It’s not surprising that reds dominate the wine scene in Argentina given its mostly dry, sunny climate and serious love for steak. But it is malbec that reigns supreme and has sealed the country’s wine reputation. Introduced to Mendoza from France by European immigrants in the 19th century, its expression here ranges from gentle and red-fruited to deep, rich and dark, making wines that are usually softer than the more rustic, tannic offerings found in malbec’s birthplace of Cahors, France.
Five of the eight Argentine reds we recommend for our latest installment of Buy Now – our series geared toward helping readers choose from affordable wines currently available on the market that we rated 93 points or higher – are malbecs. A fantastic example is the Tapiz Malbec Mendoza Black Tears 2018, with its ultra-fine, polished texture. It’s a gorgeously complex and aromatic wine to drink now, and while there are tannins aplenty, they glide seamlessly across the palate.
Another generously plush and polished malbec is from Laura Catena’s winery, Luca: the Luca Malbec Valle de Uco Old Vine 2019. Catena, who is also managing director of her family’s Bodega Catena Zapata, was the first to bottle old-vine malbec in Argentina, and fruit for this wine comes from vines with an average age of over 50 years, planted throughout Mendoza’s Uco Valley. It’s deep and intense and will mellow with more time in the cellar.
