The Event: Wines of Argentina: Cambalache, at Lena, Sept 21,2017

The Date and Time: Thursday, September 21, 2017   2PM to 5PM

The Event: Wines of Argentina: Cambalache

The Venue: Lena Restaurant

The Target Audience: sommeliers, press

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through LCBO via Vintages, Classics, Consignment, etc. Some are private order. Familia Schroeder (Patagonia) was at the show looking for an agent.

The Quote/Background: there were 20 wineries with agents, one without. The catalogue gave some brief details about the winery, along with the Ontario agent. Two wineries had US reps here.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Alta Vista Single Vineyard Alizarine 2012, Classics Dec 2017, +119834 $55

-Alta Vista Terroir Selection, Vintages March 2018, +542035 $29.95

-Bodega Catena Zapata Appellation San Carlos Cabernet Franc 2015 +450106 Vintages $19.95

-Bodega Catena Zapata High Mountain Vines Chardonnay 2016 $129.95 Vintages +918805

-Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Pinot Noir 2015 $30

-Familia Zuccardi Concreto 2015 $39.95 Vintages January 2018 +455774

-Finca Agostino Familia de la Cava Malbec 2014 $48.95 Private Order B & W Wines

-Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah 2013 $24.99 Univins

-Kauzo Estates 1853 Old Vine State Malbec Grand Reserve Blend 2012 $32.99 Go Wine USA

-Kauzo Estates Malacara Malbec Oak Cask 2015 $20 $32.99 Go Wine USA

-Manos Negras Teho Malbec 2013 $64.95 Classics +482075

-Mascota Vineyards BB Gran Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 $54.99 Univins

-Mascota Vineyards Unanime Gran Vino Tinto 2013 $29.95 LCBO +466938

-Navarro Correas Alegoria Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $30  Kirkwood

-Susana Balbo Wines Benmarco Malbec 2015 $19.95 Consignment Profile

-Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Ambrosia 2012 $39.95 Vintages +402941

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Navarro Correas Structura Ultra 2012 $44.99 Kirkwood

-Bodega Catena Zapata Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2013 +982355 $49.95

-Bodega Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $19.95 Vintages +128629

-Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec DOC 2013 $29.95 Vintages +74922

-Bodegas Salentein Numina Gran Corte 2014 $34.95 Consignment Azureau

-Bodegas Salentein Portillo Sauvignonm Blanc 2017 $14.95 Consignment Azureau

-El Esteco Ciclos Torrontes 2016 $16.96 Vintages +482976

-El Esteco Serie Finacs Notables Tannat 2014 $28.95 Private Order Philippe Dandurand

-Familia Schroeder Saurus Barrel Fermented Malbec 2016 $30

-Familia Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira 2014 $80 Vintages Spring 2018

-Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 $19.95 Vintages +135202

-Luca Malbec 2014 $34.95 Vintages +167312

-Luca Pinot Noir 2014 $32.95 Vintages +175570

-Manos Negras Zaha Malbec 2011 $34.95 Classics +441691

-Pascual Toso Alta Malbec 2015 $32.95  Eurovintage

 

The Food: grilled octopus skewers; creamy cod croquettes; small bite gaucho empanadas; breads.

The Downside: it was really warm outside, and the venue itself was just a bit too small to hold everybody, so it got crowded really fast. I lasted an hour and a bit.

The Upside: a great opportunity to talk to agents with Argentine wines.

The Contact Person: mxa@mrecic.gov.ar

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85

Chimo! www.deantudor.com