RAISE A GLASS
WITH SAM WYLIE-HARRIS
With such a generous measure of smooth, plummy richness, soft spicy influence and alluring violet aromas, Argentina’s malbec is a masterpiece based on a winning formula.
Indeed, even if you’re not a red wine lover it’s hard to resist its full-bodied charms.
In honour of World Malbec Day (April 17), we’ve rounded up five great choices... Trivento Private Reserve Malbec 2020, Mendoza, Argentina (£8, Asda): Wow, what a wine and perfectly poised for the price! With ripe black fruits lifted by floral aromas with hints of herbs and black pepper, flavours of blueberry and cassis abound, with a hint of savoury vanilla spice riding on the long, lingering finish. Project Malbec 2020, Mendoza, Argentina (£8.99, Laithwaites): This new listing has fresh drinking malbec written all over it. The wine doesn’t weigh you down with complexity or a muscular feel, it’s all about juicy, summer berry fruits with hints of cherry, raspberry and black plums that meld seamlessly with a bright, fruity finish. Zuccardi Brazos 2020, Mendoza, Argentina (£10, Ocado): This super-delicious malbec comes from well-known producer Zuccardi and a gorgeous example of how these wines cloak the palate with exuberant blackberry and blueberry fruits, a kiss of sweet spice topped with violet aromas and lovely floral notes. Silky smooth and very stylish. DV Catena Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina (£12, Tesco): In two words: Super smooth. Another gorgeous malbec that feels luxurious and velvety with a very pretty, expressive violet bouquet that delivers what it promises with ripe blackberry fruits, touches of lavender, with notes of chocolate and vanilla riding on the extremely enjoyable silky finish. Luigi Bosca Malbec Seleccion de Vistalba 2019, Mendoza, Argentina (£16.99, Waitrose): Another A-list producer with plenty to shout about – Luigi Bosca were one of the first to have the mark of designation of origin or DOC for their top tier reds. The easiest way to describe this one is gorgeousness in a glass, with its heavenly layered nose of perfumed florals, violetinfused fruits with sweet tannins, well-integrated oak and generous, long, harmonious finish. Beautiful.
Jane Clare returns next week