A pure Argentine Malbec but with a French touch!

First time tasting this wine! French Grand Crus winemaker Bernard Magrez is producing in Argentina this pure Malbec : La Bienvenida! It's, indeed, coming from selected parcels located in San Rafael Mendoza, all grapes harvested manually. Then the wine is aged for 6 months in oak barrel in order to give an elegant equilibrium to the palate. Yes, all the expected tasting notes of the Argentine flagship variety are very well appreciated, but mostly the uniqueness and prestige of French savoir faire blended to one of the most beautiful and unique lands of the wine world. Salud! Santé! (MLF)

Humo Blanco Syrah : parfait pour les grillades!

Quel bon choix pour une première grillade de l’année et les premiers rayons de soleil qui font fondre la volumineuse neige! Voici le Humo Blanco Syrah de Hacienda Araucano, vignoble chilien appartenant aux Domaines Francois Lurton, un de mes producteurs préférés grâce à sa qualité continue, sa véracité qui respecte l’authenticité de chaque terroir où il produit ses vins et l’accessibilité par rapport aux prix de ses bouteilles. Celui-ci, c’est un bon exemple! Certifié BIO et d’appellation Lolol, une des régions vinicoles uniques au monde bénéficiant d’un climat continental, mais d’influence pacifique, c’est un grand rouge voluptueux pour tous ceux qui aiment les Syrah les plus expressifs : plein de notes de cerises, cassis, cannelle et poivre, autant au nez qu’en bouche. Rond et généreux, il se marie par similitude aux saveurs des viandes rouges, des saucisses piquants et toutes ses sauces d’accompagnement, incluant la délicieuse « chimichurri ». Croyez-moi, c’est le vin parfait pour rehausser tous les saveurs latinos! Salud!

Marina La Forgia 

Argentina Nieto Senetiner Cabernet Franc in the spotlight!

Hace tiempo que vengo diciendo que los vinos argentinos son mucho más que el Malbec! Así que feliz me propuse hoy degustar y recomendar este Cabernet Franc, ya que, en tintos, considero que es "la" nueva variedad de uva a descubrir si de vinos argentinos se trata. Uva que logra en el sublime terruño montañoso del Valle de Uco una frescura y expresividad que no he visto en otras regiones vinícolas. De carácter intenso, con predominantes notas herbáceas y de tabaco, este Cabernet Franc de Nieto Senetiner - bodega que produce siempre vinos de gran calidad - es un excelente exponente de la tipicidad, elegante y sobre todo, abordable. Fresco y a la vez envolvente, es un tinto que acompaña a la perfección dos de los platos sudamericanos por excelencia: una buena carne asada o unas deliciosas empanadas. ¡Hagan la prueba por ustedes mismos y me cuentan!

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I've been saying for a while that Argentine wines are much more than Malbec! So I am happy to taste and recommend this Cabernet Franc, since, in reds, I consider it "the" new grape variety to discover in terms of Argentinean wine options. It gets from the sublime mountain terroir of Uco Valley a freshness and expressiveness that I have not seen in other wine regions. With an intense character, and predominant herbal and tobacco notes, this Cabernet Franc made by Nieto Senetiner - a winery that always produces great quality wines - is an excellent example of typicity, it’s very elegant but, above all, very affordable. Fresh but enveloping at the same time, it is a red wine that can perfectly accompany two of the most acclaimed South American dishes: the “Asado” or the delicious “Empanadas”. Give yourself the chance to taste it and tell me!

Marina La Forgia

Grillo, grillo….from Julius Caesar to us!

(By Marina La Forgia) If you are used to buy the same kind of whites but you are somehow in the search of getting out of your comfort zone, I have the one for you! From Sicilian producer Casa Vinicola Natale Verga, here its 100% organic Grillo, one of the most interesting indigenous grapes from South of Italy! The legend says that this grape was the favourite of Julius Caesar….and eventually it can be also yours!

I liked this wine because it’s an authentic example of the variety. It offers a very unique and expressive bouquet with lots of herbal notes, citrus, almonds, grass and green apple. In the mouth, there is a hint of bitterness and a refreshing acidity, both giving a very interesting tasting experience in the palate. This uniqueness and rusticity is very appreciated if you look for a different white to wake all your senses up! It can perfectly match chicken, fishes and pasta with any savoury creamy sauce.

 

A charming Galician Albariño!

(By Marina La Forgia) Among the wonderful Spanish grape varieties, the Albariño has found in the Galician Rias Baixas appellation one of its best terroirs. If you don’t believe me, here you have a great example! I got absolutely seduced by this 100% Albariño from Bodegas Millenium - Bodegas Gallegas which has everything you can expect for a unique and delicious dry, fresh and aromatic white. All the typical white fruit notes such as pear, apple and peach are very present in the nose and they become smooth and enveloping in the mouth. All this fruity character is complemented by a refreshing acidity and a particular hint of minerality, becoming a very delicate and interesting wine to taste. If haven’t done yet, and if your budget at SAQ stores is less than 16 CAD, this is the kind of Spanish blanco that worth discovering! It can superbly accompany a sea food paella or a simple but multiple savory tapeo apetizer.

Wine by Nature, naturally great!

(By Marina La Forgia) What a perfect white to pair with the freshness of pure Canadian winters! Happy to discover this certified organic wine from Spain (La Mancha) made by Bodegas Latué which will be available at SAQ stores only and exclusively for 3 months . For its price (less than 10 CAD), I was gladly surprised and seduced by the expressive floral  parfum of the Airen in the nose and the crispy acidity of Sauvignon Blanc in the palate. This nice blend is round, generous and easy drinking.  Don’t miss it out. It’s a great white for starters! Salud!

Did you say Spanish Organic Monastrell?

(By Marina La Forgia) Made with only organic grapes, this wine from Bodegas Luzon is a must try! This genuine and concentrated red has  the authentic expression of unique Montastrell variety, which has found in Spanish appellation Jumilla one of its perfect terroirs. With strong and generous black fruits and spices notes in the nose, as well as in the palate, don't hesitate in letting it breath a little bit in the glass to extract the best characteristics. Vegan friendly and very affordable (available at SAQ for less than $15), is the kind of wine to go beyond the great value sky of Spanish traditional tintos! Salud!