Wines of Argentina recently hosted a virtual tasting of four fabulous wines and invited winecurrent.com. They also allowed us to provide winecurrent subscribers with a great view of their wine country. Below we review the four wines and have a link to their excellent presentation of their vineyards and wine appellations. It’s a pleasurable learning experience that we’re sure you’ll enjoy!

• Once Argentina’s second most planted white grape in the 19th century and then pushed away for other varietals, Sémillon is having a rebirth in the hands of skilled winemakers who focus on terroir suitability and microclimate to produce high-quality wines. This one below from Nieto Senetiner was 35% fermented and aged for 12 months in a combination of new and second-use French oak barrels using the oxidative technique. The result is quite spectacular.

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Nieto Senetiner Semillon 2019
Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina $15.95 (19399) 13.0% alcohol
You’ll be charmed with pretty aromas of white flower, poached pear, beeswax and almond taking turns in your olfactory system. The charming effect continues on the palate with a pleasant round mouthfeel boosting delicious flavours of ripe peach, apricot, citrus rind and a nice balancing almond bitterness trailing along a persistent delicious dry honeyed finish. This medium-bodied white gem delivers way over its price tag. Pour alongside shrimp risotto, butternut squash lasagna or light cream primavera pasta. (Louise Boutin)

• The following 2019 Luigi Bosca Malbec was sourced from 100% Malbec vines with an average age 35 years old found in vineyards at 900 to 1100 m.a.s.l. The grapes were manually harvested and fermented in stainless steel barrels at a controlled temperature of 28 °C. After fermentation the wine is aged for 12 months in American and French oak barrels. Drink now to 2026. This is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select LCBO stores

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Luigi Bosca Malbec 2019
Mendoza, Argentina (452672) $18.95 14.0% alcohol
An enticing nose of red and dark cherries and plums with hints of campfire smoke, sweet baking spices and violet precede a mouth-watering flow of juicy, ripe cherry and blackberry flavours adorned with subtle notes of vanilla bean and mocha. Consistently offering excellent value, this Vintages Essential is well structured with velvety tannins, well-integrated alcohol and a satisfying, medium-long finish. Enjoy alongside grilled venison burgers. (Lisa Isabelle)

• The following 2018 Lupa Malbec is available now in the LCBO having been released via
Classics Catalogue in September 2021. If you fish in these pricey waters, you shouldn’t be disappointed if you reel a few of these in.

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Juan Pablo Lupianez ‘Lupa’ Malbec 2018
Paraje Altimera, Mendoza, Argentina $38.00 (629964) 15.0% alcohol
Aromas are rich, luscious and fruit forward with black plum, dark mulberry, black juicy Bing cherry decorated with plenty of mocha and grilled savoury herbs. It surges over the palate showcasing complexity, depth and deft balance along with flavours of cassis, tart, racy black raspberry jam and black plum compote for balance. It’s medium-plus bodied with textured mouthfeel and polished ripe tannin for a supple underpinning. It lingers on the lengthy finish and aftertaste showcasing palate replays. Pour with boeuf Bourguignon or Beef Wellington. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2018 Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton ‘Single Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from 85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% malbec. The grapes were macerated for over 7 weeks followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and further aging for 13 months in the same barrels. It is to be released this Saturday in the next Vintages Release on December 11, 2021.

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Bodega Piedra Negra Gran Lurton ‘Single Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Los Chacayes, Mendoza, Argentina $24.95 (980334) 15.0% alcohol
Inky, purple-black; it’s virtually opaque. The aromas are pure ambrosia with piquant peppery notes, floral and red cherry/berry fruit that is lively and fresh. It captures the palate with a surge of black currant, blueberry and juicy black cherry interlaced with tangy pie cherry and notions of passionfruit showcasing deft balance persistent purity of fruit and perceptible, still-evolving tannin underpinning flavours in the finish and aftertaste. This is best poured 2024 and beyond with a thick cut of premium, grilled beef. Impatient? Decant/aerate three to four hours before serving. (Vic Harradine)

Watch the presentation as it unfolded a week or so ago, using this passcode: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Enjoy!