During the past few decades, Argentinean wines have undergone a transformation. Argentina has moved from a country that produced average wines for local consumption to one that produces premium wines that succeed in highly competitive world markets.
To improve its ability to compete globally, the nation created a regulatory structure modeled after European ones. This system is supposed to ensure authenticity, providing some guarantee that the grapes are sourced in particular areas and that certain vineyard and wine-making practices are followed. The Argentinean system is not as extensive or ridged as the European version, which is, arguably, a good thing because it leaves more room for innovation and modernization.
The Lujan de Cuyo area of Mendoza was the first area of Argentina to gain a regulatory designation of DOC (1989). This area contains many of Argentina’s older vines, particularly some very old Malbec vines capable of producing very rich wines.
The Malbec grape grown here takes on a completely different character than it does in its original home of Bordeaux, France, where it has only been used in wine blends. The hot climate and high attitudes in this area ensure that hot days are tempered by cool evenings. These factors help get ripening going during the day, but slow it down in the evening. This process allows grapes to gradually ripen on the vine and remain hanging for Argentina’s relatively long growing season. The result is rich, well ripened grapes that make intense, full-bodied, complex wines.
Among the commendable DOC wines is The Luigi Bosca Single Vineyard Malbec. The Luigi Bosca winery is also one of Argentina’s largest and oldest, containing some of the best Malbec vines. The Luigi Bosca wines are produced by the Arizu family, which has a long history in wine making that dates back to the turn of the 20th Century.
Currently available at The Wine Specialist ($22) on M Street and at Calvert Woodley wine shop ($20), the 2006 Luigi Bosca DOC certainly deserves respect and admiration from Malbec lovers. But since this one it is extra fruity, ripe, and soft, it should appeal to an even wider spectrum of wine enthusiasts. It is exceptionally smooth with soft berry flavors balanced with toast from the oak barrels. It is aged 14 months in French oak barrels and one year in bottle, and can age for up to 8 years. However, it certainly is showing well right now and need not be placed on a shelf for long.
The Wine Spectator ranks it an 87 and describes it as “dark and juicy, showing a briary undertow to the blackberry, dark plum and toast notes. This is muscular and slightly raisined, but stays fresh enough. Drink now through 2009.”
Originally published on Examiner.com.
