Iglesias’ picks: 15 top Malbecs from Argentina and Chile

Estancia Uspallata, Mendoza,

Argentina 2015 95 N/A UK www.estanciauspallata.com Uspallata is a new viticultural area in Mendoza. At 2,000m, it offers a complex and original Malbec with pronounced black fruit and herbal character, earthy aromas, high acidity, fine tannins and a long finish. Drink 2017-2023 Alc 14%

Rogue Vine, Macho Anciano, Itata Valley,

Chile 2013 94 £ 28 (2015) Indigo Wine Leo Erazo, winemaker for Altos Las Hormigas in both Mendoza and Cahors, obtains this original Malbec from a centennial vineyard he recovered in Bío Bío. Black fruit, wet stones, floral rounded palate. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 14%

Viñedos de Alcohuaz, La Era de Alcohuaz Malbec, Elqui Valley,

Chile 2013 94 N/A UK www.vdalcohuaz.cl Organic Malbec from the Elqui Valley planted on granite soils at 1,700m above sea level. Made in a natural way, this is one of the most original Malbecs from Chile, showing black fruit aromas, spice and floral notes with vibrancy and freshness. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 13% Zuccardi, Polígonos San Pablo, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina 2015 94 £ 19 Alliance, Cambridge Wine Merchants One of the most curious Malbecs of Mendoza is produced with grapes from San Pablo at 1,400m. In this cold zone, Malbecs are complex with red fruits, Mediterranean herbs, balsamic hints and earthy aromas. Relatively low in alcohol, yet vibrant. Drink 2017-2022 Alc 13%

Pyros, Single Vineyard, Pedernal

Valley, San Juan, Argentina 2013 93 £ 25 Available via UK agent Conviviality Pedernal is a cold, high valley in San Juan province, with flint soils. This has pronounced balsamic and candied black fruit aromas, is medium-bodied with a long finish. Drink 2017-2022 Alc 14.5% Clos des Fous, Tocao, San Rosendo, Bío Bío Valley, Chile 2013 92 £ 37.99 Liberty Coming from centennial vineyards in Bío Bío, Tocao is one of the most extreme versions of Chilean Malbec (with 20% Carignan). Intense, ripe black fruits and prunes with high tannins and freshness. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 14.5% De Martino, Limavida Old Bush Vines Malbec, Maule Valley, Chile 2011 92 £ 20.75-£ 22 Exel, Marks & Spencer Marcelo Retamal uses dry-farmed grapes in this field blend, with a litlle Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere. It’s fragrant, with pronounced fruity aromas, Mediterranean herbs. Velvety and fresh. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 13.5%

Finca Las Moras, El Sagrado Malbec, Pedernal Valley, San Juan, Argentina

2013 92 £ 17 Available via UK agent Conviviality Another fine exponent in the Pedernal Valley. Complex aromas of black fruit, candied plums and cranberry, wet stones and raisins. Full-bodied, velvety and vibrant. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 14.5%

House of Morandé, Malmau, Pencahue,

Maule Valley, Chile 2013 92 N/A UK www. housecasadelvino.cl Produced by prolific Argentinian winemaker Matías Michelini with grapes from Maule’s old vines, rescued by House of Morandé. Ripe red and black fruits, meaty and leathery with a vibrant palate. Drink 2017-2019 Alc 15% Polkura, Malbec, Marchigüe, Colchagua Valley, Chile 2013 92 N/A UK www. polkura.cl Recognised for his Syrah, Sven Bruchfeld first released this Marchigüe Malbec in 2008. It’s spicy with black fruit character and a long finish. Its 8% Petit Verdot adds structure and complexity. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 14.5% Montes, Alpha Malbec, Colchagua Valley, Chile 2013 91 £ 13-£ 13.50 Exel, Liberty, Whole Foods Market Grapes from Apalta and Marchigüe. Intense and fruity, bearing a certain similarity to the classic Mendoza style: plums, blueberries, violets and cedar. Medium-bodied and very fresh. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 14%

Trabun, Malbec, Cachapoal Valley,

Chile 2014 91 N/A UK www.trabunwines.cl Sourced from a vineyard in Requínoa planted in 2010, which partly explains its intensity and character. Ripe black fruits, plums, forest floor and firm tannins. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 14% Pérez Cruz, Limited Edition Cot, Maipo Valley, Chile 2014 90 £ 16.10-£ 17.21 Exel, Hallgarten Druitt, Oddbins, Strictly Wine Cot is one of the synonyms for Malbec. Grown in Maipo, the grape develops a herbal profile. This exhibits black fruit aromas, balsamic and Provençal herb notes on a full-bodied, juicy

palate. Drink 2017-2020 Alc 13.5% Viu Manent, Estate Collection Reserva Malbec, Colchagua Valley, Chile 2013 90 £8.95 Saxtys This winery is the reference for this grape in Colchagua. With classic style, ripe red fruit, full-bodied with black fruit jam and smoky tones. Drink 2017-2019 Alc 14% Emiliana, Adobe Reserva Malbec, Rapel Valley, Chile 2015 89 £9 Boutinot, Vintage Roots Emiliana produces its grapes under organic and biodynamic certification in Colchagua Valley, part of the greater Rapel Valley. This easy- drinking wine has light oak ageing and achieves an intense fruit expression of plum, blackcurrant, cherry and a very pleasant texture on the palate.

Drink 2017-2018 Alc 13.5%