Malbec wines are loved and well-known, but there are several other equally fine Argentine wines to discover. A recent Masterclass on the wines of Argentina offered an exclusive and educational tasting experience. “Beyond Malbec” opened our eyes to the range of excellent wines being crafted in Argentina. The tutored tasting was hosted by Ambassador Gramuglia, who graciously welcomed us. She then turned the presentation over to Brittany and Tim of SommWise Inc.
Brittany and Tim are the expert duo at SommWiseInc, who offer corporate beverage alcohol education, certification, and merchandising. They are passionate Ottawa sommeliers who each bring a wealth of experience from different sectors of the beverage industry. Their classes are carefully researched and expertly led, with an obvious enthusiasm that makes for a dynamic learning experience.
ABOVE: Embassy of Argentina in Canada Deputy Head of Mission, Counsellor Pedro Alchourron and Marie-France Champagne, Co-ordinator of the Sommelier & Bartending programs at Algonquin College.
We started the event with a glass of elegant Kaiken Brut, a delicious sparkling wine from the Uco Valley in the Mendoza region of Argentina. After a social time to meet and greet, we sat down to learn more about Argentina’s excellent wines.
Brittany and Tim led an information session that reviewed the history of winemaking in Argentina and introduced us to the different wine-producing regions, from north to south.
• We learned that winemaking history has evolved significantly since the 1990s. At that time, there were only 10 exporting wineries, whereas now there are 488, which represent total exports worth 693M US$.
• Argentina has a strong commitment to sustainable winegrowing and production. The wine producers practice environmental stewardship to protect the vines and soil, to conserve water, and to protect air quality. Ethical practices ensure fair trade, support the well-being of local communities, and uphold human rights and fair working conditions.
• Argentina is the only wine-producing country that includes altitude in the concept of terroir. Altitude serves as a temperature regulator, because for every 150 metres of rise in altitude, the temperature drops by 1 degree Celsius.
• The main source of irrigation in mountain valleys is the meltwater from the Andes. Therefore, the water is completely pure and free from the influence of any contaminating sources. In lower areas, sustainable use of water and irrigation techniques are a priority.
• Wine tourism is flourishing in Argentina, with close to 500 wineries open to visitors.
An elegant sparkling wine made in the traditional method, using hand-picked grapes, 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay varietals. It gives lovely aromas of green apples, buttery hints and slight mineral notes, with a fresh and lively palate that offers excellent acidity and structure. The persistent finish gives notes of toast and almonds. Pair it with oysters, or as a welcome beverage, or whenever you would serve a sparkling wine.
Extra dry • 12.5%
Torrontés is Argentina’s best-known white wine. It is produced in the Salta region, in the northwest. This region is recognized as having the highest altitude vineyards in the world, at 3100metres. This 100% Torrontés Riojano is a very expressive white wine, with characteristic aromas and flavours of tila flowers and white fruit. Made from hand-harvested grapes, it is fragrant and fresh, with a lively acidity, finishing with citrus notes. It pairs very well with spicy foods such as curries or Thai-spiced peanut satay and also with cheeses such as Feta, Gruyère or Asiago.
Extra dry • 13.9% • LCBO Vintages #389262 • $17.95
This off-dry white wine from Argentina’s most southerly region in Patagonia, was a delightful discovery. It is crafted from organic grapes, using a combination of 35% Chardonnay, 30% Gewürztraminer,
20% Pinot Gris and 15% Riesling. You can taste the Chardonnay, but this wine is more floral and also gives notes of peach, tropical fruits, jasmine and minerality. It would be fabulous paired with roast chicken or grilled white fish, though it is so flavourful that it is worth sipping a glass alone to appreciate all the aromas and flavours.
Off dry • 13% • available from the winery www.otronia.com
An elegant and delicate expression of this grape. The grapes were fermented in concrete vats and aged in untoasted French oak, resulting in freshness of the fruit flavours. The wine shows tart cherry, subtle herbs and earthy notes, with a crisp acidity. Always an ideal pairing for roast duck or paté.
Dry • 12.5% • available from the winery www.otronia.com
A 100% Cabernet Franc wine, made from grapes grown at altitudes of 1200 metres above sea level in Luján de Cuyo, a higher section of the Primera Zone of Mendoza region. This is a historic region recognized for producing high quality wines. Here, irrigation comes from the Mendoza River. There is a constant threat of hail, so the most prized sites are covered with netting. This fresh Cab Franc is vegan, organic and sustainably produced. It shows delicious plum, raspberry and savoury herbaceous notes, with refined tannins and excellent acidity. Pair it with lamb or grilled vegetables.
The 2021 vintage received 97 Points, Best in Show (Value), Decanter World Wine Awards.
Extra dry • 14.5% • Vegan • available through tienda.grupoavinea.com
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a true expression of high-altitude viticulture in one of Argentina’s most distinctive terroirs. The grapes for this wine grew in vineyards located at 1800 metres above sea level, in the Salta province. The vineyards benefit from intense sunlight and cool nights, resulting in grapes with great flavour concentration and character. On the nose, this wine shows appetizing aromas of cassis and vanilla. The palate is silky smooth and well structured, with luscious cassis, strawberry, mint and eucalyptus flavours. Soft tannins and an elegant lingering finish complete this very elegant wine. It’s the perfect complement for beef.
Dry • 14.5%
After the wine tasting, we were treated to warm Argentine hospitality with a lunch featuring Argentine beef and traditional desserts. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and there were many happy sighs as we bit into it. Argentine beef cattle are raised sustainably. The cattle graze freely on the Argentine plains and yield beef that is 100% natural, without any additives or hormones. Then we enjoyed “alfajores con dulce de leche”, a very typical Argentine treat. These are double meringue cookies with a sweet filling. To finish, we were served rich, creamy lemon mousse.
The generous hospitality of the Embassy of Argentina provided an ideal setting for our masterclass. This was an exceptional tasting opportunity, as several of these wines are not available in Ontario. Tim and Brittany have a natural enthusiasm that always makes their SommWise Inc events a dynamic learning opportunity. It was a delightful afternoon of wine discovery, enjoyed and appreciated by all!
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
All Photos: Courtesy of Embassy of Argentina
