Winemaker Notes
Aromas of red cherries, raspberries, and violets along with notes of toasty oak. On the palate, fresh berries with spice and a hint of soft caramel on the finish.
It goes great with everything from meats, to pasta, to mild cheeses. Unique recipe ideas include: lamb burger with manchego and smoked paprika, or caramelized onion and butternut squash tart.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A textbook Malbec, showing blackberries, cedar, thyme and a touch of violets. Medium- to full-bodied with round tannins and an underlying freshness that completes it.
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Wine Enthusiast
This Malbec opens with notes of vanilla that repeat on the soft, round palate. Dark fruit adds an extra layer of flavor that lingers through a medium finish. Best Buy.
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.