Photo Credit: Cynthia Silversides
With its diverse landscape and many wine regions located east of the Andes Mountains, did you know that Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world? This land of many flavours is best known for its signature grape Malbec which is produced in varied styles from lighter to fuller body, much depending on the climate the grapes are grown in and the wine maker's style. Typical flavours are of black and red fruits: cherry, plum, currant, and raspberry.
During the February 2013 Wine Enthusiasts Club of Oakville (OWEC) meeting, Alejandro of Victorica Wines presented a slide show taking us on a cultural and culinary tour through Buenos Aires, Argentina, then on to the wine region of San Juan just north of Mendoza. This dry, hot climate is best known for red varietal wines. We tasted Malbecs side by side, a Malbec-Syrah blend, Shiraz (Syrah grape, wine made in a "new world" style), and Chardonnay.
For Malbec fans, "Malbec World Day" is coming up soon in Toronto. On Tuesday, April 16th,Vintages is presenting a walk-around tasting at Roy Thomson Hall with some of Argentina's best wineries pouring samples of Malbec and other regional wines.
Thinking about wine, what's happening in Oakville? This March the Ontario Wine Society - Halton Chapter is presenting "Wednesday the 13th," bringing Port Dover to Oakville! The event is being held at Ristorante Julia featuring Jacox Harley Davidson and wine from Burning Kiln Winery.
So there you have it: Argentinian Wines, Malbec World Day, Wednesday the 13th!