SAQ Cabernet Franc Guarda 2021, Lagarde, Luján de Cuyo, Argentina

Follow this link for SAQ: https://www.saq.com/fr/15282688

Lagarde as in degarde (careful)

Sofia and Lucia Pescarmona, the third generation, are at the helm of this high-quality family estate in Mendoza. With fincas (ranches) in four sub-regions, including Lujan de Cuyo DOC—renowned for the Malbecs that have built Argentina’s reputation over the last 30 years—they produce several ranges of wines, primarily reds.

In this case, we are not offering you a Malbec, but rather a grape variety planted on less than 1% of Argentina's vineyards: Cabernet Franc. The Lagarde house works with this variety through their "Vineyard Collection," highlighting specific plots. This terroir identification work was once carried out under the supervision of Pedro Perras (an expert in the field) to promote precision viticulture.

Fermentation in stainless steel tanks, daily pump-overs for three to four weeks, and one year of aging in French barrels might sound a bit intense in the summer heat, but we are thinking ahead with this arrival. The aromas of ripe fruit, spices, tobacco, and a structured palate with rounded tannins will satisfy you when the ghost of Pierre Fitzgibbon emerges from your dishwasher, started too early during a "peak period" next winter...

A winter wine to buy now and keep for at least a few terms, though we aren't quite sure who will be in charge of them. One thing is certain: the nuances of these bottles will likely be more satisfying than those of our hydroelectric rates...

• Food pairing: A beef rib steak with pepper sauce, mashed potatoes, and buttered green beans. As an extra touch, you can recreate the atmosphere of an 80s French restaurant with *La Bohème* playing in the background...
• Did you know: If you feel like you're finding fewer interesting Argentine wines on SAQ shelves, it's not just an impression. With the current ongoing crisis, Argentina is struggling to maintain its markets. In Canada last year, wine imports saw a 30% decline...
• To better understand Cabernet Franc: Get on the waiting list for our varietal happy hour on the subject in the fall of '24.
• While we're on the subject of exploring Southern Hemisphere Cabernet Franc, we can't help but suggest the 100% Cabernet Franc ‘Mirror for the Sun’ 2021, by Hogan, also available (yes, really...) in our shop for $55.