Malbec, from Argentina’s signature grape, has established a position among the world’s most popular wines. This variety of European origin that has adapted so well to Argentina’s terroir delivers high quality and flavor interest at reasonable prices. As a bonus, many are made with organically grown grapes.
Mendoza is the main growing region. Its dramatic high-altitude landscape at the foot of the Andes Mountains births many malbecs that are user-friendly, eminently drinkable and fine choices for everyday drinking — some appropriate for a fine meal and a few that would reward time to evolve.
Fine values ($20 or less; upfront, round fruit, lush textures)
2022 Adeluna 1300 ($15), vibrant, juicy, silky, elegant, earthy.
2022 Antigal “Uno” ($18), lively, savory, expressive, fruit-forward, smooth.
2021 Susana Balbo “Crios” ($17), refined, fresh, fine, round.
2023 Domaine Bousquet Reserve ($18), easy drinking, fruit forward.
2023 Doña Paula Estate ($15), energetic, harmonious, mineral, spice.
2022 Henry Lagarde Old Vines ($18), bright, herbal, velvety.
2021 Piatelli Reserve ($17), vibrant, mineral, easygoing.
2023 Piedra Negra Reserva ($19), minty, spicy, mocha, elegant.
2024 Tilia Mendoza ($13), upfront dark fruits, firm, tobacco, cocoa, fine palate.
Trapiche: 2023 Oak Cask ($10), fruit-driven; 2021 Tesoro ($15) dark, brooding, spice, supple, solid, mineral; 2022 Medalla ($20) fresh, easy, toasty, herbal.
Trivento: 2023 Reserve ($12), young, straightforward, easy drinking; 2022 Golden Reserve ($12), direct, solid, lush.
More money, more quality
2022 Luigi Bosca de Sangre ($27), lively, round, subtle spice and oak.
2020 Casarena Naoki Vineyard ($35), seductive, herbal, creamy, rich, refined.
2020 Tintonero Finca la Escuela ($45), focused, rich, savory spice, oak, polished.
2021 Kaiken Aventura ($35), herbal, mint, richness, toast, coffee, minerally.
2021 Piatelli Grand Reserve ($25), spice, cocoa, mint, amiable.
Special quality
2021 Argento Single Block 1 Paraje Altamira ($55), special selection from a prized vineyard; vibrant, minerally, velvety, solid backbone, fine texture.
2019 Achaval Ferrer Finca Bella Vista ($130), high elevation, old-vine single-vineyard estate planted in 1910; impressively perfumed aroma, luxuriant body, silky tannins, elegant but with power and density, touch of oak, roasted notes, rich mocha, hints of gravel, well-structured but stylish and harmonious; a real gem.