Continuing my journey towards Malbec Word Day which is being celebrated globally this Sunday, April 17th, tonight's red wine review is this lovely Malbec from Mendoza that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Nieto Senetiner, a winery that was founded in 1888 by Don Nicanor and a group of Italian immigrants in the town of Vistalba in the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza. The families planted their first vines and shared their winemaking secrets with each other, while also sharing their love of nature, respect for terroir, and the value of patience.

In 1969, the Nieto and Senetiner families acquired the estate and started the next chapter of producer's story of growth and development by expanding the facilities and consolidating their presence in the marketplace. In 1998, Nieto Senetiner became part of the Pérez Companc family group of wineries. With a commitment to high standards of winemaking and quality, and backed by continual investments in both the vineyards and technology, Nieto Senetiner continues to evolve and grow without losing its a noble origins.

Today, Nieto Senetiner combines tradition with artisanal winemaking and technology to create their fine wines. Nieto Senetiner has three estate vineyards - Finca Las Tortugas in Agrelo, Finca Las Toracazas in Alto Agrelo, and their original estate vineyard Finca Villa Blanca in Vistalba which is home to vines planted in 1900. Let's see how this Malbec from Mendoza is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NIETO SENETINER DON NICANOR MALBEC 2018 - Mendoza, Argentina (#178657) (XD) - $16.95
100% Malbec from Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, and was aged for 12 months in French oak. The medium-high intensity nose is quite attractive with violets, ripe black fruit, blackberry, spice, and dark plums with subtle mineral notes rising out of the glass. On the dry, chewy, medium-full bodied palate it has salty mineral and peppery spice notes that join the black fruit, blackberry, and violet flavours. Acids are juicy and well-balanced, while the salty, smooth, and fine-grained tannins have a pleasant, slightly chalky textured grip. Minerally and slightly chalky on the finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Some bottles of their lovely 2019 Nieto Senetiner Semillon are available at the LCBO, while other wines from their portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.