Among the Mountains in Mendoza, Argentina
Exploring Argentine Malbecs for each budget
Originally from France, the Malbec grape is known for its full-bodied wines with deep violet colour, medium to high tannins and flavours of dark berries, tobacco, cocoa and sometimes a nice oak finish. Now, Malbec is the prized grape of Argentina—producing fantastic wines in the mountainous region of Mendoza. Here’s my selection of Malbec’s for each wine budget.
Catena Malbec 2022 ~$20.30~
From the high mountain vines of Lunlunta, El Cepillo and Gualtallary, Catena’s 2022 Malbec is a great budget-friendly option. For someone looking to bring a rich, dark chocolate punch to dinner without the high tannins of a Cabernet Sauvignon, this one’s perfect. All of the signature dark fruit flavours of plum and black cherry are there with a second wave of toasted nuts and a slight herbaceous undertone.
Made by fourth-generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, this label is a great entry point to a historic name in wine, specifically Malbecs in Argentina. It’s currently available in the LCBO Vintages section for $20.30 and in British Columbia for $23.99.
Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Orellana Single Vineyard Malbec 2018 ~$58.40~
This Uco Valley wine starts with liquorice aromas on the nose. Notes of blackberry, cherry and slight herbaceous to follow. Aged in French oak for 18 months, this wine sees the longest time in the barrel on this list. With a high fruit concentration, this vintage is bold and has up to 15 years of ageing potential.
Made by the historic Trapiche Winery, founded in 1883, this tried and true wine is worth the extra price for a constantly high-scoring vintage year-over-year. Available in the LCBO Vintages section for $58.40.
Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard Malbec 2021 ~$95.60~
For the wine enthusiast, Catena Zapata’s 2022 Malbec is one for the cellar. Don’t be confused with the aforementioned Catena Malbec, as Zapata is a more premium product from the vineyard. This wine is grown off vines planted in 1996 on shallow soil and gravel top layers. At an altitude of 920 metres in the Maipú Region of Mendoza, this bold Malbec carries an ensemble of flavours with typical smoothness. Blackberry, black plum and a subtle hint of blueberries are present in this iconic bottle. Following suit is a wave of subtle pepper, leather and oak finish.
The 2021 vintage can be found in limited releases at the LCBO in Ontario for $95.20, at the SAQ in Quebec for $124.50 and in BC for $149.99.
IMPORTER’S BONUS: Jorge Rubio Privado Reserva Malbec Roble
Jorge Rubio’s leather bound Privado label continuously score solid ratings among critics. This Malbec, made from vines 25 years old and aged for 12 months in oak barrels, provides ripe black fruit flavours. The flavour is bold, hints of cinnamon spice with soft tannins.
With vineyards rooted in the Southern Mendoza Oasis, this Malbec sees ample sunshine with cool nights in the continental climate—providing a well balanced red. Available by the case at select importers in Canada.