Argento, Cool Climate Pinot Grigio 2009, Argentina
4th October 2009 Argento is an interesting brand, created as a joint venture between UK wine agency Bibendum Wines and the top Argentinean house of Catena Zapata. Today, I believe Bibendum are sole – or very much the majority – owners, though the wines are still made by the Catena team, though at a separate facility in Mendoa. When I first tasted this wine on a visit to Argentina in 2004 I thought it was one of the best in Argento’s very quaffable basic range (there are Reservas too), and this 2009 edition is on song: the nose is beautifully expressive, like a big bowl of ripe, juicy pears, with light floral and herbal touches. Nicely punchy fruit too, with more life and vivacity than many an Italian example of the ubiquitous PG. £5.99, in Majestic.
