Breadcrumb Trail Links
LifeSaint John & SouthSalonTimes Globe
Published Apr 29, 2025 • 3 minute read
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Argentinian reds offer a variety of flavours that pair well with beef. Photo by Craig Pinhey/SubmittedArticle content
I missed Malbec World Day this year – it was April 17 – so I thought I’d catch up with a review of some interesting versions available at ANBL right now. Malbec was originally known as just a French grape, from various regions including Bordeaux and Cahors (where it is known as Côt), and a few other appellations, including Burgundy (where it must be labelled Vin De France since it does not meet Burgundy appellation laws) and the Loire Valley. But it has become most famous as an Argentina specialty.
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Originally planted in 1853, Malbec is the number one quality winemaking grape in Argentina, representing around 40 per cent of red production. Like most grapes, Malbec tastes differently when grown in different terroirs, meaning varying climate, soil, aspect, elevation and even winemaking technique. Argentina has a lot of altitude options, with the various mountain ranges and their foothills, so you can find Malbec that ranges from being quite ripe and juicy to others that are more savoury/herbal and less jammy.
Many Argentines drink Malbec with beef, which makes up a surprisingly large share of their diet. The drier, more serious styles do work well with red meats, but I find most inexpensive Malbecs are too soft and jammy for that kind of food pairing.
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Malbec is the number one quality winemaking grape in Argentina. Photo by Craig Pinhey/Submitted
Here are five good Malbecs I tasted blind over the past week:
5. Crux Malbec, Agostino winery, 2022, Mendoza, $21, PC: 7798098891114
A dark and spicy red, with some chocolatey oak, a bit of a meaty note, and stewed purple fruit. Dry, with soft tannins. Reminds me of a Southern Rhône red.
Sommelier’s Tip: Be patient, as this wine really improves in the glass.
4. Pacheco Pereda Familia De Vinos Organic Malbec, 2021, Mendoza, $18, PC: 7798130464412
Great value here for a drier, less fruit forward style of Malbec, perfect for drinking with grilled beef. It is a bit quiet on the nose, a little inky and peppery, and has some bell pepper flavours alongside decent tannins and a well structured finish. It is more Bordeaux-like than most Argentina Malbec.
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Sommelier’s Tip: Perfect with a classic steak frites.
3. Zuccardi Serie A Malbec, 2022, Valle De Uco, Mendoza, PC: 7791728021301
Intense berry fruit on the nose, with a silky palate filled with blackberry and black currant. Very ripe, but dry with easy tannins. A touch of chocolatey oak on the finish.
Sommelier’s Tip: This works very well as a tasty sipping wine, but would work with beef with rich, wine based sauces.
2. Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec, 2022, Mendoza, $26.49, PC: 7794450008053
A bit more pricey, Catena is always known for its cooler climate nose, having a peppery pleasantly herbaceous quality. It still has ripe and spicy blackberry fruit. A bit warm on the finish it is dry and has enough acidity to make it age well and go well with food. Tastes young for a 2022.
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Sommelier’s Tip: Serve at cellar temperature (55°Farenhiet or 12°Celcius) to enhance its freshness when pairing with grilled meats.
1. Agostino Estate Syrah Malbec, 2022, Mendoza, $20, PC: 7798079374322
This blend of Syrah and Malbec has an inviting nose with black currant, savoury spice, and this continues onto the palate with spicy blackberry. It finishes dry and clean with moderate tannins. I poured this at a family party and everyone loved it.
Sommelier’s Tip: Good value for a dry, savoury red that works with a wide range of dishes.
Craig Pinhey is a Sommelier and New Brunswick’s beverage columnist, for over 20 years. Check out his FB page: www.facebook.com/Craig.Pinhey.FrogsPad or follow on Twitter @frogspadca or Instagram @brufrogd
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