Category Archives: Argentina

Alta Vista, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec Single Vineyard, Albaneve 2018

($51, Kobrand Wine & Spirits): Like the unnecessarily heavy bottle, this stunning single-vineyard Malbec is a weighty bold wine but with remarkable balance for its size.  This robust wine carries its 15 percent stated alcohol well.  Suavely textured, it still has enough structure to counter the deep plum-like fruit and slightly alluring tarry elements. Read more

Catena Zapata, Mendoza (Argentina) “Nicolás Catena Zapata” 2016

($99, Winebow):  There is no question that the Catena family is among the leading producers in Argentina — and perhaps the single leader of the pack.  Nicolás Catena brought Argentine wines into the modern area by discovering what is universally accepted now: planting vines at higher altitudes in warm climates reduces the likelihood of harvesting over ripe grapes and making jammy wines. Read more

Bodegas Caro, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec “Aruma” 2018

($15, Taub Family Selections):  This Malbec is an unusual wine for Bodegas Caro, a collaboration between Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) and Nicolas Catena, two stars in the wine world.  It is unusual because they pride themselves on combining two winemaking cultures, Bordeaux and Argentina, and their two respective grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, but there’s no Cab in this. Read more

Finca Mangato, Tupungato (Mendoza, Argentina) “Estela Perinetti” 2016

($55, Seaview Imports):  The name of the wine, Estela Perinetti, is also the name of the owner and winemaker at Finca Mangato.  She is one of Argentina’s first female winemakers and viticulturists, according to the Finca Mangato website.  She should know a thing or two about making wine in Argentina since, according to her biographical sketch, she worked with the Catena family, one of, if not the country’s leading wine family, for two decades. Read more

Finca el Origen, Cafayate (Salta, Argentina) Torrontes Reserva 2014

($11): Just as Malbec is Argentina’s signature red grape and wine, Torrontés, is becoming that country’s signature white.  Very floral, with even a glimmer of honeysuckle, Finca el Origen’s represents one end of the Torrontés style spectrum.  Analogous to many Muscat, it’s a bit deceptive because, while the aromas suggest that sweetness will follow, it doesn’t. Read more

Bodega Septima, Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec 2014

($14, Aveniu Brands): This big red wine has considerable polish, in part, no doubt, because Codorníu Argentina, a subsidiary of the great Spanish wine-producing firm, owns Bodega Septima.  This juicy wine manages concentration without going over the edge.  The tannins are mild, especially considering the overall size of the wine, which means it’s very approachable now and would be a good choice for grilled beef this summer.Read more

Argento, Mendoza (Argentina) Pinot Grigio 2013

($13, Blends Inc.): To their credit, winemakers throughout Argentina are experimenting with a plethora of grape varieties to see which actually work in their unique climate.  It seems that Pinot Grigio, at least this one, works.  A floral impression in the clean, bright and refreshing wine allows you to enjoy it either as an evening aperitif this summer or with linguine and clam sauce this summer.Read more

Nieto Senetiner, Valle de Cafayate (Salta, Argentina) Torrontés 2013

($11, Foley Family Wines): Torrontés, Argentina’s signature white grape, is gaining in popularity as consumers realize the zingy wine, such as this one, it can produce and, at a bargain price.  Fresh, clean and zippy, Nieto Senetiner’s curiously has a whiff of mintiness that lends roundness, which actually allows consumer to enjoy it as a stand-alone aperitif. Read more

Achaval Ferrer, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2013

($25, Stoli Group USA): To my mind, Malbec is an overrated grape often producing a heavy monotonous red wine.  Thankfully, Achaval Ferrer’s is neither.   It’s certainly a robust meaty wine, but vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and imparts life.  There’s plenty of plumy black fruit — which does make for engaging pairing with charcoal grilled beef — but it’s a black cherry-like tartness in the finish that brings you back for another glass.Read more

Gascón, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2012

($15, Gascon USA): Gascón’s Malbecs have gotten more interesting over the years.  Years ago, when they first made their appearance on these shores, I dismissed them as big simple red wines.  The current version, the 2012, is still big, but simplicity has been replaced by an intriguing floral character, subtle dark cherry-like notes and even an appealing hint of bitterness in the finish. … Read more