Valentín Bianchi Finca Los Primos Malbec 2007

San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
Alcohol:14%
Available in government ($9.96) and private stores

Another bargain from south (very far south!) of the border. Malbec is virtually Argentina’s signature grape (as Zinfandel is for California), but originally came to Argentina from France. Malbec is normally used as part of a blend in Bordeaux, Cahors (where it is known as Cot) and the Loire in France, but now it’s best known as a single varietal wine from Argentina. (There is even some Malbec grown in British Columbia; look for Kettle Valley’s and Inniskillin’s for good local versions.) And within Argentina, Mendoza is the “home” for good, great, and not-so-great Malbecs.

Typical of Malbecs, this wine has a very dark colour and appears dense. You can see some purple on the edge of the wine, indicating the wine’s youthfulness. The nose is dominated by the black fruit, with some smoke and spicy tones. Those flavours carry on into the mouth, with plenty of dark fruits (plums and black currants) sit over smoke and spices. There is a nice amount of acid to balance the richness of the fruit, with some nice, soft tannins to provide structure for the wine.

I’ve heard that the Finca Los Primos is the best selling Malbec in British Columbia and it would make sense. It’s tasty, ready-to-drink, not expensive, and a very good value. You can enjoy this on its own or with some rich winter fare (ribs or stews spring to mind). While this wine could age for a few years, it’s hard to resist opening it now.

Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon “Circus” Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Argentina
Alcohol: 13.5%
Available in private stores only ($16.10)

Argentina is well known for both its beef and wine. We may not see much of the beef here, but we certainly see a lot of the wine, ranging from inexpensive “quaffers” through to $100 plus bottles. And a whole in between!

This wine is one of the “in between”. It is a dark burgundy colour, with aromas of very fresh dark fruits (plums, blackberries and raspberries), chocolate, peppers, and other spices. In the mouth, it has soft tannins and medium acid. The dark fruit flavours are there again, but even more (if it’s possible) fresh and bright than on the nose. There are also hints of the spices and chocolate again. The finish drops off quickly, but then lingers for a while, making for a clean and pleasant end.

Overall, very enjoyable, with good fruit and character. Not as fruity as other Southern Hemisphere wines around this price, and all the better for it. Well suited to casual dinners at home and seasonal parties when you’re looking for something enjoyable to drink, that works well with many foods (i.e., not big enough to “drown out” the flavour of the food, but with some character), and – in these uncertain times – doesn’t break the bank.