2019 Bodega Toro “Centenario” Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina (Alcohol 13.5%, Residual Sugar 5 g/l) LCBO $8.95 until January 30, 2022 [Usually $9.95] (750ml bottle)

Whilst it’s pretty damn unusual to find at wine under $10 with this much delicious, juicy, pristine fruit, it’s certainly a most welcome addition to the LCBO’s current offerings.

These folks at Bodega Toro certainly know what they are doing here, as they should seeing as the brand was established way back in 1896 by two Italian Swiss immigrants, Bautista Gargantini and Juan Giol, with an aim of making wines “por laburantes para laburantes” or “made by workers, for the workers”. By 1910 Bodega Toro was actually the largest winery in the world, making 43 million litres of wine annually. After a few decades of state ownership, Bodega Toro became part of the FECOVITA co-op network and is now owned by several thousand family growers. Not a bad backstory right there!

Upon tasting this for the first time, I had to go back to double check the pricing on this, as it seemed simply too good to be true, and with the LTO (Limited Time Offer) of a dollar off, making it $8.95 until the end of January 2022, this bottling is undeniably a no-brainer for those who enjoy their Malbec.

While this is a relatively modest wine, what it may lack in complexity it more than makes up for with wonderfully pronounced red and black berry/cherry fruit aromatics and flavours, layered with some subtle spiciness. The wine is surprisingly brisk on the palate too, with loads of acid in there to prevent the ripe fruit from ever becoming in any way cloying, as so many in this value category are unfortunately often guilty of.

It’s an extremely well-made example of the very best Argentina can do at this pricepoint, and I honestly rate it higher than many Malbecs in the sub-$20 category.

3.5 apples out of 5
(Three and a half apples out of a possible five)

Bodega Toro wines are represented in Ontario by Dionysus Wines And Spirits.

Dionysus Wines And Spirits are a Good Food Fighter.

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