Wines of Argentina are still highly underrated wines that deliver exceptional quality per price ratio, (or QPR). I have been a fan of wines of Argentina for a long time and my love for them just keeps on growing as I discover more and more high-quality wines and varietals from Argentina’s top producers.

High altitudes, sun exposure, sloping vineyards, and soil type variations are a few of the things that contribute to excellent grape-growing in Argentina. Their unique climate and high-altitude vineyards make them stand out from other new world winemaking countries and they are quickly gaining serious traction on the global market. While Malbec is still the grape that put Argentinian wines on the map (and holding strong), there is more to their great wine than this magnificent grape. Cabernet Franc, Torrontes, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc have proven to show excellence and a sense of place from this country. Plus, my favourite variety of course, Pinot Noir is making its debut in Canada from Argentina and it is showing exciting promise!

If you’re unsure of where to start, I’ve compiled a list of wines to try that are available year-round in Ontario that I believe to have impressive value. So, go ahead and give Argentina a go because I promise you, you won’t regret it!

Catena Mountain Vines Malbec $19.95

Catena wines was voted #1 World’s Most Admired Wine Brand of 2020 by Drinks International, and for good reason!! This Malbec exudes delicious aromas of purple plum, graphite, wet stone, purple licorice, chocolate, and grape jelly. The palate displays silky tannins with a soft, plush mouthfeel with flavours of sweet tobacco, dark cherry, dried fig, and coffee. A touch of black pepper and clove on the long finish. A wine that consistently delivers on quality and is available year-round in Vintages!

 Kaiken Malbec $15.95

This wine from Kaiken is made with 100% malbec grapes from Mendoza, Argentina. The nose shows peppermint, winterberry, ripe cherry, and chocolate aromas. The palate is juicy with rounded tannins as well as bold and spicey with smoky, tobacco, blueberries, and dark chocolate notes, that pave the way to a flavourful finish. A solid example of an excellent QPR wine that displays the wonderful and unique characteristics of the terroir in Argentina.

 Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes $14.95

This wine from Susana Balbo Wines is made with Argentina’s native grape, Torrontés. In fact, Argentina’s first female oenologist, Susana Balbo, is known as the queen of Torrontés!

The nose is tropical with peach, starfruit, guava and candy apple! The palate has the same intense fruity flavours, along with green apple. There’s piercing acidity from this varietal which makes this wine extremely refreshing!

This bottle is available year-round in Vintages and is a perfect pairing for coconut shrimp!

Luigi Bosca Malbec $17.95

This wine from Luigi Bosca is made with 100% malbec from estate vineyards in Lujàn de Cuyo and Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina!

A beautiful bouquet of purple plum, cured meat, ripe fig, and forest floor.

The palate brings a core of dark and dried fruits - blackberry, fig, and dates. Also some chocolate notes and clove along the edges. Fresh and precise with nicely integrated oak and velvety tannins. Long, persistent finish.

La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon $15.95

This is an excellent example of the value Argentina delivers on Cabernet Sauvignon! It shows a complex nose of blackberry, cherry compote, cigar box, mint and violets. The palate is packed with juicy flavours of licorice, purple plum, blackberry, mint, and prune. More earthy characteristics creep in on a long finish. Good tannin and structure aren’t lacking here. At $15.95, this wine conveys everything a cab lover could want.

Dona Paula Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc $11.95

It’s not often you see a Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina here in Ontario, but it happens to be one of their underdog grapes. This bottle has beautiful, unique aromas of pear, starfruit, mango, and pineapple. The palate provides zippy acidity with vibrant flavours of green apple, starfruit, orange and pineapple. Crisp, and refreshing, with a clean finish. Overall, and impactful, delicious, and easy drinking white for only $11.95.

Alamos Malbec $15.95

The Alamos Malbec exhibits everything to love about Argentina’s flagship grape. Sweet tobacco, grape jelly, and a hint of smokiness on the nose lead to a full-bodied palate with expansive flavours of juicy dark cherry, leather, and tobacco that rounds off with earthy flavours and a soft tannin finish. Approachable, plush, and delicious!

Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon $15.95

This wine from Alamos is made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina. These vines are grown at the foothills of Andes Mountains where at high elevation they benefit from powerful sunlight, high diurnal temperatures, and pure water in the form of mountain snow melt!

This Cab Sauv is intensely aromatic with perfumed tropical floral notes, with sweet spice. Some cranberry and baked strawberry as well. Overall, the nose reminds me of a really nice cologne…that I’d like to drink! The palate is smooth and plush with flavours of juicy blackberry, blueberry pie, vanilla, cedar, plum, and chocolate. Soft, and easy drinking.

 Zaphy Organic Cabernet Sauvignon $12.00

Aromas of teriyaki, cured meats, eucalyptus, and fresh cherries. There are soft, ripe tannins on the palate. Medium-bodied with lifted acidity, and savoury notes of leather, black olives, and ripe cherry. Some nutmeg and earthy undertones on an extended finish. Available year-round at the LCBO, this wine is an absolute STEAL at $12.00!!

Don David Reserve Malbec $17.00

This wine from Bodega El Esteco is 100% Malbec from Calchaqui Valley, Argentina.

The Calchaqui Valley is in northern Argentina and this vineyard sits at 1800 meters above sea level!

70% of this wine spends 12 months in American and French oak, developing complexity, while the other 30% remains in stainless steel.

Violets, plum, ripe cherry, and purple licorice aromas jump from the glass of this proud malbec. This is a full-bodied wine with a strong backbone of sweet tannins. The palate is broad with notes of clove, blackberry, and underbrush. Very enjoyable earth and spice notes intertwined with the fruit. Long finish.

 Piedra Negra Pinot Grigio 2020 $14.95

Certified organic and grown at the foot of the Andes on volcanic soil. As if that winelover’s recipe doesn’t have you hooked already, this Pinot Grigio is considerable reflective of it’s terroir with ripe pineapple, wet stone, and cantaloupe aromas. The palate is a delicious balance of tropical and citrus fruits.  A wonderful sipper, and would also pair nicely with seafood or chicken dishes.

 

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