Winemaker Notes
Try pairing this wine with grilled or roast red meat, game meat, semi-cured cheese and stuffed pasta or dry pasta with spicy sauces.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Tobacco-leaf, spice and dark-berry character. Medium to full body, juicy fruit and a savory finish. Soft tannins make this very attractive.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
A beautiful and charming effort, the 2015 Nieto Senetiner Don Nicanor Malbec wraps attractive black fruits and vanilla around the palate and into the finish. The wine's smooth textures pair well with grilled beef. (Tasted: November 16, 2017, San Francisco, CA)
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.