Map courtesy of www.aboutwines.com

Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world. Its domestic consumption as of 2006 was over 40 litres per capita. That is a good bit of vino! Malbec has proven to be the most successful in the export markets, but other red varieties like Bonarda, Barbera and Cabernet Sauvignon are making their mark as well. Of the white varieties, Torrontés [tore-rahn-TEZ] is the most typical coming from Argentina and if you have never tried wine made from this grape, well you should. Winesday September 8th is a good day to start.

Malbec has become the new sexy grape over the past few years and there is no wonder why. We live in the land of beef and Malbec goes great with beef. Argentina is also known for its beef, so it is a great fit for that country. (Surprisingly, it can also go with food with a bit of spice to it.) It just seems to have taken the new world by storm. Great marketing helps too. The wines from this country have not only been in the spotlight for their flavour, but also for their value. You can get a nice wine at a good price. In these economic times, that is always a plus.

Winery: Cuma (Michel Torino)
Vintage: 2009
Location: Cafayate, Salta - Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Organic Malbec
Tasting: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m

A couple of months ago, we tried two wines from the Bodega El Esteco label called Michel Torino. (See July 21 blog) We talked a bit about the history of this company and some of their wine labels. They make “young and fresh wines, fruit driven”. Today we have the opportunity to try two of their organic wines: Cuma Malbec and Cuma Torrontes.

The name ‘Cuma’ means “pure and clear”. It comes from the language of a tribe (Aymara) who inhabited this region around the time of the Incas. The viticulture and winemaking practices for the Cuma wines, are very strictly controlled and the Cuma wines were certified organic in 2005.

Generally speaking, sulfur levels tend to be lower. The wines are expressive. The colour of this Malbec is deep, dark and draws you in. There is a little more intensity in the flavours of the nice red fruit. The tannins are definitely present giving it a nice structure. The aftertaste lingers with the red fruit, some spice and even a wee bit of red plum with a little note of mint.

Food Pairing:

Mexican influenced beef (a little spice is always nice); Spicy pork dishes; Grilled steak.

CSPC: 733219
Price:

$14.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice

Winery: Cuma (Michel Torino)
Vintage: 2009
Location: Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Organic Torrontés
Tasting: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Torrontés produces some of the most distinctive white wines in Argentina, characterized by floral Muscat-like aromas and a spicy note. Recently I read this: ‘Smelling a glass of Torrontés is like smelling a wonderful bouquet of flowers.’ That really describes it perfectly.

The background of this grape variety has always been a little murky. Although the Argentineans like to think that this is their own varietal, there has been some talk to the contrary. “According to a 5/28/08 Daily Herald article by columnist Mary Ross, recent genetic testing indicates that Torrontes is a hybrid of Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica.” No matter what the background is, the Argentineans love this wine. It makes up approximately 10% of the white grape varieties planted in the country, but it accounts for 20% of the sales.

This is a wine that you and I should enjoy when it is young. Please do not over chill this wine. You will lose all of the wonderful flavours and aromas and therefore miss out on what makes this grape variety so neat. With the floral and citrus (orange) scents and flavours of peaches, flowers and even some lemon, this wine will pair with some cool food.

Food Pairing:

Vegetarian empanadas; Asian influenced cuisine; guacamole.

CSPC: 733223
Price:

$14.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice

Look out France… Richard and I are heading your way next week.

Bodega El Esteco

One hundred and eighteen years ago, two French brothers (David and Salvador) planted their first vines and opened the Bodega El Esteco Winery.  The name of the winery was taken from the legendary city of El Esteco.  The legend goes that El Esteco was a very “opulent” city that had buildings covered in silver and the citizens dressed in gold.  However the city and “it’s treasures” were buried in an earthquake in 1692 and the legend was born.  In the late 1970’s the winery purchased the El Esteco Estate and found that there were riches there, they came from the wonderful soil that grew vines to make some appetizing wines.

In 1929 it was one of the first wineries to win an international award in Spain.  They were one of the first to lead the way for ‘wine tourism’ in the 1970’s and in the 1990’s they were also one of the first wineries to incorporate ecological practices.

Like with many wineries, Bodegas El Esteco has a number of different labels, four of which we see in Alberta:  Michel Torino, Don David, Cuma and Altimus

Winery: Michel Torino
Vintage: 2008
Location: Argentina
Alcohol: 13.5%
Blend: Tannat 100%
Tasting: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

There are so many grape varieties throughout the wine growing world.  Some of them are very familiar like Merlot, Syrah (Shiraz) and Chardonnay to name just a few.  There are so many other wonderful varieties out there to discover and today is the day to try one of them.  Tannat… home for this grape was in Southwestern France, where it has been used for blending purposes.  This grape gives big tannins (hence the name Tannat), and big colour to the grape varieties with which it is paired.

Because this grape variety is known for producing very big tannic wines, the first time we had this wine we decided to decant the wine for about two hours.  The wine was wonderful… full of flavour and aromas reminiscent of wonderful black fruit.  The second time we tried this wine, we decanted it for just one hour and the wine was just as flavourful.  Now this is going to be fun on Wednesday, as we haven’t had this wine for about three years, so we are looking forward to trying it again.

Food Pairing:

Bison with a Blueberry and Saskatoon sauce or reduction; Duck and Mushroom Ragout; French Onion Soup Gascon Style

CSPC:     710374
Price:

$13.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice

Winery: Michel Torino
Vintage: 2007
Location: Argentina
Alcohol: 13.5 %
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Ahhh… Sauvignon Blanc.  Quite ironically, this grape variety is also from a Southwestern Region of France.  This greenish/yellow grape produces some lovely dry and fresh tasting wines.  Like everything else, there are exceptions.  One of the best known exceptions to Sauvignon Blanc making nice dry wines is a sweet wine called Sauternes. Sauternes is a marriage of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes that have been affected by Botrytis (a wonderful gift from Mother Nature).  These wonderful wines are from an area about 30 miles south of Bordeaux which are comprised of five communes, one of which is called Sauternes, where this delectable wine gets its name.  We will visit this wine another day.  We just wanted to let you know that there are always exceptions.  Where would life be without them?

Now back to our Argentinean Sauvignon Blanc.  One doesn’t normally think of pink grapefruit and grass when talking about wine, but that is just what notes you will smell and taste when you try this wine.  Fresh really is a good descriptive word.

Food Pairing:

Asparagus; Sautéed Chicken; Lemongrass Chicken; Light Salad with Goat Cheese.

CSPC:     715375
Price:

$13.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice

Next week we are going to prepare a few mixed drinks that will be easy to make for the long weekend.  Can you believe Heritage Days weekend is almost upon us?

Winery: Layer Cake
Vintage: 2008
Location: Mendoza, Argentina
Alcohol: 13.9%
Blend: 100% Malbec
Tasting: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

… and we are back in Argentina for a quick visit and then we are off to Italy.

First of all, let me ask you a quick question.  Who isn’t enticed by the name Layer Cake?  I mean that just says yummy on so many different levels.  (By the way, ‘yummy’ is one of those wine technical terms that we mentioned that we would throw around every now and then J.)  We first tried these wines at a wine tasting in February of this year.  The customers really enjoyed them and were quite taken with the fact that they had the same name, but were from different countries.

I love this quote from the Layer Cake website…

“My old grandfather told me the soils in which the vines lived were a layer cake. If properly made, the wine from these vines was like a delicious cake layered with fruit, mocha and chocolate, with hints of spice and rich, always rich. Never pass up a good Layer Cake.”

A. Orlando Tribute, Jayson Woodbridge

We have talked about the Malbec grape a few weeks ago.  This wine we are tasting this week is also from the Mendoza region in Argentina.  Mendoza, like Alberta, is known for its abundance of sunshine.  On average it has more than 300 sunny days a year.  Tourism in the region has increased dramatically, due to the interest in the wineries in the area.  Wine related tourism has become one of the largest sources of income for Mendoza.

This wine has a lot of flavour.  The winemaker’s notes say that they allowed to grapes to stay on the vine a full four to six weeks after most of the neighbouring vineyards.  They wanted to make sure that these grapes were picked at their peak so that all that extra flavour would come through in the wine that you and I enjoy.

It is amazing the flavours you get on your nose.  There is blackberry, cherry, plum with dark cocoa and even a touch of spice.  The taste is reminiscent of dark chocolate, dark cherries, jam and some spice.  This wine has so many flavours.  There is no wonder why Robert Parker rated this 2008 vintage a whopping 91 points!  Positively decant this wine and you will not be disappointed in the flavours that come out of your glass.

Food Pairing:

Grilled steak; Beef Stew; Barbequed Lamb; Sausage and mushroom pizza.

CSPC:     738090
Price:

$23.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice

- - - - - - -

Winery: Layer Cake
Vintage: 2007
Location: Puglia, Italy
Alcohol: 13.9%
Blend: 100% Primitivo
Tasting: Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Puglia (also known as Apulia), is the famed ‘heel of the boot’ in Italy.  This region of Italy produces more wine than any other area of the country.  The place where these Primitivo grapes come from is called Manduria.  Now, like in most areas of Italy, there are regulations/laws surrounding making wine and having certain designations like “DOC” or “DOCG”.  For those of you who like cars (like me) it would be like having a Buick, Buick LS, or Buick LTD (sorry, I can’t translate into Ford and Chrysler language, as I grew up in a mostly GM family).

Manduria Denominazione di Origine Controllata, labeling requires 14% alcohol. The people at Layer Cake found that they liked this wine below 14%; therefore it falls into ‘IGT’ Puglia for area designation.  I always like to say that the ‘IGT is for the rebels… and that is a good.  Where would we be today if people always followed the rules?  No one would want to explore new avenues of anything.  As usual, I digress.

Primitivo (Pree-mih-TEE-vo).  You may think you don’t know this grape, but I bet you do.  The University of California at Davis discovered that Primitivo is not just related to the Zinfandel grape from California, but it is the same grape variety.  Until that happened, Primitivo lived basically in obscurity.  Since that time, it has enjoyed the trappings of the spotlight.  And well it should.  Like with all grape varieties, when they are grown in different parts of the world, they are going to taste a little different in each place.  They take on the characteristics of the soils in that particular area and of course the weather (rain, sunshine etc.) will play a big part in what the wine tastes like.

Enough about all that, let’s get on with the wine.  As always, get it out of the bottle and let it sit for a while.  All the nice flavours will come out.  When you pour this wine it is a rich colour of dark ruby and purple.  It has some nice zippy spice balanced with lots of black fruit.  It warms you up as it slips down your throat.

Robert Parker gave this vintage of the Layer Cake Primitivo 89 Points!

Food Pairing:

Pizza; Barbequed beef, pork or chicken; Hamburgers;  Lasagna; Duck.

CSPC:     738091
Price:

$23.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice

Let’s head off to Spain next week. The lady who makes this next wine is a real dynamo. Richard and I just loved her when we met her. Come by and visit Diana from 4 – 7 on May 19th.

Winery: Silvertop
Vintage: 2008
Location: Mendoza, Argentina
Alcohol: 13.5%
Blend: 100% Malbec
Tasting: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Map courtesy of mendosaholidays.com

We will be heading to Chile next week.  Our flight landed in Mendoza on the way and we noticed some vineyards nearby the airport, so we thought we would stop and take a look.

Okay… raise your hands… who hasn’t heard of Argentinean Malbec?  It certainly has come on our wine scene with great vigor over the past couple of years.  Now there are a lot of wineries from Argentina, but the vast majority of wines come from the Mendoza region.  I believe the number is about 75 - 80%, actually.

The history of the country is fascinating.  Of course its connection with Spain goes back many hundreds of years.  The Monks started developing the vineyards in Argentina back in the 1500’s.  This year, Argentina will be celebrating their 200^th Anniversary of Independence from Spain.  Now the Spanish culture still plays a large part in this country.  You will notice, for instance, that a lot of winery names being with ‘Bodegas’, which is ‘winery’ or ‘house of’.  Today some of the red wines being produced in Argentina include:  Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Bonarda and Sangiovese.  White wines include:  Torrontes, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon, Semillon, Riesling, Viognier and Gewürztraminer.

Let’s get on to this wine.  What the heck is Malbec anyway?  Well, the Malbec grape came from France originally, but there is not a lot left to be found in the country.  There are some areas where it can still be found.  The most notable area is located in the south west of France.  The region is called Cahors.   Recently there have been some wines from this region that have come back into the spotlight.  Why?  Well, because Malbec has been getting a lot of press from Argentina and Malbec is big in Cahors.  It follows that Cahors will be garnering a bit of the limelight, as well.  And as Martha says… that is a good thing.

Now at $10.99, you know that this is not going to be a big powerhouse Malbec, but what you will notice are the great red berry flavours, red plum, cherry and even a little bit of tobacco that you get on this wine.  In your mouth there are those red fruits like raspberry and cherry with that touch of the red plum again.  It has a nice bit of fruit, but not in a sweet way, just some nice fruit.  When I tried this wine for the first time about 1½ to 2 years ago, I was surprised that there was so much flavour for the price.  It was a nice surprise indeed.  This makes a great ‘sit back, put your feet up and relax kind of wine’.  Argentinean wines are such a good value.  They are so worth trying.

Food Pairing:

Beef… Beef… and more beef!  Did I say ‘beef’?  Barbequed lamb; pizza with chorizo sausages; chili.

CSPC:     734702
Price:

$10.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Winery: Silvertop
Vintage: 2009
Location: Mendoza, Argentina
Alcohol: 13%
Blend: 100% Torrontes
Tasting: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Torrontes grapes make the quintessential white wine from Argentina.  Although it makes up about 10% of white grapes planted in Argentina, it accounts for about 20% of the sales.  Interesting!  Now until recently, it was thought this grape variety was indigenous to Argentina, but recent DNA testing has found that, in fact, the grape has roots in the Eastern Mediterrean region.  Which, when you think about it makes sense.  Most of the grape vines in the New World regions were most likely brought over by explorers from the ‘Old World’ during their travels.  Simplistically, they wanted to bring a little bit of home with them so that they could make their own wine for celebrations and the like.

This wine has such flavourful aromas.  You get anything from orange/citrus and some flowers to peaches/peach pit.  Now although you get all these notes, the wine is dry.  It kind of fools you when you get all those wonderful aromas.  This is a wine to enjoy when it is young.

Food Pairing:

Asian food, especially Thai and Vietnamese; guacamole; Mexican food; clam chowder with a wee touch of spice.

CSPC:     734704
Price:

$11.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

I have some very exciting news for you!!!  We will be doing an ‘Earth Day’ weekend tasting this weekend.  Friday, April 23^rd from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 24^th from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.  We will be tasting Organic and Biodynamic Wines.  Come by and join us.

Next week Richard and I are going to hop on that flight and head over the Andes Mountains to Chile.  See you there!

Welcome to the first edition of Sherbrooke Sips with R & R (otherwise known as Rosanne and Richard).  Every week we will write about some tasty wines and a few spirits, as well.  We want you to not just have a glass and learn a little along the way, but we want you to have fun.  Yes, there will be a tad of technical speak, but only a tad.

Now, if you could only read about the wines well, that would be no fun.  You will actually get to taste the wines.  No, not virtually… in the flesh.  The wine that we write about this week will be available at Sherbrooke Liquor on Wednesday, February 3 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM for you to come by and have a sip.  So every Wednesday afternoon come by and have a chat with either Richard or myself and have a sip of the featured product.  You never know, you might find a new favourite or two.

Okay, so here we go…

For our first week we are travelling to one of the hot New World wine countries… Argentina.  Over the past couple of years, we have seen an influx of Argentinean wines.  There has been a wonderful selection of Syrah, Malbec, Torrontes, to name just a few.  We decided for our first wine we would sample a Syrah.  Luigi Bosca Syrah Reserva 2006.  This particular vintage from Luigi Bosca was given 90 points by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Luigi Bosca Wines are the pride of a fourth generation family owned winery in Mendoza, Argentina.  The Arizu family planted their first vines almost one hundred and ten years ago.  They have been on the forefront of cutting technology ever since.

The Arizu family has adopted some of the “most beneficial Principles” of Biodynamics.  What is Biodynamics?  “Biodynamic agriculture is a method of organic farming with homeopathic composts that treats farms as unified and individual organisms, emphasizing balancing the holistic development and interrelationship of the soil, plants, animals as a self-nourishing system without external inputs insofar as this is possible given the loss of nutrients due to the export of food.”  (Source - Wikipedia)

For example:  They grow olive and chestnut trees so the vines are part of a bigger system and they “co-exist” and are “harnessed by other species”.  That is just a very small part, but it will show you that they care about taking care of the vines and all that surrounds them.

Now, on to the wine…

This 2006 Syrah has been aged in oak for nine months.  Six of those months were in French oak and three months in American oak.  The winery recommends that if you plan to cellar the wine, a maximum of eight years would be optimal.  Having said that, that doesn’t mean the wine cannot be enjoyed now, because it positively can be savoured right away.  We know this, as we certainly have enjoyed a glass or two (okay maybe three) on more than one occasion.

When you pour the wine, you will notice the deep rich purple colour.  This will give you an insight into the aromas and the taste of the wine to come.

Some of the wonderful aromas you will notice will be black plum, black currant and laurel (bay).  You may even notice a hint of chocolate and a bit of spice.  As soon as you taste this wine, you will notice what a massive wine it is.  The tannins are very firm and you will detect that spice right away, along with lots of black fruit.

Food pairings…

If you like red meat, you will be pleased that this big Syrah will work with many different manners of cooking beef.  Whether you roast, BBQ (steaks or burgers) or stew the beef, you can’t go wrong.  Maybe try the Syrah with grilled sausages, ribs or even some chili (Superbowl Sunday is just days away, after all.)

For those of you who are partial to venison, you might enjoy the Syrah with that too!

Now we can’t forget cheese.  Pair it up with a few favourites.   Experience it with some hard cheeses like aged cheddar (2, 4 or 6 year old), or parmesan.

Well, that is it for our first wine.  I hope you enjoyed reading about it.  I am sure our English professors are cringing when they see our sentence structure and dangling participles, but hopefully you won’t grade us on that.

Now.. come by and try Wednesday, February 3 from 4 - 7.

Next week we will be off to Oregon.