• The Bodega Tinto Negro portfolio has a collection of four malbecs from La Finca La Escuela with all situated at an altitude of 4000 meters in the Andes mountains. The wines are vinified and aged in the same manner with the only variable being the vineyard parcels from which the grapes are harvested. Within 7.5 hectares, there are four distinct soil types—gravel, silt, stone and sand. This is intended to show how this signature Argentine grape express itself with distinctive characteristics and unique personalities fashioned only by the soil in which the vines grow. Discover the 2014 ‘La Grava’ below, a malbec grown in gravelly soil that showcases the fruity character of this varietal.
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Finca La Escuela ‘La Grava’ Malbec 2014
Mendoza $24.95 (547851) 13.5% alcohol
Another excellent ‘Wine of the Month’ selection, this high-altitude malbec has an expressive nose driven by aromas of ripe blueberry, blackberry, crushed raspberry, espresso bean and rose petal. Freshness of fruit on the silky-textured palate blossoms forth as flavours of raspberry, juicy black cherry and tangy red plum. This is medium-bodied with melted, soft tannin, stony minerality and a medium-long, dry fruity finish. Versatile at the table, it pairs well with Cumin-scented Couscous Royale. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2015 Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.
• Fruit was sourced from the Catena Zapata family’s prized, high mountain vineyards, wild yeast fermented and matured 12-14 months in new and seasoned oak barrels.
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Catena Malbec ‘High Mountain Vines’ 2015
Mendoza, Argentina $19.95 (478727) 13.0% alcohol
This is very good value. Aromas of baking spice peppery notes and black cherry provide segue for a rich, luscious stream of palate-coating, creamy smooth black currant and cassis flavours interwoven with savoury herbs. It’s medium-plus weight with soft tannin underpinning and plenty of mouth-watering tang, depth, complexity and a lengthy finish. Aerate/decant for two hours pouring with a premium cut of grilled beef. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2015 Luigi Bosca Malbec is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores.
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Luigi Bosca Malbec 2015
Mendoza $18.95 (452672) 13.7% alcohol
This marvellously enjoyable wine has a nose of dried plum, cherry, leather, and spice. It’s medium bodied with well integrated tannins and flavours of blackberry jam, plum, cherry, and vanilla. There’s a luscious balance of acidity that carries a finish of sour cherry, mint, mocha, with a touch of mineral chalkiness. This truly all-season wine will be as popular at a summer backyard BBQ as it would be at a winter après-ski gathering. (Dave Isaacs)