Today is Malbec World Day, and to celebrate, we tasted through a selection of malbecs and other Argentinian wines with WoCA imports at the Consulate General of Argentina in Sydney.
Here are six wines that stood out as offering great value across a number of different price points:
Our top pick: Rutini Single Vineyard ‘Gualtallary’ Malbec 2021
“A wine of contrasts. At first floral and lifted, with a classy elegance to it; but simultaneously savoury, with layers of blue and black fruits, subtle minerality and spice. Structure is elegant and refined, with quite active chalky tannins, sharp acidity, and a med+ body. Great intensity and purity of flavour. An awesome contrast to the also-great Single Vineyard ‘Altamira’.”
RRP: $162
Score: 95
Our top pick <$50: Marcelo Pelleriti ‘Signature’ Malbec 2021
“Quite savoury in nature, displaying deep plum, mixed spice, violets, and lean woody oak overtones. Palate is clean, with high fruit purity, touches of spice, and chewy oak. Quite high acid and tannin support nicely. A long, meandering finish.”
RRP: $36
Score: 92
Our top pick <$30: Casarena 505 Malbec 2024
“One of best sellers from the WoCA range, and for good reason. Full of spiced plum and blackberry on the nose and palate, with a subtle savouriness. Palate is round, soft and approachable. A very pleasant and classic expression of Mendoza malbec that delivers great balance and flavour for its price.”
RRP: $28
Score: 91
Bonus: Rutini Single Vineyard ‘Gualtallary’ Cabernet Franc 2019
“This isn’t a malbec but too good not to include. Really lovely aroma of mixed berry fruit, choc-oak, and a subtle herbal, leafy note. An extremely clean, fresh purity of flavour. Palate is gentle and approachable but with a subtle edgy tension and fine-grained tannin structure.”
RRP: $138
Score: 94
Casarena Single Vineyard ‘Naoki’ Malbec 2021
“A very unique density to the fruit profile on the nose – reminds of crushed plums with violet florals mixed with some red fruit – but balanced with a lift and lightness. Dried spice hints also show on the palate. Structure is soft, plush, and with an almost flawless balance that feels extremely light in mouth. A touch short but an interesting wine —- one that takes you for a ride.”
RRP: $84
Score: 93
Monteviejo Festivo Malbec 2023
“Giving alfajor vibes! A confected lift to the red berry and plum fruit, with some nutty elements. Palate is more serious, with fresher, ripe fruit and a soft and gentle full body structure. Quite aromatic, and likely not for everyone, but a fun and good value wine.”
RRP: $29
Score: 89
All of the above wines are imported into Australia by WoCA International. For more information or for ranging inquiries, contact the team at orders@woca.com.au or +61 412 654 184.
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