Anatolikos Vineyards (Greece) - Winemaker's Dinner

Back in October, I enjoyed the fine wines of Anatolikos Vineyards with winemaker Sakis Nikolaidis at the new (and very secluded) Vintage Conservatory location in Yorkville, downtown Toronto. The wines were paired with a specially prepared 4-course dinner and hosted by Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits, the agency who represents the wines of Anatolikos Vineyards.

Anatolikos Vineyards was established in 2005 by brothers Sakis and Marios Nikolaidis. The Nikolaidis brothers are from Xanthi in northeastern Greece and experienced businessmen in the field of gastronomy. Their vineyard is located in the Avdira area of Xanthi, which is in the Thrace region of Greece. The city of Avdira is known from the ancient times as a city of initiative. In this same spirit in the year 2000, the Nikolaidis brothers began the revival of a famous ancient vineyard and in 2005 Anatolikos Vineyards started farming Greek and foreign grape varieties on the site.

The vineyard is located on the dry hills of Avdira at an elevation of 50-70 metres above sea level, approximately 3 km north of the Thrace Sea, and features sandy soils, continuous cool winds, and Avdira's micro-climate which is great for growing high quality grapes. Avdira's micro-climate offers an ideal environment for the cultivation of grapes as it experiences very little, but necessary, rainfall, while the evenings have low temperatures. The thermal amplitude between warm days and cool nights is about 13-15°C.

Today, Anatolikos Vineyards has 10 varietal and regional wines in their portfolio, all certified organic, vegan, and vegetarian, and continues to develop and expand the vineyard. The wines are grown according to the principals of bio-agriculture, cultivating traditional grape varieties from the lands of Avdira and Thrace, highlighting the history and interest of the wider region. One of the more interesting facts I learned from Sakis is that their wines are aged outdoors in clay amphorae for 270 days. They also continue to develop the distribution channels in Greece and overseas. In Canada, the lovely wines of Anatolikos Vineyards are available via Kolonaki.

Thank you to the team at Kolonaki for a lovely evening and the opportunity to taste these fine, certified vegan and organic wines from Greece. All five wines were great and really complemented the food pairings very nicely. Full reviews of each wine is provided below and all of the Anatolikos Vineyards wines can be purchased through Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

Tasting Notes:

ANATOLIKOS FINE ASSYRTIKO 2021 - PGI Avdira, Greece (XD) - $34.95
Aged for 6 months on fine lees in French oak barrels, this Assyrtiko has an elegant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose that is leesy with citrus, herbs, and earthy mineral aromas. On the medium-bodied, well-structured palate, it is fleshy and gains weight in the mouth with pleasing aroma replays, plus salty notes on the ripe flavour profile. With balanced acidity, it is nicely textured on the mid-palate, continuing on the long finish with touches of vanilla and butter. Score: 90+ pts

ANATOLIKOS MALAGOUSIA 2021 - PGI Avdira, Greece (XD) - $32.95
Fermented with indigenous yeast and spending some time in French oak barrels, this Malagousia has a lovely, fragrant, highly aromatic nose featuring aromas of anise, wild herbs, chamomile, some citrus, and touches of sweet oak. It's medium-full bodied on the nicely textured, dry palate with lovely, flavourful replays joined by floral notes. It's well-structured with good acidity, and very good length on the finish. Score: 91 pts

ANATOLIKOS ORANGE WINE 2019 - PGI Avdira, Greece (XD) - $61.95
Blend of 80% Assyrtiko and 20% Malagousia that was grown on sandy hills with stony subsoil at a distance of 3 km from the sea. This skin-fermented white (aka orange wine) was fermented in amphora with native yeasts. It offers a medium+ intensity nose with aromas of tea leaf, orange citrus, herbs, and spices. It's medium-full to full-bodied and harmonious with lovely, dry aroma replays, and nicely textured with a chalky mouthfeel. Impressively concentrated and a lingering finish. Score: 92 pts

ANATOLIKOS MV MAVROUDI OF THRACE 2018 - PGI Avdira, Greece (XD) - $36.95
Organically grown blend of 60% Mavroudi, 20% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, it was fermented with native yeasts and aged for 10 months in French oak barrels. The fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose is spicy with dark currant, dark berry, cassis, and blackberry aromas. On the medium-full to full-bodied palate it is structured with mildly grippy, yet smooth tannins balanced with fresh, juicy acidity. It has nicely balanced aroma replays on the flavour profile with a tinge of cocoa on the long finish. Score: 91+ pts

ANATOLIKOS FINE MAVROUDI OF THRACE 2019 - PGI Avdira, Greece (XD) - $49.95
Organically grown 100% Mavroudi, this has an elegant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose of spices, pepper spice, ripe dark berry, blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. It's medium-full to full-bodied on the palate with appealing ripe currant, pepper spice, and green herbal flavours which are supported by fresh acidity and smooth, refined tannins. Elegant and nicely balanced throughout, with excellent length on the finish. Score: 93 pts

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Alpamanta Breva Pét-Nat Sparkling Criolla 2021 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely unique and organic pét-nat sparkling wine crafted with the Criolla varietal from Argentina that was a new arrival at the LCBO in the August 27th LCBO VINTAGES Online Exclusives Release last summer.

It is produced by Bodega Alpamanta, a boutique winery that was established in Mendoza, Argentina, in 2005 by three close friends - Andrej Razumovsky from Austria and his cousin André Hoffmann from Switzerland, and Jeremie Delecourt from France. Andrej and André are from the noble Sayn Wittgenstain family who owned vineyards in Moldavia, while Jeremie's family are winegrowers and producers of rosé wines in Côtes de Provence. Together, this combination of rich heritage and passion for wine brought the Alpamanta project to life.

The name "Alpamanta" means "Love for the Earth" in the local indigenous culture. In the native culture, a key aspect is working and co-existing in harmony with nature and the environment. At Bodega Alpamanta, loving the earth is their motto and method of caring for the terroir.

They chose to establish their project in Mendoza because it offers the ideal conditions to produce organic wines. Since this region is a desert, it enjoys almost 330 days of sun and averages little rainfall of 220 mL per year. To ensure the vines receive water, they use drip irrigation which helps preserve water and reduce unnecessary waste. The climate in Mendoza is characterized by warm summers and cool nights, with thermal amplitudes that can reach around 20°C. Their vineyard was carefully chosen at 950 metres above sea level and the soils feature a combination of sand, clay, lime, and calcareous layers on the subsurface

Their vineyards are farmed certified organically and biodynamically, while focusing on respecting the soil and its biodiversity to help balance the ecosystem. They maintain a healthy and balanced vineyard, and avoid the spread of diseases by avoiding any chemical or synthetic products such as herbicides or fungicides.

Bodega Alpamanta has several ranges of wines, and this particular bubbly is from their Breva range. Breva means "fruit of the first harvest" and this sparkling wine is crafted with Criolla, one of the first native grape varieties in Argentina. This sparkling wine is made in the "Pét-Nat" style. Pét-Nat is short for "pétillant naturel", a French term that roughly translates to "naturally sparkling", and these types of sparkling wines undergo their primary fermentation in bottle with the sugars from the grapes providing the bubbles. This Breva Pét-Nat was fermented using native yeasts and no added sulfites, a truly natural wine. Let's see how this Criolla Pét-Nat from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALPAMANTA BREVA PÉT-NAT SPARKLING CRIOLLA 2021 - Vegan, ancestral method, Mendoza, Argentina (#24889) (XD) - $32.95 $27.25
Crafted with the Criolla grape, this pét-nat sparkling wine is enclosed by crown cap has enticing, fragrant aromas of wild berries, cherry, currant, and blackberry joined by funky earthy, barnyard notes that blow off with time in the glass, leaving only wild berry tones. It's fresh and lively on the dry, light-to-mid-weighted palate with deliciously complex wild berry, cherry, currant, and blackberry replays, plus dried spices, thyme and mint adding intrigue. Gently tangy on the mid-palate, it's also nicely textured with a supple grip and succulent, juicy acids. Crisp bubbles and dry with some leesy mineral notes lingering on the long finish. Chill and enjoy this unique, highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

This and one other Pét-Nat Sparkling are available on clearance in limited quantities at the LCBO, while wines from the entire Alpamanta portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - The Living Vine.

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Duck Hunter Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (New Zealand) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely vegan and sustainably crafted Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It is a new arrival at the LCBO as part of the recent March 4 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Duck Hunter Wines, a partnership that was formed about a decade ago between Mark Wilson and Rosie McLean. Both Mark and Rosie are co-Owners/Directors and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

Together, they share a passion to present high-quality New Zealand wines at affordable prices. Mark is in responsible for PR and Sales, and having been in the restaurant business for over three decades, he understands the importance of having great wine to accompany good food. Rosie is an ex-Bank Manager and handles Production, Compliance, and Export Logistics; she is also an avid promoter of NZ Sauvignon Blanc.

The wines are crafted by Jed Penkman, Chief Winemaker at Duck Hunter wines in Blenheim. Jed is a South Island born kiwi boy who obtained his Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University in 2002. He gained his viticultural experience working in wineries located in UK, France, and California, and returned to NZ in 2007 to work in Central Otago. After working at Kim Crawford for several years, he became involved in the Duck Hunter project in 2014 and is now fully in charge of blending and finishing their Marlborough wines.

The label of Duck Hunter wines show a painting by New Zealand artist Joanna Braithwaite. When Mark discovered this painting, he instantly knew that it would be the ideal marque for their family of wines. Duck Hunter has grown in personality and charm. With a gun slung casually over wing, the feathered friend is not the hunted, it is rather the hunter - the keeper of the estate, protector of the vines, and calm champion of the wines.

The grapes used to craft to Duck Hunter wines are proudly 100% sustainably accredited from vineyard to bottle, ensuring that best practices are used to protect New Zealand's environment and provide quality assurance for consumers.

Crafted with 100% Sauvignon Blanc, this white wine is made with 90% Wairau Valley and 10% Awatere Valley fruit. The grapes were machine harvested when they reached the desired flavour spectrum, then pressed pressed and cool-fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine was then cold stabilised, filtered, and bottled. From a small, but good-to-excellent vintage, let's see how this 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DUCK HUNTER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Vegan, sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#26127) (XD) - $21.95
Screw cap. The fresh and fragrant nose is slightly musky with aromas of Meyer lemon citrus, white peach, and guava with hints of mango, gooseberry, and herbs. It has good weight on the dry, medium+ bodied palate with elegant and refreshing acidity lifting the ripe, lightly honeyed flavours of Meyer lemon, citrus, guava, melon, tropical fruits, and herbs with touches of gooseberry. It's nicely balanced throughout with citrus, tropical fruit, melon, and herbal flavours joined by some mineral notes on the lingering finish, with very good length. Chill and enjoy this thirst quenching, highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely Duck Hunter wines can be ordered through their Agent - Touchstone Brands.

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Fasoli Gino San Raffaele Pinot Grigio 2021 (delle Venezie) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2020 Fasoli Gino San Raffaele Pinot Grigio last year, tonight's white wine review is the latest vintage of this lovely white wine from northeastern Italy which arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the March 4 LCBO VINTAGES Release. This lovely, organic, and vegan-friendly white wine is also sporting a new, fresh, and modern label for this vintage.

It is produced by Fasoli Gino, a winemaking family of four generations with deep roots in Verona, northern Italy. Their story of passion and dedication for wine begins in 1925 with Amadio Fasoli dedicated himself to viticulture in the valley of Illasi, the green expanse to the east of Verona. Amadio personally delivered the wines he made to the best eateries of the area by horse and cart.

Gino Fasoli, son of Amadio and second generation of the family, inherited the same passion for his father's vineyards and increased the size of the vineyards, thereby increasing wine production. Gino gave his name to the winery and was driven to make his wines known across the entire region of Verona. In 1979, Gino Fasoli developed an allergy to to some of the chemicals used in the vineyards and soon thereafter the winery was passed on to the third generation who made the brave and difficult decision at the time to go organic.

By 1986, the third generation of the Fasoli family, brothers Amadio and Natalino, had converted all of their vineyards to organic, and in 2003 they constructed a new winery. In 2006, they also introduced biodynamic practices. At the turn of the century, Matteo Fasoli became the 4th generation of the family to join the family's winemaking business.

Today, the Fasoli family uses their know-how gathered over 4 generations while enthusiastically embracing modern agricultural techniques. The Fasoli brothers are farmers at heart and the love for the land in which they live can be felt through their enthusiasm and care for its fruits. They only produce wines that they love drinking. This journey from vine to glass is carried out with total respect for the culture and values of the terroir. The Fasoli family is constantly striving for excellence while developing and implementing production techniques that have the least environmental impact possible. Fasoli Gino is one of Italy's most long-standing and respected organic producers.

Tasting Note:

FASOLI GINO SAN RAFFAELE PINOT GRIGIO 2021 - Vegan, DOC delle Venezie, Italy (#204768) (XD) - $17.95
Screw cap. This organic and vegan-friendly white wine has fresh, medium-high intensity aromas which are ripe and complex with honeysuckle, melon, lemon citrus, and pear aromas with a lessy mineral underpinning. On the dry, light-to-mid-weighted palate it has crisp, lively, and refreshing acidity that lifts the citrusy, apple, pear, melon, and honeysuckle flavours. Succulent and juicy on the lightly spicy mid-palate, while the spicy notes are joined by minerals on the crisp finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy! Grab two and enjoy one now while holding the other for a year or so for a more evolved expression. Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Fasoli Gino can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2015 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, vegan-friendly Gran Reserva from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO over the long weekend as part of the February 18 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Bodegas Altanza, a relatively young winery that was established in 1998 by a group of friends with a shared dream to make high quality, 100% Tempranillo wines. Their name is a synonym for 'quality' and their goal is to offer modern wines with an authentic touch, while also producing the best possible quality wine at a sensible price. The estate of Bodegas Altanza is situated in the higher elevation town of Fuenmayor, in Rioja Alta, and spans 300 hectares, of which 220 hectares are planted to vines. At Altanza's state-of-the-art, modern winery, they have many stainless steel tanks of varying sizes which allows them to better customize the fermentation process depending on the varietal and style of wine they wish to craft. Each tank is also fitted with a temperature-control jacket and managed by a central control panel.

Like the 2011 Lealtanza Gran Reserva that I enjoyed a couple of years ago, this vintage is also crafted with 100% Tempranillo. In fact, they craft all of their red wines with 100% Tempranillo! It was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts. The wine was aged for 24 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barrels, as well as a further three months in large 22,000 L French oak vats.

The Rioja Control Board declared the 2015 vintage as "Very Good" back in 2016. However, more recent reports suggest that the vintage was excellent. Although the 2015 growing season in Spain was difficult at times, it all turned out good in the end. Spring was balmy and dry, but temperatures quickly rose and drought became an issue. However, Rioja was lucky enough to receive some rejuvenating showers in June. In July, heat records were being broken and the intense heatwave continued for much of the summer. Temperatures cooled for the most part in August and September. The end result was wines with a bit more higher-than-normal alcoholic levels, with Rioja producing richly concentrated wines with the potential to age. The higher, cooler vineyards of Rioja are showing especially high quality. Let's see how this 2015 Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2015 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#453548) (XD) - $30.95
100% Tempranillo. The fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers attractive aromas of sandalwood, elegant spices, leather, red & black cherry and coconut. On the rich, medium-full bodied palate, it shows very good concentration with delicious sandalwood, earthy wood spices, leather, coconut, red & black cherry, raspberry, and licorice flavours. It has fresh, well-balanced acidity and supple, still-grippy tannins that will continue to soften and integrate with time in the cellar. The sandalwood, oak spice, and earthen notes linger through to the long, savoury finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by Bodegas Altanza can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Viña del Pedregal Kidia Reserve Carmenère 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely, single vineyard Carmenère from Chile that is new to the LCBO, arriving on shelves across Ontario on the weekend as part of the January 7 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Viña del Pedregal, a family with a long history in wine that dates back to the mid-19th century when Carlos Adolfo del Pedregal Neumann was one of the first to introduce French Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cot to the Chilean market. The passion for the wine trade and the land they developed and worked on was passed along from one generation to the next, eventually reaching Alberto del Pedregal Aldunate, the 6th generation of the family. In the middle of the 19th century, Alberto, who is now President, was the person responsible for materializing years of experience into what is known today as Viña del Pedregal.

Alberto left behind artisan production to develop wines for export, raising industry standards, and positioning the winery as one of the most renowned in Chile. José Manuel del Pedregal Labbé is the 7th generation of the family and the driving force behind the company's internationalization process, reaching over 40 countries. José Manuel del Pedregal Mujica and Matías Gutiérrez del Pedregal are the 8th generation of the family and they currently focus on innovation while promoting their premium wines and the development of the new look. Today, with time and commitment, Viña del Pedregal has grown to become one of the oldest and most recognized vineyards in Chile.

Viña del Pedregal's vineyards are located in the Loncomilla Valley, in the Maule Region in central Chile. The Maule Valley is a transverse valley with an east-west orientation, encompassing an area from the Andes Mountains in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west. Their vineyards start at the foothills, extending along the banks of the Loncomilla River until they reach the vicinity of the Chilean Coastal Range, a setup which provides soil and climate variability among the vineyards, which in turn contributes to the diversity and complexity of their wines.

This particular wine is from Viña del Pedregal's Kidia range of wines. Kidia is another name for the orchid, a flower with approximately 35,000 different species. The orchid represents both delicacy and strength - it is a flower that blossoms in innumerable forms and colours. For Viña del Pedregal, Kidia is a wine that symbolizes femininity and, therefore, this line of wines was designed and inspired by, and for, women. The Kidia range has 18 wines designated as either Gran Reserva, Reserva and Varietal, with each wine assigned a specific species of this delicate flower. Each wine seeks to transmit this flower's elegance, colour, and complexity.

Depicted on the label of this Carmenère is the Vanda Kultana species of orchid. Crafted with 100% Carmenère, the grapes were grown in the D.O. Valle Pencahue, in the Loncomilla Valley. It was grown on loamy clay soils and harvested at the beginning of May. It was cold-soaked for 5 days, fermented with selected yeasts and remained in contact with skins for 25 days. The wine was aged for 8 months in mostly used French oak - 20% new, 50% second-use, and 30% third-use, and bottled without any filtration.

From an excellent harvest in terms of both quantity and quality with no extreme events, let's see how this 2018 Carmenère from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

VIÑA DEL PEDREGAL KIDIA RESERVE CARMENÈRE 2018 - Sustainable, Single Vineyard, DO Valle Pencahue, Valle de Loncomilla, Valle del Maule, Chile (#24766) (XD) - $18.95
Sustainably crafted and vegan-certified, this 100% Carmenère has clean, refined, well-balanced, and generous aromas of resinous herbs layered over dark berry, black cherry, plus savoury touches of wood spice and minerals. It's medium-full bodied on the smooth, refined palate with lovely herbal, dark berry, black cherry, peppery spice, and earthy mineral flavours with a hint of plum. Acids are fresh and well-balanced, while the tannins are smooth, supple, and well-structured. Impeccably well-balanced throughout with smoky mineral notes lingering on the long, very satisfying finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 5+ years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Viña del Pedregal can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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Lakeview Cellars Riesling Icewine 2019 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Continuing the recent trend of enjoying fine Icewines, which included the 2017 Lakeview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine last month, tonight's Icewine review is a lovely, vegan Riesling Icewine from Niagara that returned to the LCBO this weekend as part of the January 7th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Lakeview Cellars, a brand that was established in 1991 by Eddy Gurinskas in Vineland, Ontario, within the Niagara Region. Having built a worldwide reputation over the years for creating premium Niagara wines that are both high quality and affordable, Lakeview Cellars is now owned by Diamond Estates and is one of their oldest wine brands. Lakeview Cellars wines are crafted and sold at Lakeview Wine Co. on Niagara Stone Road in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Leading the team at Lakeview is Thomas Green, VP of Winemaking and Winery Operations. The Lakeview Cellars brand is nostalgic for Thomas as he began his career at the company in the late 1990s as an apprentice to winemaking under Eddy. After graduating as part of the first graduating class of the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture program at Brock University in 2000, he remained with Lakeview Cellars. Following Eddy's retirement, Thomas took over head winemaking duties for Lakeview Cellars in January 2003, and Diamond Estates in 2005.

Although the Vidal grape is the main variety used to craft Icewine in Niagara, Riesling comes a close second due to its ability to retain freshness and acidity, which helps balance the sweetness in the wine. The grapes for this Riesling Icewine were sourced from their best vineyards in the Niagara region, kissed by Lake Ontario's offshore breeze. The grapes were harvested in late-December, when they were frozen and temperatures were between -10°C and -13°C. Like the other Lakeview Cellars Icewines I tasted recently, the juice was settled in stainless steel tanks, followed by a cool-fermentation, and then placed outside to complete a natural cold stabilization. Let's see how this Riesling Icewine from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LAKEVIEW CELLARS RIESLING ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#471839) (S) (200 mL) - $34.95
The fragrant nose offers gorgeous aromas of honeyed apricot and peach mingling with candied lemon, ginger, orange peel, and apple. On the medium to medium-full bodied palate it is lightly spicy and has lusciously sweet aroma replays of honey, apricot, peach, lemon, and orange peel with a slightly viscous mouthfeel. Bracing acidity provides just enough freshness to balance the sweetness, while caramel and faintly mineral notes emerge on the lingering finish. Delicious and a highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely Icewines (and table wines) from Lakeview Cellars are available not only at the LCBO, but also direct from the winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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Miguel Torres Andica Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Chile) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2021 Miguel Torres Ándica Reserva Sauvignon Blanc in September, tonight's red wine review is another lovely wine from the same producer in Chile. It is a new arrival to the LCBO that landed in LCBO VINTAGES over the weekend as part of the November 5 LCBO VINTAGES Release and is also featured in LCBO's Food & Drink Magazine.

Miguel Torres Chile was founded in 1979 in the Curicó Valley, Chile, in the search for a new project after a long history rooted in winemaking in Spain. The Torres family settled on the Curicó Valley for its excellent conditions to further develop the wine industry and were the first foreign wine producer to establish themselves in Chile. As an innovator, Miguel Torres Chile introduced many new technologies and winemaking techniques to Chile, including the first use of fermentation in stainless steel tanks and ageing in French oak barrels in 1979, while also helping grow the Chilean wine industry.

Like the Sauvignon Blanc, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is from their Ándica range of wines that are made under the vision of honouring the natural expression and biodiversity of Chile, a country that welcomed the Torres family 40 years ago. Like all wines in the Ándica range, it is made with the utmost respect for the Chilean ecosystems where they grow their grapes, with a sustainable approach to agriculture and awareness of climate change.

This certified 100% organic red wine is crafted with fruit from southern Chile's Itata Valley, a cool-climate winegrowing region that covers roughly 100 square kilometres. Itata Valley's vine-growing tradition dates back over 400 years with small estates producing wine for family consumption still dominating the landscape. The region has a humid Mediterranean climate, yet considered cool-climate with lower temperatures than in other valleys and well-differentiated seasons, good soil, and lots of light. With these excellent conditions, the vineyards that grow on the eastern side of the Coastal Range produce high-quality vinestocks.

This Cabernet Sauvignon underwent alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel with native yeasts, as well as malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. It was aged in mostly used oak with 70% of the wine passing through French oak of third or more uses for 8 months, and then finally bottled in October 2021. The growing season was affected by a prolonged water shortage, as well as high temperatures in unexpected months which contributed to reduced yields in certain vineyards earlier than expected harvest. However, acidity was unaffected by these conditions, which was a very positive for a hot year, and resulted in red wines with balanced acidity and very good quality. Let's see how this 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's Itata Valley is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MIGUEL TORRES ANDICA GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Vegan, Valle del Itata, Chile (#25933) (XD) - $17.00
Certified vegan-friendly and organic, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has a complex, highly aromatic nose of forest floor, red and black fruit, dark cherry, blackberry, cassis, leafy green herbs and touches of smoke. It's medium-full bodied with ripe red and black cherry-berry, leafy green herbs, oak spice flavours with forest floor undertones. Slightly tangy on the mid-palate. Saliva-inducing acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the mouth-coating tannins are smooth, refined, and structured with some grip on the back palate. Juicy with savoury earth and spice notes lingering on the long, balanced finish. Highly recommended buy to be enjoyed over the next 5-6 years. Score: 90+ pts

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

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Miguel Torres Ándica Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is this lovely, organic, and vegan-friendly Sauvignon Blanc from the Curicó Valley in Chile. It's a fairly new wine that made it's debut at the LCBO last weekend as part of the September 24 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Backed by a long history rooted in winemaking in Spain, Miguel Torres Chile arrived in the Curicó Valley in 1979 in the search for a new project. Miguel Torres Chile was the first foreign wine producer to establish themselves in Chile and chose the Curicó Valley for its excellent conditions to further develop the wine industry. As an innovator, Miguel Torres Chile introduced many new technologies and winemaking techniques to Chile, including the first use of fermentation in stainless steel tanks and ageing in French oak barrels in 1979, while also helping grow the Chilean wine industry.

The Torres family acquired their first 100 hectares of land and exported their first wines from Chile in 1981. Over the years, the company acquired more land and currently has approximately 350 hectares of vineyards planted on eight estates, each with different climate characteristics, enabling them to grow a diverse range of varieties to produce wines of intense varietal character. Today, Miguel Torres Chile maintains its cornerstone concepts of innovation, organic vine-growing, and Fair Trade certification, while also becoming more sustainable. With a global presence, Miguel Torres Chile family winery has established itself one of the main producers of high-quality wines through its products' identity, respect for the environment, and social responsibility. In 2010, the fifth generation of the Torres Family took over as Miguel Torres Maczassek became President of the family business in Chile.

Miguel Torres Chile has several ranges of wines and this Sauvignon Blanc is from their newest label - Miguel Torres Ándica. Wines from the Ándica label are made under the vision of honouring the natural expression and biodiversity of the country that welcomed them over 40 years ago. All wines under the Ándica label are 100% certified organic and crafted with the utmost respect for the Chilean ecosystems where the grapes are grown, from the north to Patagonia, with a sustainable approach to agriculture and awareness of climate change. This particular Sauvignon Blanc was organically grown in the Curicó Valley. It was de-stemmed and macerated for 3 hours at low temperatures. After a 16-day fermentation, the wine was aged without the use of any oak. Let's see how this 2021 Sauvignon Blanc from Chile is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MIGUEL TORRES ÁNDICA RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Vegan, Valle de Curicó, Chile (#25641) (XD) - $16.95
Organic and vegan. Screw cap. Fresh, fragrant, and highly aromatic with pungent aromas of gooseberry, grassy, guava, tropical fruit, lemongrass, and herbs with earthy-smoky undertones. It's medium+ bodied and dry with fresh, lively, and juicy acidity lifting the citrusy, grapefruit, gooseberry, grassy, guava, tropical fruit, and lemongrass flavours. Really well-balanced and succulent with a subtle chalky textured mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Leesy minerals join the citrus, gooseberry, grassy, and tropical fruit replays on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Several lovely wines by Miguel Torres are available not only at the LCBO, but also through their Agent - Dandurand.

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Laya 2020 (Spain) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2018 Laya in January of last year, tonight's wine review is the latest vintage of this delicious, vegan-friendly Spanish red wine that is coming to LCBO VINTAGES on September 10th.

Bodegas Atalaya is a small winery founded by the Gil family in 2007. The bodega is located in the Almansa wine region, within the province of Albacete, in the east of Spain's largest winegrowing region, La Mancha, and in a transition zone between the high central plateau of La Mancha and the Mediterranean Sea. The region's vineyards are located on mainly flat areas of land with low-fertile, limestone soils, and experience very little rainfall which forces the vines to work hard and deep into the soils in the search for nutrients. Extreme hot and cold temperatures in the region promote higher acidity and freshness. The prinicple grape of the region is Garnacha Tintorera (aka Alicante Bouschet) followed by Monastrell (aka Mourvèdre), with both of these grape varieties thriving in the region.

The Gil family produced their first wines from humble beginnings in 1916 in the heart of Jumilla, which is just south of Almansa. Founded by Juan Gil Gimènez and continuously family-owned, Gil Family Estates is currently run by fourth generation of the family - brothers Miguel and Ángel. Today, Gil Family Estates is made up of a number of small wineries with over 1,400 hectares of total vineyards across Spain's many winegrowing regions. They craft wines using only indigenous varieties.

This red wine is crafted using 70% Garnacha Tintorera and 30% Monastrell that was grown in DOP Almansa. The bush vines are planted on calcareous soils between 700 and 1000 metres above sea level and produce grapes that concentrate complexity, structure, colour, and fruit forward flavours. It was vinified by fermentation in stainless steel tanks and followed by ageing in French oak barrels for 4 months.

The 2020 vintage in Castilla La Mancha is described as "excellent" and the best in the last 10 years. Let's see how this red wine from Almansa is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LAYA 2020 - Vegan, DOP Almansa, Spain (#132605) (XD) - $16.95
This blend of 70% Garnacha Tintorera and 30% Monastrell has a fragrant, intensely aromatic nose offering very ripe black-blue-purple fruit aromas joined by plummy and savoury undertones with touches of pepper spice, limestone mineral, and floral. It's medium+ bodied on the dry palate with ripe black-blue-purple berry and plum flavours. Some peppery spice and earthy mineral notes add a nice savoury component. It's balanced with fresh acidity and supple, lightly structured, and grainy tannins. Mineral notes linger on the long, supple finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Gil Family Estates and Bodegas Atalaya can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's 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 June 18th 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...

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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Killibinbin The Shadow Shiraz/Cabernet 2016 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this lovely Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon blend that is new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across Ontario last weekend as part of the June 18 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Launched in 2010, Killibinbin is one of a number of ranges wines produced by Brothers in Arms, a family-owned winery located in Langhorne Creek, South Australia. Although Brothers in Arms was established only in 1998, it's family history on the estate goes back to 1882 when William Formby bought the Metala Estate from an eccentric Prussian named Herman Daenke and became the first generation of the Metala story. Winegrowing entered the picture when William's second son, Arthur, took over management of the property with his brother Fred and planted his first vines on Metala in 1891 after being encouraged to do so by his brother-on-law Ronald Martin of Stonyfell fame. He planted Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and some of these vines are still producing premium fruit today. In 1910, Arthur handed over all winemaking tasks to Ronald and continued to make wine on the property until 1955. The cellar of Metala was closed soon thereafter as it was simpler to transport the grapes to Stonyfell for processing.

Arthur and his wife Elsie had 2 children - Myles and Mavis. Mavis married Denys Butler and together they managed Metala until Denys died too soon in 1972. Their only daughter, Helen had married Stuart Adams and they lived at his property in Finniss. Helen became heavily involved in the management of Metala and was soon joined by Guy, the second son, upon leaving school. The property and business has since flourished and today Guy Adams and his wife Liz run Metala and Brothers in Arms. Guy and Liz and have two children and represent the 6th generation of the family to live at Metala.

This red wine is a blend of 80% Shiraz and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were sourced from three individual plantings at the estate of Metala Vineyards in Langhorne Creek, within the Fleurieu region of South Australia. Langhorne Creek is primarily a red wine producing region known for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, with 70% of plantings devoted to these two varieties. Langhorne Creek is unique in that it sites on an ancient flood plain created by the Angas and Bremer rivers, with water descending from the Mount Lofty Ranges. The climate is temperate with moderate temperatures that are cooled by breezes from Lake Alexandrina and the Southern Ocean, allowing for a growing season that is long ripening.

The 2016 growing season in Langhorne Creek was notable for its long, dry periods where effectively no rain fell. It was also warmer than normal, with the warmest springs nights ever recorded, as well as record mid-season heat. According to vintage reports, Cabernet Sauvignon was a star due to the slow ripening season. With The Shadow, Killibinbin aims to take one form and turn it into something greater, something that mesmerizes with passionate purpose, hypnotic, alluring, and thrilling. Let's see how this 2016 Australian Shiraz/Cabernet is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KILLIBINBIN THE SHADOW SHIRAZ/CABERNET 2016 - Vegan, Langhorne Creek, South Australia (#23785) (XD) - $20.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this blend of 80% Shiraz and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 18 months with 85% in seasoned French oak barriques, and the rest in new hogsheads - 10% French and 5% American. The intense nose is refined and elegant with dark berry, blackcurrant, black pepper, meaty, and savoury earth aromas with hints of blackberry jam, cedar oak, and chocolate. It's medium-full bodied on the dry palate with smooth, fine-grained tannins supporting the dark berry, currant, meaty, peppery spice, and cedar oak flavours. Succulent acids are well-balanced, while savoury oak notes linger on the long, juicy, slightly tangy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

There is a Shiraz from Killibinbin available at the LCBO, while other wines from the range can be ordered through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

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Celebrating Malbec World Day 2022 - Argentina's Flagship Grape

Today is Malbec World Day, a celebration held worldwide every April 17th since 2011. As Argentina's flagship grape varietal, Malbec arrived in Argentina 169 years ago and on April 17, 1853, 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 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

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

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

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

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Domaine Bousquet Gran Malbec 2018 and Virgen Natural Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Reviews

Continuing my trek towards Malbec World Day that is coming up on April 17th, tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious, organic, and vegan-friendly Argentine Malbec wines that recently came to LCBO VINTAGES as new arrivals.

Both of these wines are produced by Domaine Bousquet, a family with 4 generations of winemaking tradition originating in the city of Carcassonne, in the South of France. Third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet vacationed in Argentina in 1990 and fell in love with the country. It was love at first sight when he visited the scenic and remote terrain of the Gualtallary Valley high in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley in Argentina's Mendoza region. At the time, it was virgin territory as the locals dismissed the area as too cold for grape growing due to altitudes ranging up to 1,600 metres (5,249 feet). However, Bousquet reckoned that he'd found the perfect blend between his French homeland and the New World that was sunny with high natural acidity, and the potential for relatively fruit-forward wines. Today, Gualtallary occupies the highest extremes of Mendoza's viticultural limits and is the source for some of province's finest wines.

Bousquet's daughter, Anne Bousquet, and her husband Labid Al Ameri, were both working in fields outside of wine, but were soon drawn to the cause and offered to put their shared philosophy of sustainability into effect. In 2005, Al Ameri joined his father-in-law full-time to help with the construction of the winery, and Anne joined the family business in 2008. In 2011, the couple assumed full ownership of Domaine Bousquet.

Today, the estate consists of 240 hectares in Gualtallary at an altitude of 1,200 metres (4,000 feet) and due to its location the vineyards benefit from a cool climate and constant fresh air. With very little rainfall, the vineyards are irrigated using a drip system that harnesses pure (and special) Andean mountain snowmelt run-off that creates lower pH in the grapes, resulting in higher acidity. The climate is also desert-like with high 15° C (59° F) day/night temperature differential. The soil surface has low concentrations of organic material, which produces favourable stress in the vines, while the sandy soils offer great drainage and help create elegant wines. Farmed organically since 2001, Domaine Bousquet is Argentina's leading exporter of organic wines, exporting to more than 50 countries. Let's see how these two wines that are brand new to the LCBO in Ontario are tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE BOUSQUET GRAN MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21983) (XD) - $24.95
From the Gran Bousquet line that stars the best grapes from their "home" vineyard that was originally planted by the Bousquet family in the late 1990's. Blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 5% Syrah that was organically grown on sandy soils with low fertility, the grapes were manually harvested, selected, and sorted. It was fermented using selected yeasts and aged for 10 months in French oak. 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 and a recommended buy. Arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on March 5. Score: 90+ pts

VIRGEN NATURAL MALBEC 2019 - Vegan, Sustainable, Tupungato, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#21987) (XD) - $17.95
From Bousquet's Virgen line that has no sulfites added, Virgen wines offer the purest expression of terroir from grapes grown on a mix of sandy and gravel soils. This organic 100% Malbec is crafted from estate fruit grown at a cool 1,200 metres (4,000 feet) elevation in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary, in the foothills of the Andes. Screw cap. This 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. Recommended buy! Arrived in LCBO VINTAGES on April 2. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Domaine Bousquet are available in limited quantities at the LCBO, while the rest of their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - B. Cojocaru Agencies Inc.

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Trapiche Medalla Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2017 Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec last November, tonight's red wine review is its little sibling that arrived at the LCBO today as the Wine of the Month in the April 2nd LCBO VINTAGES Release. This wine is also part of a collection of Malbecs I'll be reviewing in the lead up to Malbec World Day 2022, which is celebrated worldwide every year on the 17th of April.

Founded in Mendoza in 1883, Trapiche Winery has grown to become one of Argentina's most internationally recognized brands. Not only is Trapiche Argentina's largest producer of wine, but they are also one of the industry's leading innovators while pioneering new sites, partnering with premium grape growers, and developing a new generation of talented winemakers. Trapiche was a pioneer in working with Bordeaux varieties, exploring micro-terroirs, and developing modern winemaking techniques. Today, Trapiche owns more than 1,000 hectares of vineyards across Mendoza's Primera Zone and Uco Valley, as well as having longstanding partnerships with some of the province's revered grape growers.

Trapiche has quite a few different ranges of wines and this wine is from their Medalla collection that was borne in 1983 to celebrate the winery's 100th anniversary. This vegan-friendly red wine is 100% Malbec using fruit from their own vineyards in Uco Valley. The grapes were manually harvested, selected, and de-stemmed, followed by fermentation in small concrete vats. It was aged in new French oak barrels for 18 months and further 6 months in bottle prior to release.

The 2018 vintage in Argentina was celebrated for its return to normality with warm day time temperatures and cool nights, and without any unwanted rains. Overall, the harvest showed excellent quality with full maturation and healthy grapes. In the Uco Valley, Malbec stood out for it's great intensity and character. Let's see how this 2018 Uco Valley Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TRAPICHE MEDALLA MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#547869) (XD) - $19.95
100% Malbec mainly from their vineyards in Tupungato, Uco Valley, situated between 1,060 and 1,200 metres (3,500 and 4,000 feet) above sea level. 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. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

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

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Fasoli Gino San Raffaele Pinot Grigio 2020 (delle Venezie) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is the latest incarnation of this delicious, organic, and vegan-friendly Pinot Grigio that arrived at the LCBO as part of the January 8th LCBO VINTAGES Release last weekend.

I last tasted a previous edition of this wine nearly six years ago when the 2015 San Raffaele Monte Tabor Pinot Grigio arrived at the LCBO. However, this wine now bears the DOC delle Venezie designation, a new appellation that began with the 2017 vintage. It is produced by Fasoli Gino, a winemaking family with four generations of experience and deep roots in Verona. The family has been producing wine since 1925 with the goal of crafting unique wines that they are proud of. In 1984, they transitioned to organic wines, and in 2006 they started implementing biodynamic practices.

Today, Fasoli Gino is one of Italy's most long-standing and respected organic producers. They continue to apply knowledge passed down over generations to modern techniques to ensure they consistently produce high-quality wines. Let's see how this tasty Pinot Grigio is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FASOLI GINO SAN RAFFAELE PINOT GRIGIO 2020 - Vegan, DOC delle Venezie, Italy (#204768) (XD) - $15.95
Organic and vegan-friendly, this 100% Pinot Grigio was hand-harvested and enclosed by screw cap. Clean, fresh, and generous aromas of orchard fruit, pear, lemon citrus, and melon, along with mineral undertones and a whiff of herb. It's medium+ bodied with good concentration on the lightly honeyed, yet dry palate with crisp, refreshing acidity lifting the apple, pear, lemon citrus, and melon flavours. Juicy, slightly spicy on the mid-palate, and nicely balanced with fine leesy mineral notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines from Fasoli Gino can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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