Matias Riccitelli Matias Riccitelli Wines
Having been mentored from a young age by his father, internationally acclaimed Norton winemaker Jorge Riccitelli, 34-year-old Riccitelli Jnr is now making wines in his own right. For many years Riccitelli was head winemaker at Fabre Montmayou, but since last year he has been fully committed to his family project, Matias Riccitelli Wines, with award-winning results. Part of the new generation of winemakers, Matias is one of the most promising on the scene, making well balanced and modern wines from a selection of vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. While his Malbecs continue to accrue awards, the latest focus of the winery is on bringing out a wider portfolio including premium oak-aged Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, an unoaked Pinot Noir, and a Pinot Noir/Malbec rosé at the entry level.
Oaking Is A Process Used
Because of the richness and bold flavors that accompany Malbec, several people who enjoy it think that a long period of oaking is used. However, this is not the case. In several instances, Argentine Malbecs are oak aged for half a year. When oaked for 10-12 months, Malbec wines of Argentina will give off a classic smell of blueberries. Argentina offers more than just Malbec wines. You see, Malbec grapes are not the most widely planted grape in Argentina. Bonarda, a medium to full body wine, was the most popular grape variety throughout the country.
Our Top Argentinian Malbec Wine Recommendations
There are a lot of really great-tasting Argentinian Malbec wine selections available for you to choose from on store shelves. This can make it quite difficult for you to find the perfect bottle of Malbec wine that comes with all of the tasting notes and hints that you desire.
In the following section, were going to provide you with our top recommended Argentinian Malbec wine varieties that are currently available for sale so that you can see first-hand why this particular wine variety is so popular.
Keep in mind, while all of these wines classify as Argentinian Malbec selections, they do vary in terms of their overall taste and texture.
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Best Overall: 2017 Clos De Los Siete By Michel Rolland
Courtesy of Wine.com
- ABV: 14.5%
- Tasting Notes: Hearty Oak Spices, Chocolate, Vanilla, Dark Plum, Black Cherry
With the snowcapped Andes mountains looming in the near distance over their cherished vineyards, Clos de los Siete has established themselves as a towering figure in the world of Argentinian-produced malbec. Winemaker Michel Rolland, originally hailing from Bordeaux, is an internationally recognized winemaker and consultant whos brought his expertise to vineyards in fourteen countries. Rollands capabilities, coupled with the Clos de los Siete pristine terroir, make this bottle a wine to celebrate.
Try A Wine From Argentina
If you’ve not yet tried Argentinian wines, particularly their deep and complex Malbecs, then it’s time to give the wines a try. Argentina’s wine industry is growing in reputation worldwide for a reason winemakers are producing powerful reds and interesting whites that hold up well against some of the greatest wines in the world.
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New Technology Old Vines
In the vineyard viticulturists are both looking forward with new technology and looking back to the heritage of their old vines. Careful work on row orientation and viticulture is bringing in fresher fruit, explains Tapia, which in turn leads to fresher, lower-alcohol wines.
Meanwhile in Luján de Cuyo, wineries are focusing on the benefits of their old vines. The regions oldest vines are often planted on their own roots, with great genetic diversity from centuries of massal selections and mutations, giving them a distinctive character, says Amanda Barnes, DWWA judge and author of The South America Wine Guide.
In general terms, however, Luján Malbecs are typically rounder and broader on the palate, with riper black- and red-fruit flavours than the fresher, floral style of Uco Valley, but more chiselled than the jammier wines of Maipú, she says.
There have also been changes in winemaking. In the winery, theres a welcome movement to reduce oak and replace new barrels with old oak and large foudres. Significantly, the new generation is investing in concrete, says Tapia. A symbol is Zuccardis Uco Valley winery, opened in 2016 and designed to reflect the surrounding the rocky landscape, which Sebastian Zuccardi has filled with concrete eggs and amphorae.
Malbec The Best Place To Begin
The variety dominates the surface area under vine in Argentina, accounting for 20% of the vineyards planted in the country. It has become an oenologists specialty in every winemaking region and we should also note that its a very versatile red that can be easily adapted to different palates depending on the tastes and intentions of the winemaker in question.
If you prefer light, young reds, its best to take a look at young Malbecs that havent been aged in wood. These tend to be juicy, medium-bodied wines with well-defined fruity flavors and go very well with red meats, pasta and pizza.
But if your tastes tend more toward larger reds such as the kind made in the Napa Valley look for Malbecs that hail from the traditional winegrowing areas such as Luján de Cuyo and Maipú, both of which are in Mendoza. There, the reds are voluptuous and intense, similarly to those from northern Argentina where the altitude and arid climate enhance potency in the glass.
Finally, if you enjoy complex, sophisticated wines, right now the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Río Negro in Patagonia and the Pedernal Valley in San Juan are producing several Malbecs that are bound to suit you very well.
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Is Wine Popular In Argentina
Argentina is the largest South American wine producer and one of the New World wine regions. While its globally renowned for its mass produced Malbec wines, the region also produces several extraordinary red and white wines that are nuanced and terroir-driven.
What is the best region of Argentina wine?
Mendoza. With vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see at the base of the Andes, Mendoza is arguably Argentinas most well-known wine region. Its Valle de Uco and Lujan de Cuyo districts are home to highly-regarded wineries like Clos de los Siete and Carmelo Patti.
Why is Argentinian wine so cheap?
When Argentinian wine first made waves in the U.S., led by chief import Malbec, they were known for the exceptional value they offered with a low price point. As familiarity and demand have risen for Malbec, and Argentinian wines overall, so have the prices that consumers are willing to pay.
Are all Argentinian wines organic?
The most recent statistics show that 161 Argentine vineyards have been certified as organic making up a total of 6240 hectares while 53 wineries make organically certified wine. Although Argentine consumers are embracing organic wine, the vast majority is exported.
What Is The Difference Between Malbec And Merlot
Although both important varieties of the ubiquitous , Malbec and Merlot are two distinct grape varieties. Generally speaking Malbec tends to be more meaty and textually whilst Merlot is often added to blends to soften the wine thanks to its high ratio of pulp to skin and seeds. As wines, both share organoleptic properties of plum-like characteristics.
Genetically speaking, Merlot and Malbec share a parent variety in Magdeleine Noire Des Charentes.
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Best Argentinian Malbec Wines
In recent years, wine reviewers have taken notice of the quality wines coming out of Argentina, particularly malbecs. The malbec grape, originally from France, flourishes in Argentina, particularly in the Mendoza wine region. In fact, some people believe that Argentinian malbecs are just as good as and in some cases superior to malbec wines from France.
The reality is that, over time, the Argentinian malbec grape has changed somewhat it looks a bit different than its French cousin and, of course, tastes different because it is planted in Argentinian terroirs.
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For red wine lovers, this is all good news. Argentinian wines, done right, offer excellent value. The challenge is to find good-quality malbecs from Argentina, rather than mass-produced wines. Our wine experts have weighed in with their recommendations for best-value Argentinian malbecs, just in time to help you make your selection for a celebration, special event or quiet dinner at home:
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Top 100 Wines Of Argentina 2021
Wednesday, December 15, 2021
Dont be surprised that the malbec-cabernet franc blend Trapiche Malbec Cabernet Franc Mendoza Iscay 2017 came out ahead of all the other 1,800 wines we tasted from Argentina this year. The quality of this Mendoza winerys premium bottling has been incredibly consistent year after year, with each vintage scoring 95 points and above over the last decade. We decided to push it to center stage this year, with its sublime quality and superb value showcasing everything that is right with Argentine wines.
This deep, tight and textured red with spicy fruit and an herbal lift rightfully explains how the melange of malbec and cabernet franc has become so popular in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. Intuitively, malbec unleashes color and flesh, and cabernet franc knits the rich components with fibrous tension and savory character.
Scroll down the list below to see Mendozas success with the grape duo, including Abremundos Mendoza Octava Alta Blend 2017 , a joint project by Marcelo Pelleriti and the Argentine musician Pedro Aznar Michelini i Mufatto Tupungato GY 2019 Susana Balbos BenMarco Valle de Uco Gualtallary Expresivo 2019 and Matias Riccitelli Malbec Cabernet Franc Mendoza Riccitelli & Father 2018 .
One of our favorite whites in the world comes from the Catena family, in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. The Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mendoza Adrianna Vineyard White Bones 2019 is the No. 2 wine on this Top 100 list.
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Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec Lujn De Cuyo Mendoza 2017 94
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%
Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir
Grown in the Patagonia region where the weather is cooler and more temperate than in other regions, this Pinot Noir is powerful and concentrated with hints of minerality. At around $30 per bottle, the Bodega Chacra Barda Pinot Noir gets great ratings from reviewers like James Suckling and Wine & Spirits.
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Salentein Numina Gran Corte
This wine is one of the best versions of red blend, combining Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The Salentein Numina Gran Corte is rich in color, displaying bright red fruit and sweet spice aromas. It also comes with attractive hints of Mediterranean herbs. This wine is polished and refined with mouthwatering acidity.
Great Argentine Wines To Rediscover At The Lcbo Right Now
We understand full well just how overwhelming it can be to find yourself in the middle of the LCBO and navigate your way through aisles and aisles of seemingly endless wine options. Right now until August 15th, Argentine Wines are in the spotlight at LCBO with 13 wines on limited time offers that you wont want to miss out on! From crisp whites to Vintages gems, keep reading for 13 great Argentine wines to discover at the LCBO right now!
New to the LCBO, this certified sustainable and vegan-friendly wine is produced by Doña Paula, a leader in viticulture research. All wines are made with 100% estate-grown fruit at vineyards located more than 1,000 metres above sea level. Enjoy this Sauvignon Blanc with fish, shellfish, sushi and summer salads.
New to the LCBO, this certified organic chardonnay is produced by Trapiche, the number one brand in Argentina and recipient of the New World Winery of the Year in 2019. This unoaked Chardonnay has citrus and tropical fruit aromas and crisp acidity and pairs with seafood, vegetables and pasta in light sauces.
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What Are The Best Wines Of Argentina
The term icon wine is ubiquitous in the fine wine trade yet difficult to precisely define what makes a wine truly exceptional? An ensemble of different elements is required namely, outstanding terroir, winemaking, and historical pedigree bound together in perfection to forge something far greater than the sum of its parts.
Altura Maxima is such a wine. Indeed, the jewel in the crown of the Colome winery in Salta is a fitting poster-child for Argentinas entry into the fine wine sphere powerfully aromatic and intense. The wine is beautifully textured impeccably balanced, the very epitome of elegance. Tired old cliches about Argentina producing fruit bombs are woefully out of date the best of Argentinas fine wine output effortlessly merges force and finesse with spectacular results. This is the defining feature of the countrys leading icon wines. A combination of high-altitude viticulture and ideal ripening conditions join forces to produce balanced, age-worthy wines that are rapidly becoming collectors items. Join Cellar Tours on an exclusive Argentina Wine Tour customized to your specific tastes.
Salentein Single Vineyard Finca El Tomillo Malbec
Salentein Single Vineyard Finca El Tomillo Malbec is cultivated in the Uco Valley region of Argentina and is made with grapes that are not locally grown. This particular wine selection has a very rich and deep red candied taste to it that is rounded off quite nicely by a balanced black candied flavor that makes this wine very robust on the tongue.
This wine also has a prominent taste of herbal traces all throughout its blend in addition to remnants of thyme. The wine also carries with it underlying tones of smokiness, a juiciness thanks to the fruit, rich tannins, and a lot of other unique and distinctive tasting elements.
Overall, the wine has a nice and refreshing taste to it that can be enjoyed with a variety of different food pairings. Salentein Single Vineyard Finca El Tomillo Malbec
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Lorena Mulet Bodega Cruzat
Mulet has been making some of Argentinas top sparkling wines for over a decade, and there is still more to look forward to. At only 35, she is the right hand of South Americas most experienced sparkling wine producer Pedro Rosell at Bodega Cruzat. Having studied under Rosell, Mulet went on to Luigi Bosca where she specialised in sparkling and fine wines, while also consulting for other sparkling wine producers. Five years ago, Rosell selected his former pupil Mulet to help run the production of Cruzat by his side and she hasnt looked back. While Rosell, aged 78, is still very much part of Cruzat, Mulet has a promising future as one of Argentinas leaders in the category. Producing some of the countrys best Champenoise- and Charmat-method bubbly, Cruzat is already the yardstick for Argentine sparkling wine. The team has another game-changing sparkling wine up its sleeve though, to be released in the next couple of months: We are preparing the launch of a special edition millésime, reveals Mulet. These are two sparkling wines that have only been produced in very small productions and when the harvest acquires an exceptional quality. They were both bottled over four years ago, from the 2006 harvest. One is 100% Pinot Noir, and the other Pinot Noir-Chardonnay. These will undoubtedly add more sparkle to Mulets already bright future.
What Is Argentinian Malbec Wine
Argentinian Malbec wine is made using the Malbec grape variety that you can find in many different vineyards spread through the region of Argentina. Argentinian Malbec is a red wine variety that has a rather dark colour and robust taste thanks to the Malbec grape which are used in its creation.
Argentinian Malbec wine comes in a lot of different varieties and types all of which vary depending on the winery that makes the product and how the grapes are grown.
Argentinian Malbec wine is, in fact, its own classification of wine, which means that its similar to wine selections such as Chardonnay, Rose, Moscato, and others. the wine is often characterized by its unique and velvet-like texture in addition to its a deep and intensely fruity flavor.
There are a lot of different Malbec wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the country of Argentina including in locations such as San Juan, Buenos Aires, La Rioja, and others.
Now that weve covered exactly what Argentinian Malbec wine is, lets dive straight into our top Argentinian Malbec Wine Recommendations.
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Patagonia And Atlantic Region
Located in the south of Argentina, this region only plants about 10,000 acres of wine grapes. Elevations are lower, ranging from sea level to about 2,200 feet. Here, wine grapes grow in the river valleys, and the area tends to have low rainfall. This is Argentina’s coolest wine-growing region, so cooler weather grapes thrive here. Main grapes for the region include Malbec, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Bonarda, and Chardonnay.
Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2017
The Susana Balbo wines are made with a blend of Argentine Malbec and Pinot Noir. This wine is a great showcase of the Uco Valley region in Argentina. This versatile blend presents floral notes alongside wild cherries and strawberries. This wine is ideal for entertaining because of its bright excellent acidity and refreshing finish.
The Susana Balbo wines are white blends made with Semillon, Torrontes, and Sauvignon Blanc from Paraje Altamira at 1,050m above sea level.
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