The Wines of Argentina came to town and while I would have liked to have a bit (actually a lot) more time in the tasting room, I did, however, manage to source out a few favourites that would be welcome additions to your fall tasting line up.
2010 mapema Sauvignon Blanc CSPC 618959 Spec $17.99
Mapema is produced by Jose “Pepe” Galante, previously the head winemaker of the well known Catena winery, and Mariano Di Paola, a previous to assistant to Galante. Grown at 3900 feet in the foothills of the Andes in Tugungato, this Sauv Blanc is a delicate wine full of floral, tropical and citrus aromas and some vanilla. On the palate there is a zesty acidity, melon, pink grapefruit and a creamy complex finish. Try with sushi or sablefish.
2009 Urraca Chardonnay not yet in market suggested $21.50
Urraca’s Vineyards are in Mendoza at the foot of the Andes. The winery is currently in its design phase, but promises the project will be “integrating old world tradition with state-of-the-art technology”.
The Chard is aged 6 months in new French Oak and is full of apple, vanilla, mango and toasty aromas. On the palate this elegant number shows well integrated oak and flavours of orchard fruit, and some melon.
Urraca Wines is looking for an agent in Vancouver.
http://www.urracawines.com/ – warning – annoying website.
2009 1884 Escorihuela Reservado Malbec 770925 Specialty $16.99
The 1884 name of this wine comes from the year the winery,Bodegas Escorihuela, was established in Mendoza. Aromas of plum, dark cherry, tobacco and mocha are present. A sip of this great value number offers more dark berry, and savoury spicy notes. Try with pastas, grilled meats and roasts.
2007 Finca Decero Syrah 157396 Spec $22.99
Named in the “Top 10 Producers of Argentina” in Decanter Magazine in July 2011, Finca Decero produces constantly great wines. In the appellation of Argrelo, in Mendoza, the Syrah is grown in the Remolinos Vineyard which takes its name from “remolinos” – the whirlwinds which keep the grapes dry before handpicking. Aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and spice are echoed on the palate. Complex, meaty and well worth the $22.99.
2009 Bodega Renacer Enamore 2009 114165 $??
A Joint Project From The Bodegas Renacer In Mendoza And Allegrini In The Veneto, this Amarone Style Malbec will ruin you for all other Malbecs if you start with this bottle in a tasting. The vines have an average age of over 50 years and are hand harvested at less than 6 tonnes per acre. You’ll find a mouthful of ripe juicy fruit, cassis, figs, coffee, chocolate and spice. A well balanced wine that has smooth tannins, and a lengthy finish.
