Great value Malbec from Argentina: A buying guide
There is more than just one style of Argentinian Malbec there is also excellent value-for-money to be had. Patricio Tapia and Paz Levinson offer expert advice and pick 27 wines to seek out that won't break the bank...
Copy by Patricio Tapia
There was a time when Argentinian Malbec seemed to have only one voice. Taking advantage of the variety’s characteristic softness and its fruity nature, the style that winemakers chose to promote emphasised the ripeness and sweetness of grapes that were harvested very late, so that they acquired a jammy, unctuous character.
And when the price allowed it, there was also a strong tendency to use new oak. This style soon became popular around the world and catapulted Malbec to stardom.
Scroll down for 27 wallet-friendly Malbecs from Argentina
That one voice spoke for Argentina at all price levels, from the simplest Malbecs to the most ambitious.However, in the last decade – and with gathering momentum in the past five years in particular – the range of Malbec styles has opened up, offering new voices.
The variety has shown winemakers many different faces; arguably more than anyone could ever have imagined.
Argentina currently has just over 40,000ha of Malbec vineyards, 85% of which are planted in Mendoza, a desert region where the sun is generous and rains are scarce.
Malbec has managed to adapt itself very well to these conditions and transmit that sunshine in its generous flavours. But naturally having a low concentration of vegetal tones (unlike, for example, Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc) Malbec has a wide harvest window. This means that grapes can be picked very early in the season without offering vegetal notes, or harvested very late to achieve those unctuous and sweet flavours. The time period between these two extremes of harvesting can be as much as six weeks.
Increasingly, producers are now harvesting earlier, especially when it comes to simpler wines, like the value Malbecs that we tried for this tasting. And when that decision is made, the red, tense, crunchy fruit of Malbec comes to the fore, offering delicious wines, the kind of easy-drinking reds that are consumed more by the bottle than by the glass.
Changing style
‘The sweet spot for Malbec is between £8 and £20 – we saw that at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards and it was reaffirmed in this tasting,’ says award-winning sommelier Paz Levinson, who tasted these wines with me and was the Acting Regional Chair for Argentina at the 2018 DWWA.
‘The variety’s bright fruit appeals to many – today we see more fresh, crunchy black berries instead of the plummy, desiccated fruit of old. The oak is much more balanced – or completely absent – without the palate losing body or fruit concentration. This is all down to producers having a much better understanding of their vineyards as well as changes in both climate and consumer tastes.’
That said, it must be pointed out that not all of the recommendations here are fresh, red-fruited thirst-quenchers.
In this price range we also found some richer, unctuous Malbecs with oaky tones and others with great extraction and concentration of black fruit.
This variety of styles in no bad thing. As Argentinian producers continue to overcome prejudices about what the public wants or does not want, the different voices will continue to emerge, giving Malbec a diversity that until very recently it did not have. And that is very good news for wine lovers.
Patricio Tapia is a wine writer and author of the annual Descorchados guide to South America. Paz Levinson is an award-winning sommelier, who works between Paris and her native Argentina.
See Patricio Tapia and Paz Levenson’s pick of 27 good value Malbecs from Argentina
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Bodega Atamisque, Serbal Malbec, Uco Valley, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: What a lovely wine! Full of energy and a model of balance, with crunchy and delicious red fruit, plus notes of flowers, herbs...
2017
Bodega AtamisqueUco Valley
Fabre Montmayou, HJ Fabre Barrel Selection Malbec, Patagonia, Argentina, 2015
Paz Levinson: This wine shows pure red and black fruit, with spicy aromas of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The palate is dry, with moderate acidity...
2015
Fabre Montmayou
Susana Balbo, Crios Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: What a cracking wine! Black plum and violet aromas lead to a fresh and crunchy palate, with balanced alcohol. Fresh, pure – and...
2017
Susana Balbo
Altocedro, Año Cero Malbec, Uco Valley, La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: What a fantastic expression of La Consulta, with ripe fruit and intense flavours of cassis and blueberries. A delicious Malbec to drink slightly...
2017
AltocedroUco Valley
Bodega Norton, Finca La Colonia Colección Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2018
Paz Levinson: A pristine example from the new 2018 vintage, showing crunchy black fruit and blueberries. A Malbec with tension, purity, freshness and very balanced...
2018
Bodega NortonLuján de Cuyo
Gauchezco, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: Delicious cassis notes mixed with blackcurrant leaf. This wine is young and full of energy and vibrancy. A very beautiful example of the...
2017
Gauchezco
Nieto Senetiner, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: Black fruit, mint, lavender, floral notes and violets. This is a fantastic wine to drink young; delicious and balanced, with crunchy, fresh fruit....
2017
Nieto Senetiner
Pablo Y Walter, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
92
Paz Levinson: This is a very floral wine, backed by a nice combination of black and red fruit. Exemplary balance of ripe fruit and crunchy acidity. Drink this slightly chilled on a warm summer evening. Patricio Tapia: Ripe, but refreshing and easy to drink; this is light and fruity.
2017
Pablo Y Walter
Viña Cobos, Felino, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
92
Paz Levinson: A lovely perfumed nose, though it needs time to open up. Smoky notes need to integrate. This is pure black fruit deliciousness. Patricio Tapia: A generous core of raspberry and blackberry fruit. A simple style that's refreshing and straightforward.
2017
Viña Cobos
The Beefsteak Club, Reserve Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2015
Paz Levinson: A muscular wine that’s packed with lovely concentration of cassis and blueberry fruit. Nice aromas of chocolate and vanilla, mixed with blackberry jam....
2015
The Beefsteak ClubUco Valley
Bodegas Caro, Aruma Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: Floral and perfumed, with lovely, crunchy, fresh red fruit: strawberries and raspberries. This is a well-balanced Malbec. The expression of the 2017 vintage...
2017
Bodegas Caro
Zuccardi, Q Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2015
Paz Levinson: This wine has a very balanced structure, with floral aromas of potpourri, violets and lavender. A beautiful mouthfeel, with chalky tannins. A great...
2015
ZuccardiUco Valley
Finca el Origen, Reserva Estate Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: What a beauty! An excellent wine that demonstrates the essence of Uco Valley Malbec. A beautiful combination of pure, dark fruit and fragrant...
2017
Finca el OrigenUco Valley
Finca Ferrer, Acordeón Malbec, Uco Valley, Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: I love the freshness of this wine, with its delicious combination of black and crunchy red fruit, plus herbs and spices. Beautiful balance...
2017
Finca FerrerUco Valley
Finca Sophenia, Malbec, Uco Valley, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: Exotic and ripe red fruit, with notes of mint, herbs, jarilla flower and lavender. Lovely herbal notes and pyrazines typical of wines from...
2017
Finca SopheniaUco Valley
Riccitelli, The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree, Mendoza, Argentina, 2015
Paz Levinson: Crunchy blueberry fruit, just at the perfect point of ripeness; very fresh and minty. Fresh acidity on the palate, with chalky tannins. Intense,...
2015
Riccitelli
Perdriel, Series Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2016
Paz Levinson: Cassis, blueberries, plums, exotic spices. A deep sense of place; this is Luján with its pink pepper, plummy aspect and muscular tannins. Patricio Tapia:...
2016
PerdrielLuján de Cuyo
Rutini, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2016
Paz Levinson: Very deep colour. Black fruits and blueberries, with lovely purity. Patricio Tapia: Brilliant fruit, with notes of cherry and violet. Has enough tannic grip...
2016
Rutini
Trivento, Reserve Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: Crunchy and fresh red and black fruit, with perfumed violet notes. The palate is very balanced and fresh, with lovely energy and purity. Patricio...
2017
Trivento
Andeluna, Altitud Malbec, Uco Valley, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina, 2015
Paz Levinson: The blue fruit is crunchy and ripe, with lavender, a touch of cocoa and vanilla. Patricio Tapia: A layer of super-ripe fruit combines with...
2015
AndelunaUco Valley
Renacer, Punto Final Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: Lively aromas of blueberry and plums, with pink pepper notes. A fresh mouthfeel. Patricio Tapia: Another super-fruity and approachable Malbec, showing some mineral notes.
2017
Renacer
Chakana, Nuna Estate Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: Concentrated and pristine black fruit. This is a fresh and lively Malbec. Patricio Tapia: A great example of the grape: refreshing, filled with cherry...
2017
ChakanaLuján de Cuyo
Bodega Colomé, Estate Malbec, Salta, Argentina, 2016
Paz Levinson: Intense black fruit, with lovely herbal aromas. The palate is well balanced, with noticeable but ripe tannins. A long and persistent finish. Patricio Tapia:...
2016
Bodega Colomé
Escorihuela Gascón, Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina, 2017
Paz Levinson: Very spicy red fruit with herbal and graphite notes. Pristine fruit and a balanced mouthfeel, with fresh acidity and textured tannins. A lovely...
2017
Escorihuela GascónLuján de Cuyo
Fabre Montmayou, Gran Reservado Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2015
Paz Levinson: Lovely pure fruit, with muscular tannins. A well-constructed wine. Patricio Tapia: Lots of varietal typicity. Cherry and violet flavours; round, soft tannins and bright...
2015
Fabre Montmayou
Gen del Alma, Superlógico Malbec, Uco Valley, Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina, 2016
Paz Levinson: A little bit closed on the nose, it needs time and air, but the fruit is ripe and expressive. Has charm but is...
2016
Gen del AlmaUco Valley
Raffy, Hedera Malbec, Uco Valley, Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina, 2015
Paz Levinson: Red fruits, with notes of cloves, cinnamon, lavender and thyme. Juicy and fresh. Patricio Tapia: Pure fruit expression; a beautiful example of a mountain...
2015
RaffyUco Valley
