Best Buys: Argentina 2022
The wines of Argentina are rich in history and authenticity. Argentine culture is deeply embedded in these wines that date back to the 16th century. Did you know that 75% of the wine produced in Argentina is consumed within its’ own borders? This means that Argentine winemakers aren’t following global winemaking trends when crafting wines, but instead focus on making organic, and sustainable wines that they themselves feel good about drinking. This crossroads where passion meets quality has placed Argentina as the world’s fifth largest wine producer, with a global appreciation that’s continuously rising.
With 480,658 acres of vineyards extending 2,362 miles from north to south, Argentina has a plethora of unique landscapes that lend to their diverse, flourishing wine styles. An incomparable terroir of altitude, desert climate and snowmelt from the Andes, that includes low disease pressure, allows winemakers to easily produce pure, animate wines, an authentic stamp for the wines of Argentina.
These examples of my under $20 best buys include Argentina’s flagship grape, malbec, plus several other varietals that reflect the purity of terroir with just as much character and charm as the beautiful landscapes from which they’re derived.
Los Cardos Dona Paula Sauvignon Blanc $12.05
Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina is quickly gaining traction as the fifth most cultivated white grape in Argentina. The growing conditions lend to a truly unique style of the grape- and makes Argentina one of my favourite Sauvignon Blanc regions.
This bottle has pear, starfruit, and pineapple notes on the nose and palate. Flavourful, and balanced with refreshing acidity. Not only is this vegan Sauvignon Blanc by Dona Paula a consistent best buy from Argentina, but a best buy, period.
Graffigna Pinot Grigio $13.00
Due to the high altitudes and climate conditions, Pinot Grigio from Argentina takes on a whole new world of deep flavours compared to other regions where it’s grown. Graffigna is an Argentine icon and celebrated 150 years in 2020!
Made in San Juan, Argentina, this pinot grigio is medium bodied with a soft palate. Notes of almond, baked rhubarb, and yellow plum.
Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2019 $19.95
This wine from Terrazas is 100% Malbec from Luján de Cuyo and the Gualtallary, Argentina. Not only are the grapes sourced from high elevation vineyards, but from vines that are 15-90 years old!
Enticing aromas of black olive, currants, chocolate, and blackberry. The palate is full bodied, smooth with silky tannins, and displays delicious flavours of chocolate and blackberry jam. This is a fantastic wine that displays the best qualities of the malbec grape when produced by passionate winemakers.
Kaiken Especial Selección Malbec 2019 $15.95
This wine from Kaiken Wines is produced by the popular Chilean Montes family who cultivate wines on both sides of the Andes! This bottle is made with 100% malbec grapes from prime sites in Agrelo in Luján de Cuyo, Argentina.
A vegan wine that exudes aromas of winterberry, cured meat, crushed blackberry, and cocoa. It displays a bold and spicy palate with smoked meat, dark fruits, coffee and dark chocolate notes.
Bodega Norton Barrel Select Malbec 2021 $15.00
Bodega Norton was founded in 1895, and in 1974 registered the first bottle of malbec to be exported from Argentina! Today, Bodega Norton exports to over 60 countries.
This version of Argentina’s flagship grape has blueberries, blackberries, and wildflower aromas. A fresh and vibrant palate of blueberry compote, and blackberry - juicy goodness!
Pascual Toso Malbec 2020 $15.20
Pascual Toso is one of Argentina’s oldest wineries, being established in 1890! The vineyards are located in the heart of Mendoza’s Primera Zone, in the sub-region of Maipu.
Wildberries, chocolate, and candied cherry aromas. A soft palate with intense and appetizing juicy fruit flavours, and a dusting of black pepper on a lengthy finish. Great value!
Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Organic 2019 $15.70
Owned by famed Italian producer, Masi Tupungato in Uco Valley. This certified organic and vegan wine from Masi Tupungato is made with 85% malbec and 15% corvina done in an appasimento style. Made in the Uco Valley sub-region where Malbec flourishes at high altitudes.
Flint, red and black cherry, and dried herbs on the nose. Concentrated, rich flavours of dried fruits, coffee, and dark chocolate build a savoury and rustic palate, with light dusty tannins.
Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $15.95
Lucia Vaieretti grew up in Mendoza where her family has tended vines for more than 40 years. Grapes grown in Andes foothills between 915 and 1500 metres ASL. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I love Argentina Cab Sauv! The combination of high altitude, and meltwater from the Andes are a couple of factors that contribute to the diverse styles of Argentine cabs that I find so appealing. Wonderfully aromatic with fragrances of tropical flowers, cranberry, and sweet tobacco. Smooth, ripe tannins. Notes of blueberries, plum, vanilla, and chocolate. Balanced acidity.
Lurton Piedra Negra Alta Colección Pinot Grigio 2021 $15.80
This organic Pinot Grigio from Bodega Piedra Negra comes from the Los Chacayes IG in the Uco Valley. Aromas of apple, pear, and buttered pastry follow thru on the palate. A creamy mouthfeel thanks to the fine lees aging this wine sees, leaving a gentle and balanced palate that includes ripe citric edges. Light, and easy-drinking.
Vida Organica Malbec 2021 $11.00
Bodega Santa Julia is one of Argentina’s largest certified organic producers! Under the umbrella of the famous Argentina winemaking family - the Zuccardis. This organic malbec exposes black raspberry, milk chocolate, and cherry on the nose. Silky and light-bodied, with notes of raspberry pie. This malbec is bright and fruity; not complicated but quite delicious! A great buy.
Domaine Bousquet Malbec 2021 $15.00
An organic and vegan wine from Domaine Bousquet that comes from vines 1200 m.a.s.l. in the Tupungato region. It presents wildflowers, wildberries, and goji berry aromas. The palate exudes freshness and concentrated blackberry and ripe cherry flavours at the same time. Ripe tannins give this wine an approachable structure. Lengthy finish.
La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 $16.95
A luscious and full-bodied wine by Mascota Vineyards that comes from Maipù, Mendoza, where Cabernet Sauvignon grows exceptionally well and creates hallmark wines of the region. An earthy nose of tree bark and soil, along with cooked mushroom, blackberry and leather. Savoury, with dark fruit and tobacco building complexity on the palate. Layered, with a long finish. Excellent value. This wine benefits from an hour or two decant that will unveil smooth, chocolatey notes.
Susana Balbo Crios Torrontés 2021 $15.95
Torrontés can only be found in Argentina, and this bottle is created by “The Queen of Torrontés”herself, Susana Balbo. This wine originates with grapes grown in Cafayate, Salta, and the Uco Valley regions.
Aromas of jasmine, pink grapefruit, and peach introduce a light bodied palate with bright acidity. Starfruit, grapefruit, and peach skin glide over wet stone and salinity. Sharp, fresh, and fruity!
Luigi Bosca Malbec 2020 $19.95
Bodega Luigi Bosca is a winery that’s rooted deeply within the core history of malbec and Argentina’s geographical indication system. They have over 120 years behind them, and in 1991 Bodega Luigi Bosca played a significant role in establishing Argentina’s first D.O.C. for malbec.
This old vine malbec comes from high altitude vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley. It presents alluring baked blueberry and blackberry, plum, black pepper and licorice aromas. The palate displays ripe plum, and blackberry pie filling notes accompanied by a freshness of wildflowers and lifting acidity. Mineral backbone…terrific structure.
Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec 2018 $18.75
One of my favourite wines from Catena as part of their appellation series. Aromas of chocolate, blueberry, and fresh soil. The palate is soft with silky tannins and intense chocolate, plum, and red cherry flavours. Layers of black pepper, mushroom, and wet leaves unfold more depth towards a long finish.
Catena Zapata was named #1 World’s Best Vineyards in Argentina and #9 in the world! 4th generation vintner Laura Catena is steering Argentina’s success by breaking ceilings on quality of sub-regional malbec. While this bottle is only available for a limited time in Ontario each year, it’s worth seeking out. Catena Malbec and Catena Cabernet Sauvignon are available year-round.
Alaris Trapiche Malbec 2021 $12.95
The history of Trapiche begins in 1883 when it was established in Mendoza! It is Argentina’s largest wine producer and one of Argentina’s most reputable brands on an international scale. The passion of this producer is unparalleled as they are leaders in innovation - practicing modern winemaking and experimenting with micro-terroirs.
This is an exuberant, light-bodied malbec that showcases the grapes approachability in it’s unoaked, fresh, and youthful state. Plummy and strawberry aromas contribute to a floral bouquet. The palate is dry, fruity, and energetic.
Alaris Trapiche Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 $13.00
This is an unoaked Cabernet Sauvignon by Trapiche that gives a clear perspective of the qualities and characteristics of a Mendoza Cab. Aromas of fresh cherry and blackberry fruit, eucalyptus and graphite, and floral attributes. A bright, and juicy palate with velvety tannins. I love this pure expression of high-altitude Cab Sauv!
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