People often ask me what my favourite wine is.
The truth is at any given time it could be any number of wines. But I do go through phases of being intrigued by what's happening in a given region or country and being impressed by the quality and relative value a wine delivers. In the biz they call it "QPR" (Quality Price Ratio), and that's something at which Argentina seems to excel.
Much of Mendoza's (and other regions) growth in stature can be attributed to new plantings in areas such as Luyan de Cuyo and Uco Valley. They're gaining well-deserved attention, particularly for high-altitude plantings (ranging from 900 to 1,600 metres in the Andes foothills), which tend to yield more complex drops.
In fact, high-altitude plantings are now part of Argentina's wine lexicon, with the abbreviation "MASL" (metres above sea level) in common use.
One of the best examples around comes (perhaps not surprisingly) from one of Argentina's Malbec pioneers: Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec 2011. Black fruit and floral aromas jump out of the glass before a juicy cassis and gently peppery and earthy palate buoyed by excellent acidity, with a lengthy, generous close. Great QPR indeed (BCLS $22.95). Put it in a big glass and enjoy it with roasted or grilled red meats (91 points).
Here's more good value: Terrazas de Los Andes Reserva Malbec 2011 This wine yields bright red and black fruit on top, followed by a palate of black cherry and cassis, with mocha and spice notes, good acidity and a solid, lengthy end (BCLS $20.99, 90 points).
Nor is it only about Malbec. Increasingly, it's the blends that are catching my attention such as Vistalba Corte C 2012.
Celebrated winemaker Alberto Antonini has a hand in this mainly Malbec blend (made from old vines in Lujan de Cuyo), with Bonarda and Cab. Sauv blended in to give it extra heft and structure.
Look for floral, dried berries on top followed by a plush, vibrant palate of seductive red fruit with mineral and earthy hints wrapped in approachable tannins before a lengthy end (BCLS, Everything Wine $19.99, 90 points).
As I've noted before, Argentina also does a good job with Tannat. Speaking of value, Las Moras Tannat 2011 also comes from Lujan de Cuyo. What you'll find is a plush mouthful of ripe black fruit with a touch of savoury and easy tannins. Not complex but worthy for being so easy on the wallet (BCLS $14.99, 89 points).
Best of B.C.:
In the past there have been rumblings that you couldn't find too many Okanagan leaders at B.C. Liquor Stores. All that's now changed thanks to promotions like the "Best of B.C." launched this week with a bevy of free tastings at local stores. It brings a wide selection of premium drops to BCLS shelves, such as Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red 2011.
This offering is from the winery who, in my book, can do no wrong. I have to confess that I enjoy this wine as much for what's outside the bottle as what's inside.
The idea is that you put your faith entirely in the winemaker, as you won't know the blend until you remove the capsule. Look for cherry notes on top before a medium-bodied, plush, damson and cassistoned palate.
There's a lovely fresh sweetness here wrapped in juicy acidity. Certainly one of the best B.C. quality blend deals around ($30, 91 points).
Find more wines and full details at www.hiredbelly.com.
Hop-heads will flock to the B.C. Beer Awards and Festival (Oct. 19, 1-6 p.m., at the Croatian Cultural Centre). Best to book early if you want to sample from the 30-plus craft breweries confirmed to pour right after the awards are announced. Also on hand, the B.C. Brewmasters Calendar (which benefits the B.C. Cancer Foundation) and a table where you can even offer your input about B.C.'s liquor policy reform. Tickets: bcba2013. eventbrite.ca.
Tim Pawsey covers food and wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: rebelmouse.com/hiredbelly, on Twitter @hiredbelly or email [email protected].
