South America

In its youth this is a hefty, muscular beast that gradually takes on an increasingly silky texture as time passes in bottle. Lots of profound dark fruit up front with notes of assorted spice, mint, black pepper and dark chocolate on the nose. The use of oak is judicious and handsome, resulting in a really impressive, elegant wine showing much complexity and finesse.

High up in the Andes in Uco Valley is Finca el Origen, a boutique winery producing expressive estate wines from ancient soils full of sea fossils.  From their estate in Vista Flores this malbec is a beauty! An excellent wine that demonstrates the essence of Uco Valley Malbec. Aromatic complexity—a  lovely combination of pure, dark fruit and fragrant herbal aromas of thyme, rosemary and lavender. Refreshing and firm, with solid tannins and a bright core of red fruit.

Deep color, with a brilliant purple rim. An intense nose, with a fine, floral perfume alongside the ripe red fruit. There are hints of undergrowth, graphite and smoked walnut too. The palate is rich and mouth filling, with smooth tannins that support the wine well. On the finish, alongside the floral and fruit flavors, mineral complexity lingers.

With our usual earlier pick date, the 2021 retained freshness and acidity, allowing the spice, as well as a bit of Cahors earthiness to show itself. Our goal is to express the vintage and to achieve elemental balance within all the components. Thereby showing the complexity within Malbec to match a wide range of foods from meat dishes to pastas, and Mediterranean fare.

In its first aromatic expression, this red wine reveals itself as an earth wine, with elegant aromas reminiscent of herbs and wet mud, hints of thyme, red and black fruits, and notes of jam. Clear and clean-tasting, fresh and direct mouth attack; round, yet with nerve.

Altos Las Hormigas was founded in 1995 by Alberto Antonini, renowned Italian winemaker, and Antonio Morescalchi, moved by the potential of Malbec. The team is completed by Atilio Pagli, the Chilean Pedro Parra, soil specialist, and Fede Gambetta, today in charge of the day to day. The incessant fight against ants in organic vineyards gives rise to the name.

José Zuccardi Malbec is sourced from Paraje Altamira and contains a small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary. Each variety is naturally fermented in concrete vats, using wild yeasts, and is then aged in foudres and second-use barrels for 24 months.

Lush Bordeaux blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Malbec, bursting with raspberry and currant flavors that pick up complexity with hints of boysenberry, mineral and violets. Continue to evolve in the glass and on the palate.

Deep red color with blue tones, with good tears and color. Of great aromatic richness, noticing red fruits, ripe plums, cherries, and cherries, in balance with notes of chocolate and vanilla. Velvety and great structure, with sweet and ripe tannins. Traditional vinification with fermentation of 20 days between 21 and 26ºC, including maceration. Malolactic fermentation with indigenous strains. Aging: 12 months in French oak barrels of first use.

There's better integration of the oak and better balance, harmony and elegance in the 2021 Privada Family Blend. It was produced with 40% Malbec and 30% each Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo. It feels very integrated, with each variety adding aromas and flavors and coming through as complex and powerful. This has to be one of the finest vintages for this bottling. Maybe they used less new barrels... 220,000 bottles produced.

Boasting only 9% ABV and zero sugar, this is a clean, lighthearted, "better-for-you" wine with aromas of grapefruit and papaya. White pear, wet rock, and honeysuckle add character.