![]() Mendoza remains the key to unlocking the country’s potential – with vineyards rising from 500m up to over 1500m there’s a site suited to every grape variety. However, for the moment, this is a club almost exclusively dominated by red wine, particularly old-vine Malbec-based reds or Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon blends. ![]() Of course, Argentina is still a long way off making auction headlines or competing with the likes of Bordeaux and Burgundy nevertheless, the world’s sixth-largest producer is today making some very delectable wines. Join Cellar Tours on an exclusive Argentina Wine Tour customized to your specific tastes. A combination of high-altitude viticulture and ideal ripening conditions join forces to produce balanced, age-worthy wines that are rapidly becoming collectors’ items. This is the defining feature of the country’s leading icon wines. Tired old cliches about Argentina producing “fruit bombs” are woefully out of date – the best of Argentina’s fine wine output effortlessly merges force and finesse with spectacular results. The wine is beautifully textured impeccably balanced, the very epitome of elegance. Indeed, the jewel in the crown of the Colome winery in Salta is a fitting poster-child for Argentina’s entry into the fine wine sphere – powerfully aromatic and intense. Velvety, lasting and very enjoyable.The term ‘icon wine’ is ubiquitous in the fine wine trade yet difficult to precisely define – what makes a wine truly exceptional? An ensemble of different elements is required – namely, outstanding terroir, winemaking, and historical pedigree – bound together in perfection to forge something far greater than the sum of its parts.Īltura Maxima is such a wine. Blueberry, plum and allspice hints mingle harmoniously on a well-structured palate underlined by soft tannins. 14.5%Įucalyptus aromas highlight notes of stone fruits on the nose. Bold structure with mouth-watering acidity and firm tannins. On the palate, mulberries, violets and baking spices. 14%ĭark fruited, enticing nose with cocoa, tobacco and herbs. 14.5%Įxcellent intensity of blackberry, cassis, plum and leather notes with some bitter chocolate and savoury elements lingering in the background and sleek, ripe tannins supporting. 14.9%Ī lovely depth of fruit on the nose and palate with some sweet tobacco, dried meat, liquorice and warming turmeric coming out to play. Generous, flattering and absolutely delicious. Juicy blackberry and black cherry engage the nose before an almost blueberry custard-like palate evolves with hints of charred meats and a nutty, earthy character. Fresh acidity and gentle tannins corral intense depth with languid skill while finish displays arresting grainy hint. Lilac and lavender bloom through nose and palate, while morello cherry and blackberry meld with sweet and savoury herbs in endless complexity. Harmoniously balanced, with a refined tannic structure and fabulous length this is a wine of outstanding quality and finesse. Ripe and expressive notes of classic violet, plum and blackberry nuances mingle with sweet spices and a satisfying toasty note. Argentine Malbec is one of the most reliable red wines you’ll find – and here are the best of them, as judged in IWSC 2020.Įstate Reserva Organic Fairtrade Malbec 2018 There’s also been a big push on freshness and finesse, perhaps reflecting a global trend among wine drinkers keen for more elegance in their red wines. Widely used in Beaujolais, it’s a style of winemaking that gives bright, vibrant, fruity wines that can be drunk young, as opposed to the more intense, oaky versions aged for longer. The one criticism of Argentine Malbec is the occasional tendency to push things a little too far, striving for too much intensity, so it’s encouraging to hear that some winemakers are using carbonic maceration. The true home of Argentine Malbec is Mendoza, close to the Andes and the border with Chile, but other regions are producing fantastic Malbecs with a style of their own.īodega El Esteco Don David Blend Of Terroirs Malbec 2019 is made in Salta, in the far north of Argentina, and wowed the IWSC judges with its densely packed juicy black-cherry palate, polished texture and vibrant acidity. French Malbec is generally tannic, inky and dark, whereas Argentine examples are rich, velvety and spicy. While Malbec is inextricably intertwined with Argentina, it’s actually one of the traditional varieties of Bordeaux, where it’s known as Côt, but the styles couldn’t be more different. It’s a regular fixture on restaurant wine lists, it’s widely known as the perfect partner of steak - thanks to that Argentina connection - and it’s even got its own yearly celebration day (held on 17 April). Argentine Malbec is one of the success stories of recent years.
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