Malbec, Argentina’s signature grape has established a position among the world’s most popular wines. This variety of European origin that has adapted so well to Argentina’s terroir delivers high quality and flavor interest at reasonable prices. As a bonus, many are made with organically grown grapes.
Mendoza is the main growing region. Its dramatic high-altitude landscape at the foot of the Andes Mountains births many Malbecs that are user friendly, eminently drinkable and fine choices for everyday drinking, some appropriate for a fine meal, and a few that would reward time to evolve.
Fine Values
($20 or less; up-front, round fruit, lush textures)
2022 Adeluna 1300 ($15) vibrant, juicy, silky, elegant, earthy
2022 Antigal “Uno” ($18) lively, savory, expressive, fruit-forward, smooth
2021 Susana Balbo “Crios” ($17) refined, fresh, fine, round
2023 Domaine Bousquet Reserve ($18) easy drinking, fruit forward
2023 Doña Paula Estate ($15) energetic, harmonious, mineral, spice
2022 Henry Lagarde Old Vines ($18) bright, herbal, velvety,
2021 Piatelli Reserve ($17) vibrant, mineral, easy-going
2023 Piedra Negra Reserva ($19) minty, spicy, mocha, elegant
2024 Tilia Mendoza ($13) up front dark fruits, firm, tobacco, cocoa, fine palate
Trapiche: 2023 Oak Cask ($10) fruit-driven; 2021 Tesoro ($15) dark, brooding, spice, supple, solid, mineral; 2022 Medalla ($20) fresh, easy, toasty, herbal
Trivento: 2023 Reserve ($12) young, straightforward, easy drinking; 2022 Golden Reserve ($12) direct, solid, lush
More Money Equals More Quality
2022 Luigi Bosca de Sangre ($27) lively, round, subtle spice and oak
2020 Casarena Naoki Vineyard ($35) seductive, herbal, creamy, rich, refined
2020 Tintonero Finca la Escuela ($45) focused, rich, savory spice, oak, polished
2021 Kaiken Aventura ($35) herbal, mint, richness, toast, coffee, minerally
2021 Piatelli Grand Reserve ($25) spice, cocoa, mint, amiable
Special Quality
2021 Argento Single Block 1 Paraje Altamira ($55) special selection from a prized vineyard; vibrant, minerally, velvety, solid backbone, fine texture
2019 Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista ($130) high elevation, old-vine single-vineyard estate planted in 1910; impressively perfumed aroma, luxuriant body, silky tannins, elegant but with power and density, touch of oak, roasted notes, rich mocha, hints of gravel, well-structured but stylish and harmonious; a real gem