Winemaker Notes
Aromas of smoky oak and cherry. Mouthwatering, penetrating flavors of ripe red and black cherries, red berries. Quite rich and velvety on the palate, and finishes with just enough grip to make it a real winner with food.
This Malbec pairs well with grilled or smoked meats such as beef, pork, and lamb. Also complements dishes prepared with cheese or cream sauces.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The excellent pure Malbec 2018 Amorío comes from Paraje Altamira and shows clean varietal characteristics, floral aromas and very fine tannins, with the chalky texture of the limestone soils. It's medium-bodied and has integrated oak in the shape of some spices. It's tasty, with the 2018 freshness.
-
Wine & Spirits
This wine, blended from vineyards around Paraje Altamira, spends a year in French and American oak (70/30, half of the barrels new). Aromatically unique, with Sichuan-peppercorn florality and blackberry-liqueur richness, this wine’s alcohol points up the lip-smacking tannins. Pour it next to roast pork belly with cracklings.
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.