There’s been an ongoing phenomenon in Argentina’s Mendoza province, where winemakers produce beautifully balanced Malbec wines. These wines have begun to take their place as some of the best on the planet. Perhaps you’ve tried Mendoza Malbec already. It is having a distinct moment, gaining traction worldwide for its deep, rich red flavor profile characterized by dark berry flavors and elegant tannins.
Fall is a perfect time to dive into Argentinean Malbec for a taste (or two), especially with a pairing combining the heartier foods the season brings with these flavorful, bold wines. Think fondues, thick beef stews, sweet potato chili, or spicy pumpkin soup; you’ll find these wines stand up to the task without overpowering the dishes.
We recently visited the Mendoza Valley and discovered some of the region’s best places to produce fine Malbecs. Here are some of our favorites.
Bodega Catena Zapata Making wine since 1902, Bodega Catena Zapata is a family-run winery that is acknowledged as one of the top producers in Mendoza. For an entry-level introduction, try Catena Malbec 2021, a dark purple blend of grapes from four vineyards with distinct black cherry nuances melded with vanilla and black pepper. Aged in oak for 12 months, it has a rounded mouthfeel and a soft but sturdy tannic finish. If you’re ready to try some of Mendoza’s best Malbec, invest in a bottle of Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 202. This flagship 100% Malbec wine has it all, sourced from old vines from two exceptional vineyards, one 90 years old and one 20 years old, then melded into a spectacularly balanced finished product. With top scores from the world’s best-known wine critics, this spicy, dense Malbec with notes of cherry and violets will delight your palate.
Pelleriti Priore One of the newer Malbec producers is Pelleriti Priore, the partnership between two Mendoza natives: famed Argentinean winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti and wine executive Miguel Priore. Together, they craft top-notch Malbecs that express the region’s exemplary terroir. Try the Pelleriti Priore Signature Malbec and discover a densely flavorful meld of blackberries and cherries with a luscious mouthfeel resulting from 12 months in oak barrels. That could become your go-to red wine, but if you can find the Marcelo Pelleriti Grand Cuvee or the Marcelo Pelleriti Blend of Terroir (which may be difficult), take the financial plunge and discover those incredible wines.
Pascual Toso Pascual Toso is another of Mendoza’s venerable wineries. Established in 1890, it is still producing fine Malbecs expressive of its Barrancas location in the valley. Their entry-level Pascual Toso Estate Malbec 2022 is marked by a plummy red fruit flavor and a bright tannic structure. It is an easy-drinking and reasonably priced wine. For a richer taste, discover the Pascual Toso Alta Malbec 2020, made from 60-year-old vines and aged for 18 months in French oak. This wine is lovely and spicy, with hints of roses and a beautiful structure. Pascual Toso makes a range of Malbecs; all are worth a taste to find your favorite.
For more information on the Malbec wines mentioned in this article, visit vivino.com