Argentinian wine, empanadas, and live Latin jazz come together in Vancouver for Malbec World Day
Marquis Wine Cellars hosts free tasting, featuring goods from Panaderia Latina Bakery and music by Andre Stepanian
Marquis Wine Cellars hosts Stock Up for Malbec World Day, presented by Wines of Argentina and BC Hospitality Foundation, on April 15 from 2 to 5 pm at 1034 Davie Street
THIS YEAR, Malbec World Day falls on April 17, and to celebrate Argentina’s flagship varietal, Vancouver’s Marquis Wine Cellars is hosting a tasting of Argentinian wines paired with traditional empanadas from Vancouver’s Panaderia Latina Bakery on April 15. Local musician Andre Stepanian—who cofounded the Latin jazz band Alma Libre and who fuses non-traditional flamenco guitar techniques with nylon, acoustic, steel string, and electric sounds—will perform live all afternoon. The event is free, with a donation to the BC Hospitality Foundation requested.
French agronomist Miguel Pouget first brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Transported to the South American country’s warm climate, the notoriously-hard-to-grow grape thrived in its new home. Wines of Argentina established Malbec World Day 13 years ago to raise awareness of the country’s signature red, including its diversity. With vineyards located everywhere from low-lying areas to altitudes as high as 3,329 metres above sea level, the wine varies greatly in style.
Argentina is the biggest Malbec exporter in the world. Exporting to 119 countries, it has seen a 52-percent increase in production of wines made from the grape since 2010.
This year’s Malbec World Day celebrations will take place in more than 70 cities in 54 countries.
Eight wines from Argentina will be available for sampling at Marquis Wine Cellar (with the featured wines being 10 percent off throughout April):
- Bodega Luigi Bosca 2021 Familia Arizu La Linda Malbec: An intense, pleasant, juicy, and full-bodied wine that goes well with stuffed pasta, grilled red meat, and cheese and charcuterie (regular $22.40; on sale for $19.48).
- Domaine Bousquet Cameleon Malbec 2020: Fruit-forward and dark purple in colour, the wine has flavours of black fruits, chocolate, and espresso with a long and persistent finish. Pair it with grilled meats, hearty stews, and rich pasta dishes ($23.31/$20.27).
- Decero 2018 Malbec Remolinos Vineyard: Balanced, fresh, and elegant. Goes nicely with bison or plant-based burgers, mushroom risotto, or roast lamb ($30.51/$26.53).
- Finca Las Moras 2022 Malbec: Smooth with a slightly spicy finish, the wine is deep ruby red and is perfect for grilled meats or veggies ($17.91/$15.57).
- Masi 2017 Tupungato Corbec: Made by the Argentinian arm of Amarone della Valpolicella pioneer Masi, this is a blend of 70 percent Corvina and 30 percent Malbec grapes from Uco Valley, Mendoza. Serve it with a plate of blue cheese and walnuts. ($37.71/ $32.79).
- Pascual Toso 2020 Reserva Malbec: This medium-plus-bodied wine has flavours of chocolate and plum with notes of smoke and spice and compliments sirloin steak or grilled Portobello mushroom ($30.50/$26.52).
- Valentin Bianchi Gran Famiglia Malbec 2019: The bold, full-bodied, finely structured wine has lingering flavours of spice and ripe fruit that go well with finish. It pairs well with hearty stews and hard cheeses ($26.91/$23.40).
- Luigi Bosca 2020 De Sangre Malbec: Flavours of strawberry, cherry, and chocolate stand out in this wine, perfect for herbed roast vegetables and grilled ribs ($40.41/$35.14).
Panaderia Latin Bakery.
Pairings at the April 15 event are purely empanadas, complete with traditional chimichurri, all made from scratch by Panaderia Latina Bakery. Owner Aida Órdenes and her family came to Vancouver from Chile nearly 20 years ago. The Joyce Street venture also makes Latin desserts, breads, pastries, and cakes.
Andre Stepanian.
Musician Andre Stepanian grew up in England and later moved to Spain with his Armenian family. At age 12, he fell in love with the music of Carlos Santana after seeing him perform live in concert; in Spain, he discovered flamenco through an album his dad gave him by Camaron and Paco de Lucia. Settling in Vancouver, Stepanian studied jazz and commercial music at Capilano University.
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