Winemaker Notes
The vibrant nose of red and black cherries and ripe plums combines with floral touches of violets and rose petals. It holds a nice tannic structure that is full on the palate. Vanilla, chocolate, and some spice appears to make it more complex.
This is a fruit-driven, fresh and well-structured wine that pairs great with meats like prosciutto or hard cheeses. Unique recipe ideas include smoked chicken and blueberry salad or roast pork tenderloin with Medjool date, olive and walnut relish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A full-bodied malbec with berry and chocolate character. Layered, soft tannins and loads of flavor, yet neither heavy nor tiring. Sustainable.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The varietal 2021 Fazzio Malbec has an extra degree of freshness, depth and complexity, reflecting a cooler year in a cooler place, with violet and raspberry aromas and a medium-bodied palate with balance, freshness and very good acidity. It's a pure and direct high-altitude Malbec. Best After 2022
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Wine Enthusiast
This winery is led by Laura Catena and features wines made with grapes from growers located in the largest wine regions in Mendoza. This one comes from Uco Valley and delivers aromas of licorice and vanilla followed by berries. With firm tannins, the brisk palate offers cherry, plum and thyme with notes of oak spice alongside vibrant acidity.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.