Argentina in the spotlight
Argentina is this month’s focus at BC Liquor Stores. Special deals and free tastings celebrate the South American producer through September 2nd.
It’s interesting how Argentina continues to broaden its appeal beyond Malbec—although, there’s no arguing with the success of the country’s favourite grape. Known for producing soft and supple reds, it continues to be a massive hit with consumers. High altitude plantings have also produced more complex wines. However, it’s important for the country to move forward and show its ability to produce other varieties equally well.
High altitude Malbec plantings in Cafayate, Salta, in northwest Argentina
In the ‘value-priced’ entry category, Malbec’s fruit-forward, approachable style often over delivers for the dollar. Malbec accounts for about a third of all red wine production, followed by Bonarda (about 23%). Rising stars Syrah / Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon account for about 14% and 12% respectively.
Dramatic landscapes are a hallmark of Catamarca, in Northern Argentina (supplied)
Barbecue buddies
Slowly but surely, those other grapes are also coming to the fore. Moreover, along with Malbec and Malbec Bordeaux blends, they make for ideal barbecue companions. That should come as no surprise. Argentina’s classic cuisines are grounded in delicious meat dishes—and in traditional barbecue in particular.
Although beef is predominantly the staple, travel around Argentina and you’ll find plenty more. In the north, mountain hare comes roasted and served whole. While blood sausage (morcilla) and oven baked lamb empanadas are also firm favourites everywhere.
Nestled in the Andes foothills, Mendoza accounts for most of Argentina’s production (supplied)
Mendoza accounts for the vast majority of Argentina’s production (about 94%). Wines from Salta and the Calchaquí, in the northwest, are also coming to the fore. Yet, they represent only about three percent of the overall production. Never mind. The message is slowly getting out that there’s more to Argentina than Malbec.
5 Argentina red wine values…
Here’s a handful of good drops to help wrap up your summer in affordable style…
• Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec 2015 (Mendoza). From the pioneering producer who first put Malbec on the international map. This wine blends grapes from four vineyards ranging in elevation from 920 m. to 1,450 m) elevation, often rocky and alluvial soils. Well structured with integrated oak. Showing vanilla and cherry up front, followed by a supple, layered palate of cherry chocolate notes. Wrapped in good acidity and approachable tannins through a lingering finish. BCLS Argentina $22.49 (thru Sept 2), 91 pts.
• La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Various, Mendoza). This winery is right beside the Mendoza River (at the foot of the Andes). A long established Cabernet producer, among other worthy varieties. Red and black fruits on the nose before a well-balanced palate of raspberry and cassis notes. A touch of mocha, juicy acidity and a lengthy finish. Excellent value, BCLS $16.99 90 pts.
• Domaine Bousquet Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (Mendoza). Red and black fruits, plus some clove and spice hints up front. A full bodied, richly textured palate with black cherry, cassis and peppery notes plus easy tannins through the end. Very good organic value, BCLS Argentina $15.99, 90 pts.
• Don David Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2015 (Calchaquí Valley, Salta). More excellent Cab value: up front black fruit and vanilla before a raspberry and black current. Good structure and length with some savoury and spice edges. BCLS Argentina $14.49, 89 pts.
• Finca Las Moras Tannat 2015 (Lujan de Cuyo). Tannat is usually used as a blending grape, to add body and colour. However, this single variety bottling has plenty to offer as a good barbecue wine. Uplifted notes of raspberry and blackberry. A plush mouthful of ripe black fruit with a touch of savoury and easy tannins. BCLS Argentina $13.99, 89 pts
And a not so under the radar white
• Cuma Organic Torrontes 2016 (Calchaquí Valley, Salta). One of the best value white wines on the market. This refreshing white is one more reason why Torrontes (almost unknown a few years ago) is now very much on the radar. Rose petal hints before luscious but fresh floral and tropical tones. A touch of peach and citrus before a clean finish. A perfect patio sipper but also a worthy food wine. BCLS, Argentina $12.49, 89+ pts.
Taste some of these wines at Park Royal Signature BC Liquor Store, on Thursday, August 17th, between 2:30 – 6:30 PM.
This material also appears as in the Vancouver North Shore News
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