This 17 April marks the 14th anniversary of Malbec World Day, a global initiative created by Wines of Argentina to celebrate the success of Argentina's wine industry.
Argentina is the main producing country of Malbec with more than 44,000 hectares planted across the country. Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine region, has become synonymous with Malbec and leads local production with 37,754 hectares cultivated (85% of the total vineyards).
Quality on the rise and reinforcing the exceptional value to be found in the country, Argentinean Malbec saw outstanding results at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards with an impressive 25 Malbec and Malbec-dominant wines awarded 95+ points — two of these Value wines under £15 retail.
Scroll down to discover Argentina’s top-scoring Malbec wines from DWWA 2023
Now the 14th edition, Malbec World Day celebrates the diversity of Argentinean Malbec. From North to South, Argentina’s varied wine regions and sub-regions showcase the unique characteristics of Malbec, with altitude, soil, climate, latitude, sunlight and winemaking styles all influencing the grape’s identity.
Tasted and rated by regional specialists at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards, see below a selection of 15 award-winning Malbec wines from Argentina to celebrate Malbec World Day with…
Top Malbec wines of DWWA 2023
Gualtallary, Tupungato
Durigutti, Pie De Monte Malbec 2020
Best in Show, 97 points
100% Malbec
Cool temperatures, high altitudes, steep slopes and with limestone soils in certain parts, Gualtallery is a new Southern Hemisphere superstar zone, so it was thrilling to find an arresting Gualtallery Malbec amongst our Best in Show contenders for the second year running. The wine is dark black-purple in colour, with a dense weave of aroma which probably needs a year or two more to resolve itself and show at its best: look out for meat, bacon and leather amongst the gathered black fruits. It’s very deep and very pure, by contrast, on the palate: laser-focussed black-plum and sloe fruits with classic Malbec rose petal and tea-leaf overtones. This perfumed purity alone is remarkable testimony to the potential of the terroir. Add the fine-textured tannins, fruit-drenched acidity and sense of stony finesse engraved in the wine and its lingering finish and you’ll see that something remarkable is coming to light here. Alcohol 14%
Ben Marco, Sin Límites Malbec 2021
Platinum, 97 points
100% Malbec
The smoldering forest floor and sautéed mushroom richness is energised by rippling blue fruit which dances across the nose and palate. Fluid and engaging with a grace of chalky tannins and a long ash-infused finish. Great typicity. Alc 13.5%
Gen Del Alma, Seminare Malbec 2020
Platinum, 97 points
100% Malbec
Inviting ripe cherry and smoky tobacco spice shrouded in a mellow cushion of dark chocolate; luxurious and classy maintaining a spectacular purity of fruit and grippy tension which sails towards the long and vibrant finish. Alc 14%
Vinos De La Luz, Callejón Del Crimen Single Vineyard Malbec 2020
Gold, 96 points
Lovely nose showing a flinty character, with aromas of dark cherry, blackberry and an elegant mix of spices and herbal undertones. Juicy and rich, chalky texture. Alc 14.8%
Bodegas Finca Ferrer, Malbec 2021
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Very fresh aromas on the nose, showing red cherry aromas, hints of blueberry fruit and notes of baking spices and lifted floral nuances. Vibrant and elegant. Alc 14.5%
Finca Sophenia, Synthesis Malbec 2021
Gold, 95 points
Spectacular nose, with aromas of flowers, rich and opulent black fruits seasoned by well-judged glossy oak aromas. Delicious and exuberant, vibrant and lively. Juicy finish. Alc 14%
Los Chacayes, Tunuyán
Bodegas Bianchi, IV Generación Gran Malbec 2020
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Complex and fragrant nose, showing opulent rip black fruis, with touches of aromatic herbs and mineral nuances. Smoky palate, very tightly structured. Long and juicy. Alc 14.5%
Kaiken Wines, Aventura Sur Malbec 2021
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Fresh nose of charming dark cherry and herbal nuances. Lovely concentration of dark fruit and mineral flavors on the palate. Vibrant, with firm tannins. Long finish. Alc 14.9%
Luján de Cuyo
Bodega Norton, Privada Family Blend 2021
Platinum. 97 points
40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot
Lavish plump blackcurrants, blackberries and perfumed violets encased in a smooth backbone of deliciously creamy vanilla oak. Seriously concentrated and intriguing with an opulent leathery texture, velvety soft tannins and a lengthy tobacco-laden finish. Outstanding! Alc 15%
Trivento Bodegas Y Viñedos, Eolo Malbec 2020
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Classic nose showing a spicy bouquet, full of flowers and rich dark fruit aromas. Dry on the palate, very concentrated, with massive firm tannins. Alc 14.5%
Paraje Altamira
Familia Zuccardi, Tito 2021
Gold, 95 points
85% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Franc
Lovely alluring nose with perfumed, spicy and mineral notes as well as ripe black fruit aromas and hints of violets. Mineral palate, showing tension and focus. Alc 14%
Terrazas De Los Andes, Origen Blend 2021
Gold, 95 points
80% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
Very expressive nose of ripe black fruits with herbal details, floral hints and oaky undertones. Juicy, long and structured on the palate. Persistent warm finish. Alc 14%
Uco Valley
Terrazas De Los Andes, Origen Los Chacayes Malbec 2021
Best in Show, 97 points
Few wines produced outside Europe can match the drama and intensity of the best Malbecs from Argentina, so our judges were delighted to find two outstanding examples to include in this year’s Best in Show selection. Perhaps unsurprisingly, both come from the Uco Valley, with its high altitudes and propitiously low-vigour, rocky soils. This wine, the younger of the two, is midnight black in colour with the classically perfumed fruits of Malbec, partnered with an almost meaty aromatic depth which gives the wine singularity and character. One the palate, it is astonishingly deep, perfumed and resolute, with remarkable fruit intensity: pure, driving damson and sloe which powers through the palate to subside in a wave of dark chocolate. The tannins are ample; indeed they seem almost prodigious at first; but their softness is such that, by the time you’re enjoying the post-damson chocolate, they’ve almost disappeared of their own accord. Show-stoppingly good. Alc 14.1%
Bodegas Fabre, Viñalba Reserve Malbec-Touriga Nacional 2022
Value Gold, 95 points
80% Malbec, 20% Touriga Nacional
Enticing floral, plum and mulberry aromas. The palate has ample dark fruits, spice and violet notes, while the ripe, broad tannins manage to convey a sense of stoniness and purity. Stylish wine at a great price. Alc 14.5%
Finca Flichman, Dedicado Microterroir Sand & Silt Malbec 2019
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Open nose with aromatic dried herbs, oregano and jarilla, under vibrant blue and red fruit aromas with floral nuances. Well textured chalky tannins, refined finish. Alc 14%
