Fine Argentine Wine

The wines of Argentina seem to occupy more shelf space every time I visit my friendly neighbourhood booze merchant, and for good reason indeed.

Argentina is blessed with a climate conducive to wine production, and their runaway inflation means that our struggling Canadian dollars can still buy Argentine wine for a very reasonable price.

The name Argentina comes from the Latin word for silver, which is what the Spanish conquistadors were searching for during the early days of Spanish colonization in the 1500’s. It was not long after the first waves of Spanish colonization that European grape varietals were planted in Argentina, and certain grapes thrived particularly well in the Argentine terroir.

The most famous Argentine wine export is Malbec, a grape varietal originally from the Bordeaux region of France, which grows very well in Argentina.

Malbec is one of the six grape varietals permitted in Bordeaux wines, giving it a pedigree of the highest order, as Bordeaux is widely considered the gold standard that all others are judged against.

Today, Argentina is the world’s fifth largest wine producer, but it began with a single humble vineyard planted by

Christian missionaries in the late 1550’s. Production was small for a few centuries, until the biggest leap for the Argentine wine industry took place in 1868, when the Malbec grape varietal was introduced from the Bordeaux region of France, and has since become the national grape varietal for Argentina.

Argentine Malbec is noticeably distinct from French Malbec. Argentine Malbec grapes tend to be smaller than their French counterparts, and are considerably less tannic, making Argentine wines more plush and velvety on the tongue.

Some of these differences are due to terroir, but it is also suspected that the vineyards of Argentina are planted with a unique offshoot of Malbec that disappeared from France during the great phylloxera epidemic that devastated European vineyards in the mid-nineteenth century. The bulk of the vineyards in Argentina are around the city of Mendoza, on a high-altitude plateau at the edge of the Andes mountains. The most productive vineyards are located 800 to 1200 meters above sea level, with hot sunny days moderated by chilly nights for a long growing season that allows the rich flavours to fully mature before harvest.

Malbec develops a thicker skin when grown at high altitudes, making Argentine grapes more robust and hardy than than their French counterparts, which helps produce the more full-bodied flavour that Argentine wines are known for.

Whatever the reasons, Malbec has been increasing in popularity since the 1990’s, with Argentina the world leader in production. Malbec is also grown in neighbouring Chile, and has also spread to Australia, and even a few small Canadian plantings near Kelowna.

The Malbec grape is deep violet in color, and generally produces a big and bold red wine. You will often find Malbec bottled as a single varietal, but it is also blended with more tannic grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, as the Malbec helps take the bitter edge off of highly tannic grapes.

Argentine Malbec is quite fruit-forward, with notes of blackberry and plum on the tongue, fading into hints of cocoa and leather in the finish. The long growing season reduces the tannins, producing a plush and velvety wine.

Because Malbec is not a highly tannic wine, care should be taken when pairing with food. Avoid red meats like juicy rare steaks in favour of leaner cuts. I find Malbec to pair perfectly with a nice lean Alberta bison roast, or lighter meats like chicken or veal.

While we may be singing the blues about our low Canadian dollar at the moment, the Argentine peso is faring even worse, which essentially lets us buy Argentine wines at a permanent discount. Due to the currency imbalances, a $20 bottle of Argentinian wine is often the equivalent of a $40 bottle of Canadian wine, making Malbec a tremendous value.

You will find the bulk of the Argentine Malbecs at your local booze merchant to be under $20, making them easy to purchase on a whim.

When I entertain at home, I often pick up a few bottles of Malbec at different price points, and my guests often prefer the $18 bottles to the $25 bottles. Pick up a few bottles and see for yourself!

Chestermere Lions Club

Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm

Meetings are currently by zoom. Checkout our facebook page for more information,

Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere Meeting

When: Wednesday, November 15 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Where: • Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere

RSVP: • jumpmaster2@shaw.ca • illingw8@telus.net

Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated

Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am

Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079

1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road

WHERE PLAYING AND LEARNING GO HAND IN HAND!

Registriation for the 2023/2024 School Year is Open!

Registration will be available on a continuous basis until all classes are full

Located in: the the Indus Recreation Centre (Bill Herron Arena) in Indus Alberta, this not for profit preschool has been serving the community and surrounding area for 25 years.

Indus Preschool offeres a dynamic, hands-on learning approach that offers: art • Imagination stations • early literaCy • & PhysiCal aCtivity

Our program gives some of Rocky View’s youngest residents a chance to connect in a fun and positive environment while helping them to develop a sense of self and independence.

We help kids prepare for kindergarten and learn important skills that will help them in their daily lives.

PUBLIC NOTICE:

The Rotary Chestermere AMAZING RACE 2023 is CANCELED. It is with heavy heart the the Rotary Club of Chestermere has made the very difficult decision to cancel their annual AMAZING RACE event for 2023. Thank you to all of our sponsors, challenge hosts, volunteers, community partners and of course our racers for their support and participation these past years!

It’s been a blast creating new and exciting challenges that showcase the local businesses and non- profit organizations in our amazing community every year!! We hope to see you in 2024!

~Rotary Chestermere

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild https://induspreschool.com

The Chestermere Fine Art Guild meets every Thursday at 1pm, at the Recreation Centre North side, upstairs in room 2. Come and explore your artistic potential. Welcoming new members beginner to advanced. Like us on Facebook and email chestermereartguild@gmail.com

Lakeside Quilters’ Guild Meeting each month at the Chestermere Recreation Centre on the first Wednesday of each month. Sew days are on the third Wednesday of each month and a sew Saturday each month, including summer. Quilting experience not required, new members welcome. For more information please contact Joyce at 403-383-1940.

St. Gabriel's the Archangel Parish

Catholics in Chestermere: Weekend masses are now open for public celebration without seating restrictions at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School (197 Invermere Dr.). There is no longer advanced registration required to attend mass (Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am, and 10:30 am), but please stay home if you feel sick that day. For more information please call 403-455-0196

The Rotary Club Of Chestermere

Holds virtual meetings via Zoom on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 5:00pm and hosts in-person “Socials” at local venues on the last Wednesday of the month.

Guests are warmly welcomed to “Zoom in” to our virtual meeting or join us for some social time when they can!

Please email us for more information at: rotarychestermere@gmail.com Check out our website at: www.rotarychestermere.org

Home Auto Farm Bonding Commercial

Coldwell Agencies have been servicing the Strathmore area community for the last 40 years! We are family-owned and operated. We provide farm insurance, auto insurance, commercial insurance, home insurance and much more. Providing bundle packages, our insurance brokers will get you the coverage you need. Give us a call to learn more about our services at Coldwell Agencies Ltd.