep, complex and spicy with dark berries, black cherry, blackberry, stony mineral, purple fruit, and hints of chocolate. Interesting black raspberry notes emerge with time in the glass. On the medium-full bodied there is some warmth on the entry, but it has smooth, refined and nicely textured tannins that support the spicy, dark berry, black cherry, blackberry, stony mineral, and cocoa flavours. Acids are fresh and juicy. Lovely dark berry, black cherry, and stony mineral notes linger on the long finish, with excellent length. Best Bonarda I've ever tasted. Must buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by El Enemigo, including other Bonarda wines, are available at the LCBO and through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Read More

February 5, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Argentina

Continuing the recent trend of mono-thematic releases, the February 5, 2022 LCBO VINTAGES Release looks on the fantastic, high-altitude wines from Argentina. All of the wines from this release should be on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

If you've been following me over the past few years, you'll know by now that Argentine wine is more than just Malbec. In this release, there are thirteen wines from Argentina featured and seven are included among my top wine picks. In addition to a pair of lovely Malbec wines, there are also a pair of lovely single vineyard wines made with Bonarda, Argentina's second-most widely planted red varietal. Other red wines from Argentina include a delicious Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Surprisingly, there is only one white wine from Argentina in this release, however, it is an outstanding Chardonnay.

Among my top red wine picks, the 2016 Rioja is a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Graciano / Mazuelo / Garnacha, while the 2020 Rioja is a 50/50 blend of Garnacha Tinta and Tempranillo. The rest of the wines are all single varietals, including a trio of lovely wines from Italy - a Merlot from Cortona, a Nebbiolo from Piedmont, and an organic Sangiovese from Tuscany. There is also a fine Pinot Noir from Niagara.

All of my white wine recommendations are single varietal wines. The old vines Chablis is a Chardonnay that was raised entirely in stainless steel tanks, the Sancerre is crafted with Sauvignon Blanc, and the Muscadet is made with the Melon de Bourgogne varietal. There are a trio of delightful Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand, from three different areas and vintages, and even crafted in different slightly different manners. The version from Hawke's Bay has a small portion fermented and aged in small oak barriques, while the Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc was raised completely in tanks, and lastly, the regional Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was partially raised in concrete egg tank and clay amphora. Other single varietal dry white wines include a Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County in California, as well as a Grüner Veltliner from Austria. For sweet wine lovers, the Gewürztraminer Kabinett from Pfalz should be on your shopping list.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Salud!

Red Wine:

• LUIGI BOSCA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#128629) (XD) - $18.95  88 pts  wine review
• PALACIOS REMONDO LA VENDIMIA 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#674564) (XD) - $18.95
• SUR DE LOS ANDES RESERVA PINOT NOIR 2018 - Rio Negro Single Vineyard, Patagonia, Argentina (#21991) (XD) - $19.95
• ROBERTO SAROTTO NATIVO NEBBIOLO 2019 - DOC Langhe, Piedmont, Italy (#22793) (XD) - $19.95
• EL ENEMIGO EL MIRADOR SINGLE VINEYARD BONARDA 2017 - Mendoza, Argentina (#15120) (XD) - $21.95  92 pts  wine review
• EL ENEMIGO EL BARRANCO SINGLE VINEYARD BONARDA 2017 - Mendoza, Argentina (#15132) (XD) - $21.95  91 pts  wine review

 

• CASTELLO DI BOSSI C. BERARDENGA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2018 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#994608) (XD) - $22.95  90+ pts  wine review
• KEW VINEYARDS PINOT NOIR 2018 - Estate vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#520080) (XD) - $23.95
• LORENZO LOBENDITO MALBEC 2017 - Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina (#19599) (XD) - $27.95
• AZIENDA POLIZIANO IN VIOLAS MERLOT 2017 - DOC Cortona, Tuscany, Italy (#22794) (XD) - $32.95  91+ pts  wine review
• CVNE IMPERIAL RESERVA 2016 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#424390) (XD) - $39.95
• VERSADO ANCIENT RESERVA MALBEC 2014 - Mendoza, Argentina (#316984) (XD) - $58.95
  

White Wine:

• LA GRIFFE BERNARD CHÉREAU SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE 2020 - AP, Loire, France (#948182) (XD) - $16.95
• RABL LANGENLOIS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2020 - Sustainable, DAC Kamptal, Austria (#377457) (XD) - $18.95
• TRINITY HILL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Sustainable, Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#247221) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
  
• DARTING DÜRKHEIMER NONNENGARTEN GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT 2020 - Estate bottled, Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#944181) (S) - $19.95
• TWO RIVERS CONVERGENCE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#277707) (XD) - $21.95
• WHITEHAVEN GREG SINGLE VINEYARD RESERVE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#325944) (XD) - $23.95
• EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#482984) (XD) - $24.95  92 pts  wine review
• CLOSERIE DES ALISIERS VIEILLES VIGNES CHABLIS 2019 - AP, Burgundy, France (#20912) (XD) $27.95  review coming soon...
• CAMBRIA KATHERINE'S VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2018 - Sustainable, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA (#980490) (XD) - $29.95
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE MARNES ET CAILLOTTES SANCERRE 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#196667) (XD) - $31.95  92+ pts  wine review
  

Dessert Wine:

• JACKSON-TRIGGS RESERVE VIDAL ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#389411) (S) (375 mL) - $39.95

Read More

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

I had the pleasure of attending a virtual wine tasting event a couple of weeks ago to celebrate Argentina's National Wine Day - 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.

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

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

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

Read More

Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this excellent Malbec from Argentina that returned to the LCBO over the weekend, as part of the recent November 27th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Bodega Trapiche was founded in 1883 when founder Tiburcio Benegas purchased the property that contained asmall vineyard. The winery was passed down through generations of the family, and was eventually sold to the Pulenta family in 1971 and became one of several brands owned by the new owners. Today, Trapiche is the largest producer of wine in Argentina, and is owned by Grupo Peñaflor, one of the top ten largest wine producers worldwide. Since it's founding, Bodega Trapiche has received worldwide recognition for its relentless quest for innovation. With a fairly deep understanding of the land, combined with state-of-the-art technology, Trapiche ventures into otherwise unchartered territory to constantly challenge what is known and gain a fuller understanding of the land. Pioneers in Argentina, Trapiche innovated with the introduction of French varieties, the use of French oak barrels, and the production of micro-terroir wines.

This Malbec is from the same range of wines as the 2016 Trapiche Gran Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon that I enjoyed last year. The Gran Medalla range is an homage to the winery's 125th anniversary, which was celebrated in 2008, and the grapes for these wines are crafted using their best vineyards in the Uco Valley to create exceptional wines that epitomizes all of the potential of Argentina's flagship varieties.

The 2017 growing season was a great success with a return to characteristically dry weather delivering intensely flavoured grapes, although with reduced yields due to a spring frost. In general, the 2017 vintage produced refined, terroir-driven Malbec-based wines, especially in prime districts within the Uco Valley, such as this Malbec which was grown in the Las Piedras vineyard in the Uco Valley. I've tasted previous vintages of this lovely Malbec and it always pleases. Let's see how this 2017 Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRAPICHE GRAN MEDALLA MALBEC 2017 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#467977) (XD) - $28.95
100% Malbec from the Las Piedras vineyard in the Uco Valley and aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels. The medium-high intensity nose offers lovely, rich, dark fruited aromas of blackberry, new wood spice, purple fruits, wet earth, and savoury notes. On the medium-full bodied palate, it has more ripe blackberry, fine wood spice, violets, and savoury earthy flavours all wrapped around fine, fresh acidity and refined, structured, and lightly chalky textured tannins. Some earthy minerals and spices add complexity on the mid-palate. Ripe and tangy blackberry flavours along with earthy, wood, and savoury notes linger on the long finish. Enjoy over the next 5-6 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Trapiche wines are plentiful at the LCBO, but other lovely wines can also be found through their Agent - Dandurand.

Read More

El Esteco 1946 Old Vines Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, organic, old vines Malbec from the Calchaquí Valley in northwestern Argentina. New to the LCBO, this red wine arrived on shelves across Ontario last weekend as part of the October 16 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Founded in 1892, El Esteco is one of the first institutions in Argentina to master the art of viticulture and winemaking. They are located in the Calchaquí Valleys in northwestern Argentina, a natural landscape carved by the sun, mountains, and vineyards. With nearly 1,000 acres of vineyards at an ideal altitude of more than 1,700 metres (5,500 feet) above sea level, abundant sunshine and perfect temperature range, the environment is perfect for the creation of high-end wines.

Within the Valleys, El Esteco has a presence in famous Cafayate, as well as the little-known and unique sub-region of Chañar Punco. Cafayate is the heart of Calchaquí Valleys, a region that was seemingly unsuitable for grape-growing, but is an isolated stretch of desert with unique features that make it ideal to grow the highest vineyards in the world. In addition to plenty of sunshine and a high diurnal temperature range between night and day, it is the desert climate with its poor soils that makes this small region unique. The resulting wines are distinctive and elegant with great concentration of colour, deep aromas, and well-defined flavours.

This red wine comes from El Esteco's Old Vines range of wines that pay homage to the life and history of some of their 50+ year-old vineyards which live in perfect harmony with the terroir of Cafayate, in the province of Salta, with minimum human intervention and yield exceptional wines. The Malbec grapes for this wine are from the Las Mercedes estate, home to 370 pergola-trained Malbec vines whose origins can be traced back to more than 65 years ago. Once the grapes reach optimum ripeness levels in the vineyards, the grapes are manually harvested in the early hours of the morning and brought to the vineyard and sorted, then placed into ovoid 3,000 L vats for fermentation. Upon completion of fermentation, the wine is unfiltered and aged in bottle for 6 to 8 months prior to release. Let's see how this Old Vines Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ESTECO 1946 OLD VINES MALBEC 2019 - Valles Calchaquíes, Argentina (#19391) (XD) - $24.95
Raised entirely in concrete eggs, this lovely Malbec has a medium-high intensity nose that offers distinctive earthy, savoury, spicy, and stony mineral aromas accented by dark berry, blackberry, and dried spice notes. The medium-full bodied, chewy palate is tangy and slightly plummy with dark berry, blackberry, stony mineral, dried spice, and white pepper flavours which are supported by juicy acidity and ripe, fine-grained, and slightly chalky tannins. Fine mineral and savoury notes with a hint of plum linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from El Esteco are available through their Agent - Dandurand.

Read More

Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Coletto Malbec 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an excellent Malbec that was originally supposed to arrive at the LCBO during the summer, but it's release got pushed back to last week's VINTAGES Classics Collection Release on October 7th - and it was certainly worth the wait!

Since its founding in 1883, Bodega Trapiche has received international recognition for its relentless quest for innovation. Their understanding of the land is their most valuable asset, and combined with state-of-the-art technology allows Trapiche to venture into otherwise unchartered territory. Trapiche is contantly challenging what is known and pioneered the use of French varieties, French oak barrels, and crafting micro-terroir wines. In order to do their part for the environment,

Trapiche also practices biodynamic winemaking to preserve the natural properties of the crops by eliminating the use of chemicals, herbicides and fungicides, and calculating the moon cycles for harvest. Additionally, they also look to sustain ecosystem balance, biological diversity, and recover bacterial activity in the soil. They believe that to keep on producing, innovating and educating about their wines, they must respect what nature provides.

This red wine is from Trapiche's Terroir Series range - a group of single vineyard wines which aim to convey the extraordinary potential of Mendoza's terroir and its imprint on the Argentina's flagship varietal - Malbec. This particular Malbec is from Finca Coletto - a 58+ year-old vineyard in El Peral, within Tupungato, Uco Valley, that has consistently shown outstanding quality over the years and is one Uco Valley's best expressions of Malbec. The grapes were grown at an altitude of 1,127 metres (3,700 feet) above sea level on alluvial, sandy soils that sit over a layer of rock. The grapes were manually harvested, de-stemmed, then fermented using wild yeasts in a combination of concrete tanks, eggs, and square tanks. For 18 months, 75% of the wine was aged in new French 300 L oak barrels, while the rest was aged 6.000 L oak foudre, followed by further ageing for 12 months in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRAPICHE TERROIR SERIES FINCA COLETTO MALBEC 2017 - El Peral, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#482968) (XD) - $45.00
The medium-high intensity nose is deep and dark fruited, slightly reductive and bretty, but laying underneath are complex aromas of spice, black and red fruit, currant, forest floor, earthy, and stony mineral notes. On the impressively structured, medium-full bodied palate it has lovely dark fruited blackberry, blueberry, stony mineral, and dried spice notes with hints of black plum. Succulent acids are fresh and juicy, while the suave, structured tannins have a slightly chalky grip. Some warmth on the mid-palate, but still well-balanced. Excellent length on the stony mineral, slightly tart berry finish. Enjoyable now, but still a few years away from prime drinking. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by Trapiche are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.

Read More

El Enemigo Syrah/Viognier 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

During Thanksgiving Day long weekend in 2020, I enjoyed a pair of lovely wines from El Enemigo. Surprisingly, a full year later and almost to the day, I am once again enjoying a fine wine from Argentina's El Enemigo with tonight's red wine review - a lovely Syrah/Viognier blend which newly arrived across Ontario last weekend as part of the October 2nd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

El Enemigo Wines was co-created in 2010 by Winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Adrianna Catena. Their philosophy since the beginning is that the land precedes us. The grapes grow and ripen in its care and Alejandro and Adrianna do their part by lending a helping hand while the fruit and terroir do their art. El Enemigo was born out of a desire to carve their own path as they thrive in the thrill of experimentation and delight in the new and unconventional. Alejandro and Adrianna have a shared obsession of terroir and with bottle their aim to create wines that reflect the freshness and character of each vineyard and offer a put expression of their terroir.

This red wine is a blend of two grapes not widely grown in Argentina - Syrah and Viognier. Historically, Syrah was used in the production of blends in Argentina. However, it's popularity has risen over the last decade to become the 4th most widely cultivated red varietal in the country and represents 10% of all red grape varietals. In cooler regions like the Uco Valley - where this wine is from, Syrah produces well-structured wines suitable for ageing. Viognier was introduced in Argentina in 1993 and has been gradually unveiled to become more interesting over time. Today, Viognier is the 8th most cultivated white wine varietal, representing just 2% of all white wine varietals.

Grown in the high altitude Gualtallary GI in Tupungato, within the Mendoza region, this red wine is a co-fermented blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier. The Syrah was grown at 1,470 metres (4,822 feet) above sea level on sandy soil, while the Viognier was grown at 1,400 metres (4,593 feet) above sea level on deep-calcareous and rocky soils. It was fermented using wild yeast and aged for 7 months in 100-year-old foudre. As we have seen in other parts of the world, Syrah and Viognier often make good partners, let's see how this Argentinean Syrah-Viognier blend tastes tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL ENEMIGO SYRAH/VIOGNIER 2017 - Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19390) (XD) - $24.95
A blend of 92% Syrah and 8% Viognier, this has elegant, refined, and complex aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, black pepper spice, violet, and meaty with savoury undertones and floral touches rising out of the glass. It's medium+ bodied with lovely ripe blackberry, black pepper spice, meaty, violet, and floral notes on the flavour profile. Fine stony mineral notes arrive on the mid-palate, and it's all supported by fresh, balanced acidity and refined, nicely textured, and plush tannins. Savoury with stony minerals, cocoa, blackberry, and florals linger on the long, very satisfying finish. For Syrah wine lovers. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

You can find other lovely wines from El Enemigo through their Agent - Noble Estates Wine & Spirits.

Read More

Alpataco Pinot Noir 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

For tonight's red wine review, I travel to Patagonia in southern Argentina to continue the recent string of fine wines from this South American wine producing country. This Pinot Noir is a new arrival to the LCBO, landing on shelves across Ontario earlier this month as part of the September 4th LCBO VINTAGES Release and is featured as a "Smart Buy".

It is produced by Familia Schroeder, whose story begins in 1927 when German immigrant Hermann Heinz Theodor Schroeder settles down in Patagonia and begins working in the wine industry. In 2001, his son, Hermann Schroeder, along with his own sons started the project of Familia Schroeder and with hard work and significant investments, the Schroeder family transformed the monotony of the Patagonian dry steppe into an eye-catching oasis.

The Estate is located at 39° South Latitude in Patagonia - a land of extremes with dry weather, frequent winds, rivers carrying pure snowmelt water, cool nights and long summer days. Located in Neuquén, the winery building is perched on a gentle slope that dominates the vineyards and blends in naturally with its surroundings, while also using gravity-flow winemaking. Leonardo Puppato is the Chief Enologist and has been part of the project since the beginning in 2002.

Patagonia is marked by large desolate expanses in the South, flanked by low, wooded mountains, a circuit of lakes in the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Winegrowing activities are fairly limited, with Patagonia representing just 2% of Argentina's total cultivated area. However, the region is noted for its great thermal amplitude (high diurnal temperature variation) which comes from its combination of latitude, low altitude, and abundant hours of sun, in addition to scarce rainfall and strong winds. All of these factors contribute to healthy grapes with greater colour concentration (in red varieties) and thicker skins.

Not widely grown in Argentina, Pinot Noir is the 7th most widely planted red varietal in the country, representing less than 2% of all red wine varietals. However, Argentinean Pinot Noir is noted for its concentration as a result of the high number of light hours, thermal amplitude, and soil. The product of a sunnier climate, the style of Pinot Noir from Neuquén, Patagonia, where this wine is from, is a style resembling Pinot from California - concentrated and fleshy.

Tasting Note:

ALPATACO PINOT NOIR 2019 - Patagonia, Argentina (#19386) (XD) - $14.95
100% Pinot Noir that was matured entirely on the lees in stainless steel tanks. Screw cap. Sunny and fruity aromas of ripe black and red cherry, raspberry, and strawberry flecked with stony-smoky mineral notes of medium+ intensity rise out of the glass. It's light-to-mid-weighted on the palate with dark red cherry, strawberry, and spice with a subtle savoury mineral edge on the flavour profile. Fresh acids lift the palate, while the lights tannins are finely textured. Leesy mineral with dark cherry notes linger on the finish, with good length. A very satisfying Pinot! Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines from Familia Schroeder can be ordered through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

Read More