13 Argentina wines will be on Limited Time Offers (LTO = discounted price)
at the LCBO from Sunday, July 19 to Saturday, August 15, 2020
Reviews of these 13 wines from Lisa Isabelle, Louise Boutin and Vic Harradine follow far below
~ Five Whites ~
Los Cardos Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza
LCBO (11943) | regular price $13.95 | on limited time offer for $11.95
Zaphy Organic Chardonnay 2019, Mendoza
LCBO (12452) | regular price $11.95 | on limited time offer for $10.95
Argento Selección Pinot Grigio 2019, Mendoza
LCBO (620492) | regular price $11.10 | on limited time offer for $9.60
Graffigna Pinot Grigio 2018, San Juan & Mendoza
LCBO (164756) | regular price $12.95 | on limited time offer for $10.95
Fuzion Organic Chardonnay Torrontés 2018, Mendoza
LCBO (553818) | regular price $13.00 | on limited time offer for $11.00
~ Five Malbec & Blends ~
Kaiken Especial Malbec 2018, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
VINTAGES ESSENTIAL (58339) | regular price $15.95 | on limited time offer $13.95
Catena Malbec 2017, Mendoza
VINTAGES ESSENTIAL (478727) | regular price $19.95 | on limited time offer $17.95
Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2018, Uco Valley, Mendoza
LCBO (429761) | regular price $13.95 | on limited time offer $11.95
Alamos Malbec 2018, Mendoza
LCBO (295139) | regular price $15.95 | on limited time offer $13.95
Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Organic 2018, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza
LCBO (620880) | regular price $15.00 | on limited time offer $13.00
~ Three Cabernet Sauvignon ~
Callia Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Tulum Valley, San Juan
LCBO (12454) | regular price $12.95 | on limited time offer $11.95
Trapiche Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Mendoza
LCBO (614669) | regular price $12.95 | on limited time offer $11.45
La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, Maipú, Mendoza
LCBO (292110) | regular price $15.95 | on limited time offer $14.45
Reviews of the above wines from Lisa Isabelle, Louise Boutin and Vic Harradine are here
• The following 2019 Argento ‘Selección’ Pinot Grigio is the LCBO’s most-purchased Argentina Pinot Grigio. The fruit for this wine was sourced from select, high-altitude, cool vineyards in Central Mendoza and Valle de Uco then fermented at 14 – 16° C for 20 days in stainless steel tank. It saw no oak.
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Argento ‘Selección’ Pinot Grigio 2019
Mendoza and Valle de Uco, Argentina LTO $9.60 (620492) 13.0% alcohol
The nose boasts citrus aromas infused with apple blossom, peach and honeydew melon before bathing the palate with lemon-lime and tart apple flavours. Dry, medium bodied with a smooth texture, citrus notes prevail on the mid-length finish. Pair with a green salad topped with grilled prawns. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2019 Doña Paula ‘Los Cardos’ Sauvignon Blanc was hand harvested, early morning from 100% estate-grown fruit from high-altitude (1000 m), cool vineyards, is certified sustainable, and is vegan friendly and gluten free.
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Doña Paula ‘Los Cardos’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019
Mendoza, Argentina LTO $11.95 (11943) 12.5% alcohol
This value-laden, refreshing summer sipper delivers lemon and grapefruit aromas with notions of fresh cut grass, white pepper and a pleasant floral note. Tart citrus and pineapple flavours play on the tangy palate. Dry, medium-light bodied with mouth-watering acidity, it finishes with a mid-length, vibrant finish. Pair with sushi or pan-seared white fish under a squeeze of fresh lemon. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2017 Bodega Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec was sourced from a blend of three vineyards divided into lots and harvested at different times. 1) Lunlunta @ 920 m elevation. 2) El Cepillo, Eugenio Bustos @ 1090 m elevation. 3) Gualtallary @ 1450 m elevation. The wine went through cold maceration for 5 days at 48° F (8.8 ° C). The juice is then fermented with wild yeasts for 12 days with post-fermentation maceration of 19-22 days. It matured 12 months in oak barrel with first, second and third use barrels utilized. This is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Bodega Catena ‘High Mountain Vines’ Malbec 2017
Mendoza, Argentina LTO $17.95 (478727) 13.5% alcohol
Plum, blackberry, mocha and sweet pipe tobacco aromas open this nicely-balanced malbec. Dry, medium-full bodied with defined tannin and fresh acidity, cherry, plum, vanilla and spice flavours linger on the tasty palate and into the medium-long finish. This would complement grilled steak or lamb chops. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2018 Masi ‘Tupungato - Passo Dobles – Organic’ Malbec-Corvina was sourced from organically cultivated vineyards in Mendoza, western Argentina—85% malbec/15% corvina at an altitude of 950-1050 metres above-sea-level in the Tupungato Valley. The ground is stony, sandy and chalky with low organic substance and good mineral content. Much of this wine was double fermented, aka appassimento, a Masi hallmark. It then had a malolactic fermentation before maturing nine months in French oak 30% new, 70% 2nd use.
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Masi ‘Tupungato - Passo Dobles – Organic’ Malbec-Corvina 2018
Valle de Uco, Argentina LTO $13.00 (620880) 14.0% alcohol
The deep ruby colour hints at the intensity of this wine. Cherry jam, blackberry and prune aromas lift from the glass entwined with vanilla, baking spice and campfire smoke. The mouth-coating palate features ripe cherry and blackberry flavours with notions of milk chocolate, vanilla and dried herbs. Dry, medium-full bodied with gentle tannins, it finishes with a warming, medium length finish. This is a match for sticky barbeque ribs. (Lisa Isabelle)
• The following 2019 Bodegas Trapiche ‘Zaphy’ Chardonnay is new to the LCBO. This certified-organic chardonnay is produced by Bodegas Trapiche—presently the #1 brand in Argentina and recipient of the ‘New World Winery of the Year’ award in 2019.
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Bodegas Trapiche ‘Zaphy’ Chardonnay 2019
Mendoza, Argentina LTO $10.95 (12452) 13.0% alcohol
Keep an eye open for this hand-harvested organic chardonnay that delivers way above its price tag. A combination of perfect fruit ripeness with a short six months of oak contact is enough to provide a nice yellow shade and interesting aromas— ripe orchard fruit, pine and fennel seed—to this high altitude fresh white. Slow dripping legs on the glass translate into excellent texture on the palate carrying delicious ripe pear, pineapple and zesty pomelo flavours. Notes of satisfying pithy citrus and salinity define the finish of this medium-bodied gem. Enjoy now with seafood antipasto, fried calamari, etc. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2019 Graffigna Pinot Grigio is sourced from multi-altitude vineyards located in San Juan and Mendoza. These regions with wide thermal amplitude (up to 68°F/20°C) and over 300 days of sun per year produce top quality grapes. The Graffigna range transmits the true expression of each variety—it saw no oak and no malolactic fermentation. 2020 marks the 150th year anniversary for Bodegas Graffigna and for one of the oldest vineyards in Argentina.
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Graffigna Pinot Grigio 2019
San Juan and Mendoza, Argentina LTO $10.95 (164756) 13.5% alcohol
A cocktail of green apple, apricot, pithy citrus and a flinty note greats the nose of this medium-bodied dry pinot grigio. Tangy citrus juice—lime and white grapefruit—take the lead on the flavour profile, adding along the way, honeydew melon, pithy citrus and mineral notes. The finish is dry and warm which differs from many light, easy patio sippers. Pair with lemon baked- cod loin or simple roast chicken. Drink now. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2018 Santa Julia ‘Reserva’ Malbec is a “Fair for Life” certified brand, sustainably sourced, supporting its workers, their families and local infrastructure. It also offers consistent quality with a long track record of recognition from top wine critics.
This wine was sourced from 100%, hand-harvested malbec from the Valle de Uco region at altitudes from 950m to 1400m above sea level. It was then fermented with various vineyard yeasts with a portion matured 10 months in French oak.
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Bodega Santa Julia ‘Reserva’ Malbec 2018
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina LTO $11.95 (429761) 14.0% alcohol
This deep-purple shaded, high-altitude malbec presents with aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, black pepper and a gamy note in the backdrop. A warm and spicy wash of sweet black cherry and ripe mixed berry flavours is joined by light chalky tannin and savoury herb notes, leading to a dry enjoyable finish and aftertaste. Two hours of aeration/decant will help soften the alcohol imbalanced first impression. Enjoy with grilled meats or eggplant parmigiana. (Louise Boutin)
• The following 2019 Bodegas Callia ‘Alta’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from hand-picked fruit that was rushed to the winery. After crushing, a pre-fermentation, cold maceration was at 12 °C for 48 hours. Alcoholic fermentation took place between 24 °C and 26 °C, for 11days. Thirty percent of this blend was oak aged for three months—50% in French oak, 50% in American oak.
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Bodegas Callia ‘Alta’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Valle de Tulum, San Juan, Argentina LTO $11.95 (12454) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of dark cherry, black plum, tomato leaf and a touch of vanilla introduce a soft flow of sweet cherry pie filling flavour, dark chocolate, baking spice and a nice peppery vegetal note emerging in the finish and aftertaste. This easy-drinking medium-bodied red has 5g/L of residual sugar which contributes to the round and soft texture of this exceptional-value red. Aerate/decant one hour and pair with artisan sausages or gourmet burgers. (Louise Boutin)
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Fuzion ‘Organic’ Chardonnay-Torrentés 2018
Mendoza, Argentina LTO $11.00 (553818) 13.5% alcohol
Lifted aromas of baked apples and honey-drizzled pears leap from the glass. A medium bodied, generously textured surge of palate flavours—sweet, ripe Bosc pear and notions of lemon pie—persist through the finish. The lingering aftertaste replays palate flavours while adding bits of tang and acidity to the refreshing finish. Pour with roast chicken with roasted root veggies done around the chicken. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2017 La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon was hand harvested and bunch selected into plastic bins. Fruit was destemmed and crushed then fermented and macerated in stainless steel tanks during a minimum 25 days at 23-25° C. A naturally occurring malolactic fermentation took place and it then matured 12 months in new French and American oak barrels before filtering and bottling.
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La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Maipu, Mendoza, Argentina LTO $14.45 (292110) 14.0% alcohol
Aromas of exotic spice, sandalwood and wisps of black cherry dominate the nose of this gem. It envelops the palate with a creamy-smooth, medium-plus bodied stream of ripe, juicy black cherry and bramble berry flavour cloaked in excellent tang and acidity. It’s balanced on a pin with wisps of tannin and a lengthy finish that’s dry and flavourful. This is complex and extremely well paced and well priced. (Vic Harradine)
• The grapes for the following 2018 Kaiken ‘Selección Especial’ Malbec were hand-harvested and transported in 300-kilo containers. Kaiken practices bio-dynamic viticulture in its vineyards. Berries were manually sorted in the winery with juice fermented in small tanks. Alcoholic fermentation and later maceration lasted around 20 days with 40% of the wine aged six months in French oak barrels, the balance unoaked. The wine was lightly filtered before being bottled. This is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores.
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Kaiken ‘Selección Especial’ Malbec 2018
Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza LTO $13.95 (58339) 14.0% alcohol
High-spirited aromas of black pepper, black plum compote and mixed spice provide segue for a tang-laden flow of red currant, black cherry and sprigs of savoury herbs blanketing the palate and persisting through the dry, warm finish. This is medium-plus bodied with good texture and an underpinning of tannin for structure and interest and framed by excellent acidity. Pour alongside pasta in tomato sauce or meat-laden red pizza. (Vic Harradine)
• The grapes for the following 2018 Alamos Malbec are a blend of 90% malbec/5% cabernet sauvignon/5% syrah – hand-picked, de-stemmed and crushed. The must was cold soaked for 72 hours prior to fermentation, which occurred over seven days in both upright and conical tanks at a maximum temperature of 29.4° C. For optimal extraction of colour and flavour, pump-overs were used and the skins were left in contact with the juice for up to 20 days. It was then aged in a combination of French and American oak for eight months before bottling.
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Alamos Malbec 2018
Mendoza, Argentina LTO $13.95 (295139) 13.5% alcohol
Delicate, alluring aromas of bramble berry and ripe black cherry dominate the aromas on this primarily malbec – 90%, enhanced by 5% cabernet sauvignon and 5% syrah. It shifts into high gear on the palate with a stunning surge of rich ripe black currant and black plum decorated by savoury herbs and oodles of tang-infused pizzazz. It’s medium-plus weight with smooth as silk texture and a lingering, fruit-forward, nicely balanced finish. The LTO price-quality balance tips wildly in your favour – pick up a few. (Vic Harradine)
• The following 2018 Trapiche ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon was hand-harvested from 100% cabernet sauvignon growing in vineyards between 750 and 1100 m above sea level. It underwent bunch selection and in the winery destemming, berry selection with the fermentation and maceration lasting for more than 25 days. A pneumatic press was used. There was a naturally occurring malolactic fermentation and the wine was matured for nine months in oak barrel before blended, filtered and bottled
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Trapiche ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Mendoza, Argentina LTO $11.45 (614669) 13.5% alcohol
A multiple purchase is a smart move; it’s underpriced. Inky-purple hued in the glass, aromas of dark berry fruit, cedar and Ribena © jump from the glass. The palate’s treated to a flavour-packed, medium-bodied stream of delightful flavour with black currant and red cherry adorned with grilled savoury herbs and mixed spice from twist top to last drop. This is creamy smooth with deft balance and plenty of tang and pizzazz throughout. It’s full of flavour with persistent purity of fruit and a price-quality ratio skewed well in your favour; what’s not to like. (Vic Harradine)