Arentina's Norton Vineyard Had British Beginnings!

 Argentina is the World’s fifth largest wine producer and has a climate especially suited to the production of wine. While wine is produced in several provinces, the Mendoza province produces the greater percentage of Argentina’s wine.

Grapes grow well in this region since its elevation (between 853 metres to 1524 metres) encourages a dry climate which discourages vine disease. Argentina has shown some signs of phylloxera (vine root louse) infestation but at this point it does not seem to be a major threat as it was in Europe of the 19^th Century.

While early sixteenth century missionaries are given the credit of introducing grape varieties to Argentina, the influx of Spanish and Italian immigrants many of them affected by their countries’ vineyard devastation around the late 19^th Century, provided the major advance in the expertise of viticultural and wine making practices.

A British engineer by the name of Sir Edmund Norton was involved in the building of the Transandean Railway between Argentina and Chile. Around 1890 he was so impressed with the Mendoza region that he decided to stay and raise a family. He also built the first winery (1895) in the area (Lujan de Cuyo) just south of the Mendoza River.

Bodegas Norton became a massive success owing to several factors.       

The climate was moderate with a mean annual temperature of 21 degrees Centigrade though there were four definite seasons.

 The high difference between day and night temperatures during ripening season allowed for an excellent balance between sugar and acid.

Ample (203.2 mms) yearly rainfall and excellent drainage completed what is a great viticultural environment.

A viticultural practice known as “mapping” is employed where the vineyards are divided into parcels and individually monitored and controlled to ensure a superior product.

Norton cultivates a wide variety of vines. Those available at the LCBO represent the red Malbec and white Sauvignon varieties.

The Bodegas Norton Barrel Select Malbec (LCBO #400556, $12.95) with black fruit and vanilla flavours leading to a lingering finish is an excellent buy that delivers well both as a sipping or food wine. Have it with lamb chops, beef stew or grilled meat.

 The Bodegas Norton Sauvignon Blanc (LCBO #400564, $12.95) with green apple, cut grass, vanilla, passion and tropical fruit flavours makes an excellent aperitif or with seafood, mixed vegetable grill or fowl dishes.  

The Bodegas Norton Reserva Malbec (Vintages #17061, $15.25) is made from 30 year old vines. It is full flavoured with ripe black fruit, violets and tobacco on nose and palate. Great finish! This is a wine for game and roasts.

Sir Edmund died in 1944 leaving behind him a wonderful legacy. He is still looked on as a national hero. In 1989 the winery was purchased by Gernot Langes-Swarovski.

2015 marked its 120^th Anniversary. Congratulations!