A GREEN CHRISTMAS
A trip to balmy South America offers eye-opening take on holiday celebrations
It’s coming on Christmas, but a week spent touring Argentina hasn’t really played into the holiday spirit. It’s hard to embrace mistletoe and holly when everyone’s gathering for a barbecue in shorts and T-shirts.
The icicle lights that adorn the facade of the Park Hyatt Mendoza are at odds with the summery vibe given by the chic party people sipping sparkling Chenin blanc and rosé on the patio.
But reconnecting with the wine regions up and down the foothills of the Andes recently was a welcome reminder of the refreshing and easy appeal of the affordable selections from Argentina. Most whites present fresh and fruity character while the lion’s share of the reds deliver ripe and bright personalities.
It’s a overarching quality level that has driven more sales from the category in Ontario and Quebec.
Many wine lovers are familiar with the easy charm of the Malbecs coming out of Mendoza, but the winning styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends and various white wines are less apparent.
Like many of their counterparts in the world, winemakers in Argentina are anxious to showcase their premium wines. They don’t want to be known simply as producers of affordable wines in the $10 to $15 range. They proudly pour reds, whites and sparkling wines that would retail for $20 to $30 or more in Canadian stores.
But the enjoyment factor of the country’s well-priced Malbecs and Cabernets continues to make them front of mind for savvy wine lovers.
The best examples are ripe and bright, meaning they have attractive fruit aromas and flavours with refreshing character. They aren’t overripe or overly oaky or too sweet, which bucks the growing trend for commercial red wine styles meant to bring more cola drinkers to the red wine camp.
The wine suggestions for this week are two widely available red wines that are great options for holiday entertaining or as gifts for hosts and hostesses.
You should also look out for two recent releases at LCBO Vintages outlets: the enjoyable Dominio del Plata 2015 Susana Balbo Crios Malbec ($14.95, 162529) and the Bodega Zuccardi 2013 Q Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.95, 140855). All of these pleasing reds have charm to impress during the holidays and beyond.