Our favourite kind of email:
“This was spectacular! At the @cambridge_mill .
“I sent a message today to @cruwinemerchants to see if I can get a case of this.”
Thanks for this lovely message!
#ArgentineMalbec #CanadianWinemakers
Malbec World Day, the Ann and Peter way.
No grand ceremony – just a spring day spent working outside in the northern hemisphere. Grapevines being tied. Beds being turned for the vegetable garden.
Their concession to celebration? Opening a bottle of 2020 Versado Malbec Reserva.
On the table tonight: @lincfarm lamb chops off the grill, oven-roasted potatoes with a sprinkle of paprika, and rapini finished with butter and Andean pink salt.
A simple meal, a beautiful bottle, and a fitting way to mark #MalbecWorldDay.
#VersadoMalbec #CelebrateMalbec #ArgentineMalbec #ConnectWithMalbec
Malbec came to Argentina in 1853 as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s wine industry. It adapted beautifully to Argentine terroir and, over time, became the nation’s flagship grape.
Malbec World Day is celebrated on April 17 because that is the date the foundational Mendoza agricultural project behind its arrival was formally presented in 1853.
Today, Canadian winemakers Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble help put the “World” in Malbec World Day through Versado – a Mendoza Malbec project that brings Canadian vision to Argentina’s flagship grape.
Connect with Malbec. Connect with Versado. Connect with a story rooted in Mendoza and shared across borders.
Happy #MalbecWorldDay.
Steven Elphick brought immense talent to everything he photographed, and Ann and Peter enthusiastically turned to him to help shape Versado’s visual expression.
But what made time with Steven especially memorable went beyond the extraordinary images he created.
He was a fascinating person to travel with and to spend time alongside – endlessly curious, deeply knowledgeable, and interested in seemingly everything. His range of passions was remarkable, and the breadth of those interests gave richness to both his company and his work.
Steven’s knowledge was encyclopedic, and he shared what he knew freely. That generosity was part of what made time with him so memorable, and part of what made working with him such a pleasure.
Versado will remember Steven with admiration, gratitude, and great affection – for his eye, for his mind, for his companionship, and for the singular pleasure of seeing the world a little more vividly in his presence.
Our heartfelt condolences to Paula and to all who loved him.
Thanks Chef Lizardo Becerra (standing) and the @raphaelperuviancuisine team for a wonderful evening.
Also in this photo are Peter Gamble, wine writer Matt Steeves and David Foran of @cruwinemerchants . Ann Sperling is behind the camera.
Our Versado dinner with @raphaelperuviancuisine is underway in Ottawa.
These are the Tostada, Escabeche and Flank Steak courses. Amazing family-style dinner served with our 2019 Versado Centenary Vines Malbec, 2017 Versado Old Vine Malbec and culminating with our 2020 Versado Reserva Malbec.
Thanks to @cbriesling for providing the wine to accompany the Pacific Tiradito to start.
You’re in the right place where Argentina meets Peru - in Canada!
Algorobo post with old vine. These native trees have natural rot and pest resistance so don’t require chemical treatment.
#VineyardUpdate #ArgentineMalbec #CanadianWinemakers
#VineyardUpdate:
Massal selection in real-life. These photos were all taken Jan 27, however vines are clearly at different stages.
Ann says, “This might drive some winemakers crazy but with massal selection plantings, if you know, you know.” 😉
Vineyard Update:
1️⃣&2️⃣ Vines tucked and trimmed.
3️⃣ Canes have been selected and laid on the wires for future layering (winter 2026).
#ArgentineMalbec #CanadianWinemakers
Update from Argentina:
We’re in the late stages of veraison, and Ann says the vineyard looks terrific – clean canopy, healthy leaves.
Carlos has just finished tucking and is now trimming a few stray shoots for polish. This year we’re tucking later than we used to, keeping the canopy more open later in the season for better air flow (lower disease pressure) and a little extra shade on the fruit to help keep potential alcohol in check.
#ArgentineMalbec #CanadianWinemakers
