Still keen on Argentine

At the beginning of the 19th century, Argentina boasted the 8th largest economy in the world. With these riches the middle and upper classes of Buenos Aires enjoyed lifestyles on par with those in Paris, London and New York. The wine industry catered to this class as most of the wine produced in Argentina remained for domestic consumption.

This economy contributed to the influx of trained European wine makers escaping the Philomena epidemic into Argentina, which raised the standards of winemaking. European vineyards would yield in the magnitude of five tons per acre and remains the same today.Argentina was yielding 15 tons producing mostly mediocre wine. The European influence raised the standard of Argentinean wine making and exposed the great potential for wine in this region.

The great depression did not affect the wine industry as much as it impacted the rest of the Argentinean economy.Wine continued to be consumed domestically, however over the next 50 to 60 years the industry remained in stasis due to the political inertia,Argentinean dictatorship and European conflict.

The economic collapse of Argentina in the 1980s was beneficial for the wine industry. The value of the local currency attracted foreign investment, which stimulated the modernization of the industry. Regardless of the wine-growing region, these changes were reflected in the wine quality and commanded wide demand throughout the world.Vineyard yields were reduced, hence raising the quality of traditional varietals and vastly improving vineyards with new European varietals.

The Argentinean wine industry is now a destination for wine makers from around the world.

Next week: South Africa.

Firstly, what is Baco Noir and what is its origin? This Hybrid has its roots in France, where a varietal known as Folle Blanche grown in Armagnac was crossed with North American Vitis Riparia (frost grape). The result is a vigorous, winter hardy and mildew resistant, vine producing a medium body wine resistant to phylloxera.

Lacey Estates Vineyard and Winery has produced a Baco Noir in the typical style of Prince Edward County. The 2008 Baco Noir ($20), created by winemaker Kimball Lacey, is delighted with a rich sanguine color and a nose of prune, wild raspberry, tar and red plums. The palate is plum with hints of crushed red peppercorn and cranberry on the finish.

Lacey Estates Vineyard and Winery room located at 804 Closson Rd, in Hillier.