Wines of Argentina - July 24, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Wine Reviews

To help satisfy your wine wanderlust, tonight's wine reviews continue the recent series on Wines of Argentina, the world's fifth largest wine producer, with this quintet of delicious wines arriving at the LCBO this weekend as part of the July 24th LCBO VINTAGES Release. In this post, I explore Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Malbec-based blends from Mendoza.

Mendoza is Argentina's largest and most important winegrowing region with 75% of all vineyards in the country located here. Not surprisingly, Mendoza also has the largest number of wineries in the country and is one of the main producing centres in the world. It is located on a high-altitude plateau at the edge of the Andes Mountains at an altitude between 430 - 2,003 metres (1,410 - 6,500 feet) above sea level. The Andes act as a barrier to the humid winds from the Pacific, and with a fair long distance to the Atlantic in the east, the climate here is continental. In addition, with the heterogeneity of soils and snowmelt water providing irrigation, the conditions are ideal for vine cultivation. Mendoza is divided into five sub-regions - Uco Valley, Primera Zone (which includes Luján de Cuyo and Maipú), the Northern oasis, the East, and the South.

Chardonnay is the third most widely planted white varietal in Argentina (and seventh most among all varietals), with the ability to ripen well and produce a wide range of wines. Malbec is the flagship varietal of Argentina and, as of 2011, is the most widely cultivated varietal in the country. Malbec is most often produced as a single varietal wine, but is also blended with Bonarda (which is is the second most widely planted varietal) and Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot to produce more structured reds as we see in the two examples below. Cabernet Sauvignon is the third most cultivated varietal in the country and is one of the most researched varieties in recent years. Research has found that Argentina has at least three continental climate styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, with wines from Cuyo described as fruity in character with ripe currants.

All of the red wines in this post are from the 2018 vintage, which was dry and sunny, and considered the best quality since 2013, while the 2019 Chardonnay comes from a cool and dry vintage that is considered the best in nearly 30 years. Let's see how these delicious wines from Argentina are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

KAIKEN ULTRA CHARDONNAY 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#355552) (XD) - $19.95
From Altamira (Uco Valley) at 1,200 metres (3,937 feet) altitude and Vistalba (Luján de Cuyo) at 1,050 meters (3,444 feet) altitude, 65% of this Chardonnay was fermented in concrete tanks and the rest in new barrels. Screw cap enclosure. The open, medium-high intensity nose has yummy tropical fruit, pineapple, lemon citrus, and stone fruit aromas. The full-bodied, crunchy and creamy palate has very good fruit concentration with citrus, ripe apple, and smoke flavours accented with vanilla, butter, and a touch of pink bubble gum adding complexity and interest. Acids are well-balanced, while the lingering, citrusy finish has a slightly chalky texture, with some saline mineral notes on the aftertaste. Agent: Trajectory Beverage Partners. Score: 89 pts

ALAMOS SELECCIÓN MALBEC 2018 - La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#322800) (XD) - $16.95
From high-altitude vineyards planted between 910 and 1,520 metres (2,985 feet and 4,986 feet) above sea level and aged in French oak for 9 to 12 months before assemblage. The medium+ intensity nose has very ripe aromas of black and blueberries rising out of the glass, joined by smoky minerals, violet, and hints of dried herb. It's medium-full bodied on the palate with smooth, finely textured tannins and fresh, balanced acidity, and flavours of blackberry, violet, smoky mineral, and black tea. I like the strong mineral and savoury notes on the juicy finish, with very good length. Agent: E & J Gallo Winery Canada. Score: 89 pts

KAIKEN TERROIR SERIES MALBEC / BONARDA / PETIT VERDOT 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#450163) (XD) - $18.95
This blend of 80% Malbec, 15% Bonarda, and 5% Petit Verdot was grown in Los Chacayes (Uco Valley) and Agrelo (Luján de Cuyo) between at 950 and 1,250 metres (3,117 and 4,101 feet). It was fermented in concrete tanks and aged in a mix of French oak barrels for 12 months. After taking some time to open up, the nose reveals fresh aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, blueberry, stony mineral, and some vanillin oak spice, leafy herb, and black plum notes. It's full-ish bodied on the somewhat structured palate with nice aroma replays, plus violet notes, all supported by balanced acidity and structured, gritty, and slightly chalky tannins. The finish length is very good, with mineral, cedar oak, and dark berry with hints of violet. Enjoyable now with BBQ fare, but should be even better in 2 years. Agent: Trajectory Beverage Partners. Score: 88+ pts

D.V. CATENA HISTORIC RED BLEND 2018 - Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina (#555466) (XD) - $19.95
Blend of 75% Malbec, 19% Bonarda, and 6% Petit Verdot from four historic estate vineyards at 750 to 1,450 metres (2,460 to 4,757 feet) altitude. The grapes fermented with wild yeasts and aged for 12 to 14 months in barrel. The medium+ intensity nose is oak-driven with earthy, red and black fruits, along with a mineral note that emerges with time in the glass. The full-ish bodied palate is dark fruited with blackberry, earthy, oak spice, and touches of leafy herb flavours supported by fine-grained, slightly grippy tannins. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while savoury oak and earthy notes with touches of blackberry linger on the finish, with good length. Agent: Noble Estates Wines & Spirits. Score: 88+ pts

GAUCHEZCO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Alto Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#17460) (XD) - $16.95
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, of which half was aged in French and American oak barrels for 10 months. The medium intensity nose seems a bit shy, offering glimpses of black cherry, ripe red & black fruits, green pepper, and herbal aromas. The full-bodied palate has flavours of black cherry, ripe currant, green pepper, and sour cherry, layered over savoury, earthy, and toasty oak notes. It has very good, balanced acidity to go along with structured, grainy tannins that have some grip. Savoury and earthy on the finish, with very good length. Agent: Majestic Wine Cellars. Score: 88+ pts

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Tenuta Perano Rialzi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2016 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that rises to excellence. It is a new arrival to the LCBO this weekend as part of the July 24 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Frescobaldi, an historic winemaking family that has been committed to viticulture in Tuscany for over 700 years, beginning in the early 1300s. The Frescobaldi family established their presence in the Oltrarno district of Florence, in the Piazza de' Frescobaldi, by building their palazzo, covered loggia, and tower, as well as the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge that connected their own properties Florence's historic centre. In the 20th century, Vittorio, Ferdinando and Leonardo Frescobaldi helped elevate Tuscany to a place of excellence for viticulture. Today, President Lamberto Frescobaldi aims to further strengthen the uniqueness of the wines from each family estate, along with a continued commitment for sustainable agriculture, diversity, and wines that reflect their terroir.

Tenuta Perano is one of the eight estates of Frescobaldi. It is a unique estate located in the heart of Chianti Classico in Gaiole, an area with exceptional soils and climate that captures the light and warmth of the sun. The vineyards are located 500 metres (1,640 feet) above sea level, well above normal altitude for the late-maturing Sangiovese grape. The steep slopes and stony soils in this area create healthy air movement and is the ideal terroir for Sangiovese.

This particular red wine is from their Rialzi Vineyard, which literally translates to "rises", and is named as such because the vineyard rises above others on three natural steps. Crafted entirely with Sangiovese, the grapes were meticulously tended to in the vineyard, then carefully hand-picked. After careful selection in the cellar, the grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. It was then aged for 36 months, 24 of which were spent in barriques, following by another short period of ageing in bottle prior to release. In 2016, the climate around the estate of Tenuta Perano produced perfectly ripe and succulent fruit, leading to an outstanding harvest of exceptional quality Sangiovese grapes, which in turn produced a truly extraordinary wine of great aromatic intensity and rich structure. Let's see how this Chianti Classico Gran Selezione is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TENUTA PERANO RIALZI CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17682) (XD) - $49.95
This 100% Sangiovese has lovely, elegant, medium-high intensity aromatics that offer attractive notes of rose florals, red cherry, sweet spices, earth, sandalwood, and clove. It's medium-full bodied with very good concentration on the slightly chalky palate with red cherry, floral, sweet spice, earthy, and stony mineral flavours. It's supported by fresh, citrusy acidity and structured tannins that are refined, textured, and slightly chalky. Succulent with minerals, red cherries, and floral lingering on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy until at least the end of the decade. Score: 93 pts

Other lovely wines from Frescobaldi can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Dandurand.

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July 24, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Big Scores + South Africa

The main theme of the July 24, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on high scoring wines, while the mini-theme looks at wines from South Africa. All of these wines, plus those from the main release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that offers a dozen high-scoring wines, of which two are included among my top wine picks. The first wine is an always excellent Assyrtiko from Santorini, while the other wine is a lovely Pinot Noir from Oregon.

The mini-theme features the wines from South Africa, the world's oldest New World wine region as wine has been made here since the year 1659. With six wines featured in this theme, three are included among my top wine recommendations. First up is a traditional method sparkling wine that is made with Pinot Noir. The other two wines are both South African red wines - one is a Cabernet Sauvignon, while the other is made with Syrah.

My red wine picks from the main release includes an excellent Chianti Classico Gran Selezione that is made with 100% Sangiovese, as well as a red wine from Greece that is a blend of 87% Xinomavro and 13% Syrah. From Argentina, the are two wines of similar blends - the Kaiken consists of 80% Malbec, 15% Bonarda and 5% Petit Verdot, while the Catena is a blend of 75% Malbec, 19% Bonarda, and 6% Petit Verdot that would be interesting to compare side-by-side. The last blend is from Roussillon and it is made with 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 30% Carignan.

Most of my white wine recommendations from the main release are single varietals. Fresh and aromatic whites include a Moschofilero from Greece and a fine Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. From Italy, the Pecorino and Verdicchio are light and crisp white wines. There are also a pair of delicious Chardonnays - one from Argentina and the other from Sonoma County. The lone blend is a rich, oak-aged blend from Rhône that consists of 70% Roussanne, 15% Viognier, and 15% Grenache Blanc. For sweet wine lovers, the Riesling from Niagara should be on your shopping list.

Among my rosé wine picks, all are dry rosés in style, with the Rioja consisting of 60% Garnacho, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Viura. From Provence, the Whispering Angel is made with Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, while the Inspiration Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• ALAMOS SELECCIÓN MALBEC 2018 - La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#322800) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• GAUCHEZCO RESERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#17460) (XD) - $16.95  88+ pts  wine review
• HEREDAD DE URUEÑA SANTO TERROIR TEMPRANILLO 2014 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#629832) (XD) - $16.95
• GLENELLY GLASS COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13316) (XD) - $17.95
• KAIKEN TERROIR SERIES MALBEC / BONARDA / PETIT VERDOT 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#450163) (XD) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
• D.V. CATENA HISTORIC RED BLEND 2018 - Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina (#555466) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review

• CHÂTEAU SAINT-ROCH CHIMÈRES GRENACHE / SYRAH / CARIGNAN 2018 - AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages, France (#119354) XD) - $19.95
• RUSTENBERG BUZZARD KLOOF SYRAH 2018 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#414151) (XD) - $24.95
• SOUTHBROOK LAUNDRY VINEYARD GAMAY NOIR 2018 - VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#646323) (XD) - $29.95
• SOLÉNA GRAND CUVÉE PINOT NOIR 2018 - Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#486944) (XD) - $32.95
• TENUTA PERANO RIALZI CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17682) (XD) - $49.95  93 pts  wine review
• KIR-YIANNI DIAPOROS SINGLE VINEYARD XINOMAVRO 2016 - PGI Imathia, Greece (#14131) (XD) - $53.95  FE

White Wine:

• FEUDO ANTICO ORGANIC PECORINO 2019 - IGP Terre di Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy (#644930) (XD) - $15.95
• KAIKEN ULTRA CHARDONNAY 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (#355552) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• CASAL DI SERRA VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2019 - DOC, Marche, Italy (#268169) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• TSELEPOS MOSCHOFILERO 2020 - PDO Mantinia, Greece (#724583) (XD) - $19.95
• CHARLES BAKER RIESLING 2019 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#20373) (M) - $19.95
• AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Sustainable, Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#663286) (XD) - $21.95
• MICHEL GASSIER CHÂTEAU DE NAGES JT WHITE 2018 - AC Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#485854) (XD) - $27.95
• RODNEY STRONG CHALK HILL CHARDONNAY 2017 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#275552) (XD) - $28.95  90 pts  wine review
• ARGYROS ASSYRTIKO 2019 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#387365) (XD) - $45.95

Rosé Wine:

• BERNE INSPIRATION ROSÉ 2020 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#278861) (XD) - $23.95
• THE PALM BY WHISPERING ANGEL 2020 - AC Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, France (#562595) (XD) - $24.95
• LÓPEZ DE HEREDIA VIÑA TONDONIA GRAN RESERVA ROSÉ 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#15781) (XD) - $43.95  FE

Sparkling Wine:

• HAUTE CABRIÈRE PIERRE JOURDAN BELLE ROSE BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#18569) (XD) - $19.95

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Sokol Blosser Dundee Hills Estate Chardonnay 2018 (Oregon) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an excellent Chardonnay from the Dundee Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Willamette Valley that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Sokol Blosser Winery was founded by Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser when they planted their first vineyards in the Dundee Hills AVA in Willamette Valley in 1971. At the time, they needed all of their youthful confidence, energy, and determination as there was no wine industry in Oregon. They are located 28 miles (45 km) southwest of Portland, in an area in Dundee Hills whose geology dates back 15 million years, when lava flowed from northeast Oregon and pushed into Willamette Valley to create the red volcanic Jory soils that the Dundee Hills AVA is known for.

Today, the certified-organic 106 hectare estate winery is family-owned and -operated by the children of Susan and Bill, siblings Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser. They produce wines of world-class quality in a sustainable manner, mindful of the environment, and express the different flavours of their hillside vineyards. Among their many achievements, Sokol Blosser's underground barrel cellar was the first winery building in the U.S.A. to receive LEED certification in 2002. In 2015, Sokol Blosser became a Certified B Corporation.

This 100% Chardonnay is crafted with certified organic grapes from their Thistle Vineyard estate in the Dundee Hills. The vines were planted on a steep hillside site in the year 2000 with popular clones 95, 76, and 96. It was fermented in a variety of formats, including new and neutral French oak barrels and concrete egg, followed by secondary fermentation and ageing for 10 months in both barrel and larger format puncheons that included some lees ageing. The 2018 vintage was their coolest since 2012, and they believe it's their best since that then. I've tasted previous vintages of this wine and it's always been a delight - let's see how this 2018 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SOKOL BLOSSER DUNDEE HILLS ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2018 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#16988) (XD) - $28.95
From red volcanic Jory soils, the elegant, medium+ intensity nose is rich with lemon citrus and ripe stone fruits mingling with earthy volcanic minerals, plus hints of tropical fruit. It is impressively textured on the medium+ bodied palate with lovely, complex flavours of citrus and minerals with hints of mealy, honey, and a kiss of vanilla. Vibrant acidity lifts the slightly spicy mid-palate. Somewhat tight on the long, textured finish with mineral flavours joined by touches of apple and butter. Best enjoyed with only a light chill. Highly recommended buy. Score: 91+ pts

Other lovely wines from Sokol Blosser can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Luigi Bosca D.O.C. Malbec 2018 (Argentina) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I continue the recent string of fine Argentinean wines with another lovely Malbec that arrived at the LCBO last month, as part of the June 12 LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty still available on shelves across the province.

The story of Bodega Luigi Bosca begins when Leoncio Arizu arrived in Argentina in 1890 searching for new opportunities, and founded a winery in Mendoza in 1901. The Arizu family had a strong European legacy dating back to the XVIII century, in the small village of Unzue in Basque country. Soon after founding the winery, he joined forces with the Bosca family that emigrated from Piamonte, Italy, to found what is today Bodega Luigi Bosca – Arizu Family.

Today, the winery remains in the hands of Leoncio Arizu's grandchildren and great-grandchildren to honour the tradition of producing great wines. They are committed to continuous innovation, an unwavering work spirit, and a perpetual quest to achieve the ultimate expression of Argentine wine which includes the best expression of the terroir and region's style. The Arizu Family also played a leading role in major changes in the local wine producing industry. One of the most important changes was participating in the founding in 1989 of Argentina's first Controlled Denomination of Origin (C.D.O.) - the Lujan de Cuyo C.D.O - from which this wine was borne.

The Luigi Bosca D.O.C Malbec is one of the first Argentine wines with a Designation of Origin. The grapes come from their iconic, 70-year-old Finca La Linda vineyard in the Vistalba district, within the Luján de Cuyo DOC. It is located in the western part of Mendoza at an altitude of 960 metres (3,150 feet) altitude. The climate is continental with high diurnal temperatures, well-defined seasons, and many hours of good sunlight. The soil structure consist of 60% sand, 35% silt, and 5% clays with 10% boulders scattered throughout. The vineyard produces below 7,000 kg per hectare, which is equivalent to 1 kg per plant, and one plant produces one bottle of wine. The grapes were hand-picked, sorted, and destemmed. After fermentation, this red wine was aged in new French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, then filtered, bottled, and stored at the winery for 6 months prior to release. Let's see how this Malbec is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LUIGI BOSCA D.O.C. MALBEC 2018 - Single vineyard, DOC Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#74922) (XD) - $29.95
Aged in new French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months, this lovely Malbec has medium-high intensity aromas led by oak, vanilla, sweet spice, and cocoa surrounding the slightly maturing dark fruit and blackberry notes. It's medium-full bodied, with very good concentration on the palate with chewy, supple tannins and juicy, balanced acidity supporting the ripe dark fruit, blackberry, blueberry, cocoa, and oak flavours. Slightly spicy on the mid-palate, with savoury oak and dark berry notes lingering on the finish, with very good length. Enjoy now or hold into the mid-to-late 20's. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Luigi Bosca are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - FWM Canada.

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Zuccardi Q Malbec 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

I enjoyed the 2018 Zuccardi Q Malbec earlier this year, and for tonight's wine review I am delighted to try the 2019 edition as it returned to the LCBO last weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

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

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

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

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

Tasting Note:

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

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

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Altosur Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the delicious 2018 Finca SOPHENIA Altosur Malbec last September, tonight's wine review is a lovely white wine from the same producer. This Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina is new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across Ontario last weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release. This is the first of what will be many posts in the coming weeks highlighting the exciting and diverse Wines of Argentina.

Roberto Luka, the former President of Wines of Argentina, founded Finca SOPHENIA in 1997 by combining the names of his partner's daughter, Sophia, and his own daughter, Eugenia. The wine producer is based in the high-altitude sub-zone of Gualtallary in Tupungato, within the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Today, Finca SOPHENIA is recognized as one of the highest quality wine producers in Argentina. Finca SOPHENIA is Sustainability Certified and the young, dynamic, and ambitious winemaking team is led by Ing. Julia Halupczok and winemaker Matías Michelini; Eugenia Luka has also joined the family business.

Finca SOPHENIA is a pioneer in the cultivation of vines in Gualtallary. Tupungato has an ideal micro-climate that allows for the slow ripening of grapes. The combination of height, cold weather, and sandy and stony soils result in wines with ideal natural acidity, intense aromas and flavours, concentration, and good structure. The small terroir of Gualtallary yields wines that are some of Argentina's most freshest and minerally.

With Argentina's unique conditions, notably the Andes mountain range and its latitudinal extension, the country is able to cultivate a wide range of grapes to produce many distinct styles of wines. Although Sauvignon Blanc isn't widely planted, it is being cultivated more in recent years and is now the fifth most widely planted white varietal in the country.

This particular Sauvignon Blanc is from their "Altosur" range of wines. Altosur translates to "high in the south", referring to the elevation of its terroir at the southern part of the world. It was grown in Finca SOPHENIA's high-altitude estate vineyard by the Andes in the Gualtallary sub-zone of Tupungato, in the Uco Valley, at an altitude of 1,219 metres (4,000 feet) above sea level. The soils here are of alluvial origin, loose and highly permeable structure. To obtain a balanced vineyard with high quality grapes, special pruning, irrigation and canopy management tasks are performed. The grapes are harvested manually and vinified using gentle pressing at low pressures in a pneumatic press, and fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Let's see how this delicious Argentinean Sauvignon Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALTOSUR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Estate grown and bottled, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19385) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. The fresh, intense nose is highly aromatic with ripe guava, kiwi, melon, tropical fruit, and citrus aromas nuanced with earthy minerals and herbs. The clean, fresh palate has more ripe tropical fruit, guava, kiwi, citrus, and melon flavours in a spicy profile with fresh, clean acidity. Juicy herbs with citrus and melon linger on the long, distinctively mineral finish. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

While a few Altosur Malbec's are still available at the LCBO, other delicious wines from Finca SOPHENIA can be purchased through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

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