Argentina: my top 25
While Malbec remains Argentina’s flagship variety, winemakers are increasingly producing innovative blends, as well as exploring new varieties and styles. Alejandro Iglesias recommends his favourites
1 Susana Balbo Wines, Susana Balbo Signature White Blend, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2019 95 £16.95-£20 (2018)
Bottle Apostle, Christopher Piper, Grapevine Wine Services, Hedonism, Hennings, Noble Green, The Whalley Wine Shop, Vegan Wine Box
A leading light among Argentinian white blends, made with Semillon, Torrontés and Sauvignon Blanc from Paraje Altamira at 1,050m above sea level. With a distinctive combination of mineral notes, hints of white flowers, fresh citrus, pear and green apple over subtle spices, it offers refreshing acidity and a full body. Drink 2020-2024 Alc 13%
2 Otronia, III & VI, Patagonia 2017 94
£60 Bibendum Wine
Juan Pablo Murgia and Alberto Antonini produce this exciting white with organic Chardonnay grapes from a Patagonian vineyard located at 45° of latitude to the south. The extreme climate, limestone soils and 16 months in barrel make this a pure, expressive wine with bright fruit, citrus, honey and cinnamon aromas. Long finish. Drink 2020-2024 Alc 13.8%
3 Andeluna, Blanc de Franc, Tupungato, Gualtallary, Uco Valley 2019
93
£29.99 Hallgarten & Novum Wines
Andeluna, a top producer in Gualtallary, has taken the unusual step of producing a 100% Cabernet Franc rosé. Unoaked, this is a pale, Provence- style rosé, expressive with raspberry, redcurrant, strawberry and rose notes. Taut and crisp, with a juicy-fruit palate, it is subtle and elegant. Drink 2020-2022 Alc 12.5%
4 Escorihuela Gascón, MEG, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2018
96
N/A UK www.escorihuelagascon.com. ar Matías Ciciani Soler knows how to bring out the character of the grapes from El Cepillo (southern Uco). A red blend of Malbec (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) – elegantly complex with vibrant red fruits, the mineral personality of the terroir and well-integrated oaky aromas. Juicy and flavoursome with a chalky texture. Drink 2020-2028 Alc 14.7%
5 Bodegas Bianchi, Enzo Bianchi Gran Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 95
£46 Walker & Wodehouse
A new luxury Malbec from Bodegas Bianchi made with grapes from Los Chacayes. Aged for 12 months in French oak, this is a lush, vigorous wine that stays true to the stony vineyard soils, offering a mineral profile with crisp red fruits, a chalky texture and refreshing acidity. Drink 2020-2028 Alc 14%
6 Rutini, Single Vineyard Gualtallary Cabernet Franc, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016
95
£45.50 Wine Direct
Cabernet Franc wines are the latest jewel in Argentina’s crown. Mariano Di Paola, winemaker at Rutini Wines, is responsible for this refreshing wine from Gualtallary, sourced from a vineyard at 1,300m. It achieves a refined balance between berries and wild herbs, along with gentle spices and toasted hints from the oak ageing. Deliciously rich, with juicy tannins and a long finish.
Drink 2020-2028 Alc 13.6%
7 Trapiche, Terroir Series Finca Coletto Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015
95
£27.25-£30.99 Exel, Fareham Wine Cellar, NY Wines of Cambridge, The Fine Wine Co, Vintriloquy, Vinvm
This is an original Malbec; an exquisite combination of luxury and freshness. The key lies in where it comes from: a 50-year- old vineyard in El Peral, Tupungato, at 1,130m above sea level. The mild climate of the region produces a fruity bouquet of cherries, berries and fresh flowers that continues on the palate, along with a firm, opulent mouthfeel. A rich and eloquent wine.
Drink 2020-2028 Alc 14.5%
8 Zuccardi, Aluvional Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2015 95
£65-£ 75 Firth & Co, Wine Direct
Sebastián Zuccardi is an Uco Valley producer and Aluvional is his collection of mountain wines from different terroirs. This Malbec, from Paraje Altamira, is aged in used barrels and concrete vats. It offers a wild profile evoking mountain breezes and herbs. Delivering vibrant red fruits with balsamic hints, in the mouth it is direct and full- bodied with a chalky texture. Drink 2020-2028 Alc 14%
9 Domaine Bousquet, Ameri Single Vineyard, Tupungato, Gualtallary 2017 94
£28 Vintage Roots
Domaine Bousquet produces wines from its organic vineyards in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, located at 1,100m. This red is the flagship wine, a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot that spends 16 months in barrel to establish an unusual, refined style.
Rich and perfumed, it’s full- bodied but well- balanced with juicy tannins. Drink 2020-2028 Alc 14.5%
10 Durigutti Family Winemakers, Proyecto Las Compuertas Cabernet Franc, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2018 94 N/A UK www.durigutti.com
Héctor and Pablo Durigutti are committed to reviving Las Compuertas, a historic terroir of Luján de Cuyo at 1,050m above sea level. This unoaked Cabernet Franc is one of their most recent releases. Violet red in colour with lively red fruit and hints of fresh herbs, it is taut in the mouth with firm tannins. Drink 2020-2025 Alc 13.9%
11 Luigi Bosca, DOC Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2018 94
£16.99 (2017) Dunell’s, Loki Wine
A textbook Malbec produced by Luigi Bosca using grapes sourced from an old vineyard in Vistalba, Luján de Cuyo, for the first ever Designation of Origin in South America. Aged for 14 months in French oak, it delivers an intense mix of mature red fruits, violet aromas and oaky spices. Opulent and rich on the palate, with juicy tannins. Drink 2020-2028 Alc 14%
12 Salentein, Numina Gran Corte,
Uco Valley, Mendoza 2016 94
£21.50 Exel
The unusual conditions in 2016 (a cold, rainy year in Mendoza) allowed Salentein winemaker José Galante to create one of his best ever versions of this red blend, combining Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Rich in colour, the wine displays bright red fruit and sweet spice aromas, along with attractive hints of Mediterranean herbs. It’s polished and refined, with mouthwatering acidity. Drink 2020-2025 Alc 13.5%
13 Trivento, Golden Reserve Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2017 94
£16 Ocado, Tesco, The Pip Stop, Wine Pig Germán Di Césare makes this Malbec using grapes from different vineyards in Luján de Cuyo. Faithful to the fruity style he favours, this seductive wine offers aromas of cherry and blueberry in tandem with sweet oaky spices. A typically voluptuous Malbec from the region, it is refreshingly firm with a distinctive, sophisticated profile.
Drink 2020-2025 Alc 14%
14 Alta Vista, Terroir Selection Malbec, Mendoza 2017 93
£17 Sainsbury’s
Alta Vista winery is a pioneer in the exploration of Mendoza terroirs. This Malbec, made with grapes from five different vineyards in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, is an expressive wine full of fruity character. Blackberry and blueberry notes mingle with slightly toasted aromas and Mediterranean herbs. In the mouth it is vigorous, but balanced, with graceful tannins.
Drink 2020-2024 Alc 14.5%
15 Colomé, Auténtico Malbec, Calchaquí Valley, Salta 2019 93
£30.30 (2018) Liberty Wines, Quality Wines Made with grapes from old vineyards surrounding the winery at 2,500m in Salta, this unoaked Malbec is a classic expression of high-altitude terroir. Deeply coloured, it offers black cherry, wild herb and violet aromas, with hints of balsam and ripe figs. Luxurious but juicy mid- palate, with firm acidity and character. Drink 2020-2025 Alc 14.5%
16 Vistalba, Tomero Reserva Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2017 93 £17.99-£18.50 All About Wine, Bibendum Wine, The Fine Wine Co
Bodega Vistalba makes wines from grapes grown in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo. The Tomero Reserva is one of its classics, a Malbec that combines a traditional character and a nod to modern palates. With a bouquet of black cherry and quince fruit, along with elegant floral aromas and oaky hints, on the palate it is elegant and lively, with a pleasantly lingering finish. Drink 2020-2025 Alc 14%