10 Best Malbec Wines From Argentina (2023)

10 Best Malbec Wines in Argentina Featured

A Structured and Dynamic Red

Malbec wine is renowned for its deep purple-red color and medium-to-full body. The Malbec grape is small and dark with thick skin, giving a wine with fruity flavors and medium but smooth tannins. As expected, Malbec wines are higher in alcohol than Pinot Noir or Merlot. Yet, the alcohol is combined with bold flavors, meaning you may not immediately register its intensity. In Bordeaux, France, Malbec is mostly a blending grape, joining Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay.

Malbec grapes are difficult to grow in cold climates, preferring sunny regions with a high diurnal range. Hence, Malbec has become one of the signature varieties of Argentina. In fact, in Mendoza, Malbec vines are planted in high-elevation spots in the foothills of the Andes. There, the vines take advantage of the cool nights to revitalize after the intense heat of the day. This leads to the production of a juicy, perfectly balanced wine.


Best Overall Best Value Best Cheap Under $10 Best Under $15 Best Under $20 Best Under $30 Best Under $40 Best Under $50 Best Under $100 Best With Unlimited Budget
Bottle
Name ViƱa Cobos Bramare Malbec Lujan de Cuyo Catena Appellation Lunlunta Malbec Alamos Malbec La Posta Pizzella Malbec Luigi Bosca Malbec Luca Old Vine Malbec Luca Beso de Dante Tapiz Black Tears Malbec El Enemigo Gran Enemigo Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco
Color Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red Red
Country Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina Argentina
Grapes Malbec Malbec Malbec Malbec Malbec Malbec Malbec Malbec Malbec Malbec
Taste Cherry, Blueberry, Fig, Grapefruit, Game Meat, Leather, Barnyard Blueberry, Blackberry, Prune, Fig, Leather, Cinnamon, Tobacco, Thyme, Flint Cream, Butter, Blackberry, Blueberry, Prune, Fig, Ginger, Thyme, Basil Prune, Fig, Stewed Berries, Violet, Cedarwood, Flint, Blueberry Prune, Fig, Coffee, Eucalyptus, Cream, Smoke, Tobacco, Coffee Black Cherry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Pepper, Licorice Raspberry, Cherry, Blackberry, Pepper, Eucalyptus, Vanilla, Dried Soil Chocolate, Coffee, Prune, Fig, Blackberry, Blueberry, Soil, Underbrush Raspberry, Stewed Dark Fruits, Chalk, Cassis, Leather, Tobacco Fig, Prune, Dried Soil, Violet, Currant, Tobacco, Blueberry, Blackberry
Food Pairing Grilled Pork, Leg Of Lamb, Salmon, Bison, Provolone, Mozzarella Rib-eye Steak, Ostrich, Venison, Pork Chops, Gorgonzola, Manchego Steak, Turkey, Lamb, Honey-glazed Pork, Melted Swiss Roasted Lamb With Mint, Blue Cheeseburger, Flank Steak, Stuffed Peppers, Stilton Barbecue Chicken, Black Angus, Pineapple Salmon, Hamburger, Mac And Cheese Roast Pork, Souvlaki, Lamb Cutlets, Meaty Pasta, Argentinian Empanadas Lamb Tagines, Barbecue Pork, Hot Lamb Curries, Spaghetti Bolognese, Gouda Chili Con Carne, Cured Beef, Venison, Aubergine Bakes, Cheddar Duck Confit, Pot Roast, Lamb Shank, Rib-eye Steak, Sausages, Barkham Blue, Brie Roast Beef, Salmon, Chili-based Rubs, Fajitas, Beef Burritos, Plum Compote, Manchego
Alcohol Content 14.5% 13.6% 13.5% 13.5% 14% 14% 14% 14.5% 13.9% 14%
Sugar Content Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry Dry
Our Rating 4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5) 4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5) 4.3 out of 5 stars (4.3 / 5) 4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5) 4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5) 4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5) 4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5) 4.9 out of 5 stars (4.9 / 5) 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5) 5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)
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What Are the Best Malbec Wines in Argentina?

In Argentina, there are three notable grape-growing regions. These are Mendoza, Salta, and San Juan, and they are perfect for Malbec growing, as the high altitudes offer plenty of sunshine plus a great diurnal range. The resulting wines taste of pepper, coffee, game meat, and black fruits, such as plums and figs. Here are some of the best-selling Malbec wines from Argentina:


Best Malbec Wines From Argentina

Best Overall

  • Name ā€” ViƱa Cobos Bramare Malbec Lujan de Cuyo
  • Winery ā€” ViƱa Cobos
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Blackberry, Violet, Vanilla Spice, Cinnamon, Tobacco, Prune
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Cherry, Blueberry, Fig, Grapefruit, Game Meat, Leather, Barnyard
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 14.5%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Grilled Pork, Leg Of Lamb, Salmon, Bison, Provolone, Mozzarella
Overall Rating: 4.9

Positives
  • Powerful Palate
  • Fine Tannins
  • Long Finish
Negatives
  • Lacks Something “More”

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-red with violet hues, the wine begins the tasting journey with bright aromas of red and black fruits. You will enjoy a concentrated palate, sweet tannins, and velvety texture. Possibly the best Argentinian Malbec. The nose shows pronounced blue fruit and dried violet scents.

On top of this, these aromatic notes are mixed with spicy hints of vanilla spice, cinnamon, and tobacco. The palate is concentrated and plush, showing smooth tannins and a rounded, silky texture. On the palate, expect to taste flavors of blackberries, cherries, and blueberries. An earthy touch concludes the tasting profile. Lengthy finish.

Highly Expressive Wines

ViƱa Cobos produces wines expressive of the terroir from which they come. The winery is an advocate of sustainable farming methods, which contributes to yields of healthy fruit. Meticulous winemaking techniques result in complex, popular wines, known for their unique flavor and balance.


Best Value

  • Name ā€” Catena Appellation Lunlunta Malbec
  • Winery ā€” Catena
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza, Lunlunta
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Cherry, Strawberry, Blackberry, Boysenberry, Vanilla Spice, Mocha
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Blueberry, Blackberry, Prune, Fig, Leather, Cinnamon, Tobacco, Thyme, Flint
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 13.6%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Rib-eye Steak, Ostrich, Venison, Pork Chops, Gorgonzola, Manchego
Overall Rating: 4.7

Positives
  • Fine Leather Touch That Adds Complexity
  • Supple Tannins
  • Lengthy Aftertaste
Negatives
  • A Little Bit Sour

Tasting Notes

This one shows a deep violet color and offers a nose of ripe red and dark fruits framed by mocha. The mouth is rich and laced with dark fruit flavors, as well as a touch of cinnamon and leather. Supple tannins.

As soon as you uncork the bottle, you are greeted by aromas of red and dark fruits, such as cherries, strawberries, blackberries, and boysenberries. Hints of vanilla spice and mocha follow. The palate is plush with blueberries, blackberries, prunes, and figs. A leathery hint graces the cinnamon sensation, while supple tannins add complexity. The finish is flinty and long.

World-Class Malbec

Bodega Catena Zapana is considered Argentina’s high-altitude Malbec pioneer. The winery was founded in 1902 in Mendoza, and since then, has produced world-class quality Malbec. Sustainable practices with soil and climate analysis are the foundation of Bodega Catena Zapana, helping to produce wines expressive of the Argentine temperament.


Best Cheap Under $10

  • Name ā€” Alamos Malbec
  • Winery ā€” Alamos
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Blackberry, Violet, Tea, Cinnamon Spice, Vanilla, Plum
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Cream, Butter, Blackberry, Blueberry, Prune, Fig, Ginger, Thyme, Basil
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 13.5%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Steak, Turkey, Lamb, Honey-glazed Pork, Melted Swiss
Overall Rating: 4.3

Positives
  • Fresh Aromas
  • Spicy Twist
  • Long And Pleasing Finish
Negatives
  • Slightly More Acidic Than Preferred

Tasting Notes

Alamos Malbec has a highly aromatic bouquet of violets, spices, and vanilla. The mouth has silky tannins and an expansive but delicate finish. This could be one of the best Malbec from Argentina, considering its low price. Fresh-plum aromas are followed by notes of blackberries, violets, tea, cinnamon spice, and vanilla. The body is medium with firm, but velvety tannins. Creamy and tasty, the wine displays a mouth of blackberries, blueberries, prunes, and figs.

A spicy twist of ginger and dried herbs drives into the long finish. With more than 100 years of vinification experience, Alamos is the creation of a traditional Argentinian winemaking family, the Catenas. Head winemaker at Alamas is LucĆ­a Vaieretti who grew up in Mendoza’s high desert vineyards. Over her 40 years of experience, she has developed a bond with this place, which enables her to craft exceptional Malbecs.


Best Under $15

  • Name ā€” La Posta Pizzella Malbec (Pizzella Family Vineyard)
  • Winery ā€” La Posta
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Blackberry, Prune, Cherry, Chocolate, Mocha, Ginger, Cinnamon
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Prune, Fig, Stewed Berries, Violet, Cedarwood, Flint, Blueberry
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 13.5%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Roasted Lamb With Mint, Blue Cheeseburger, Flank Steak, Stuffed Peppers, Stilton
Overall Rating: 4.5

Positives
  • Fine Aromatics
  • Thick Palate
  • Firm Tannins And Refreshing Acidity
Negatives
  • Some Musty Old Wood Elements

Tasting Notes

Aromas of dark fruits, cherries, chocolate, and spices dominate this wine’s nose. The palate is dense with berry and plum flavors. Enjoyable finish, firm tannins. One of my favorite Malbecs, this one from La Posta Pizzella, is super aromatic. Specifically, the scents of blackberries, prunes, cherries, chocolate, and mocha define the nose.

Some spices like ginger and cinnamon emerge, too, but they are a bit faint. Inside the mouth, the wine provides the tastes of prunes, figs, stewed berries, violets, and cedar. Firm tannins, moderate-to-high acidity, and a medium finish conclude the tasting profile.

Distinct Argentinian Winemaking

La Posta means “the tavern,” where grape growers meet after work to discuss their vines, soils, climate, and wine production. The winery was founded in collaboration with esteemed wine pioneer Laura Catena and winemaker Luis Reginato, producing distinctive Argentinian wines.


Best Under $20

  • Name ā€” Luigi Bosca Malbec
  • Winery ā€” Luigi Bosca
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Blackberry, Blueberry, Raspberry, Cherry, Pepper, Herbs, Violet
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Prune, Fig, Coffee, Eucalyptus, Cream, Smoke, Tobacco, Coffee
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 14%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Barbecue Chicken, Black Angus, Pineapple Salmon, Hamburger, Mac And Cheese
Overall Rating: 4.6

Positives
  • Welcoming Color
  • Structured Palate
  • Good Length
Negatives
  • Feels A Bit Watery

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby-red in color with purple highlights, this Malbec starts with aromas of ripe dark, red fruits and a hint of pepper. The palate’s intensity is pronounced and complemented by sweet, smooth tannins. Structured. The wine has a fine nose of blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cherries, as well as nuances of pepper, dried herbs, and violets. Well-structured and full-bodied. This Malbec has a palate of prunes, figs, and coffee.

Next, a eucalyptus taste blends with subtle creaminess, as a touch of smoke concludes the tasting journey. Moderate acidity. Good length on the finish. The winery was founded by Leoncio Arizu in 1901, but was acquired by the Boscal family a few years later. After it changed hands, it was renamed to Luigi Bosca winery and kept the tradition of crafting fantastic wines from fruit sourced from LujƔn de Cuyo, Maipu, and Uco Valley.


Best Under $30

  • Name ā€” Luca Old Vine Malbec
  • Winery ā€” Luca
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza, Uco Valley
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Blackberry, Raspberry, Cherry, Plum, Licorice, Chocolate
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Black Cherry, Blackberry, Raspberry, Pepper, Licorice
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 14%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Roast Pork, Souvlaki, Lamb Cutlets, Meaty Pasta, Argentinian Empanadas
Overall Rating: 4.7

Positives
  • Full-bodied
  • Velvety Mouthfeel
  • Refreshing Acidity
  • Balanced Structure
Negatives
  • Just A Little Bit Bitter

Tasting Notes

Tea and salt notes define this wine’s nose, while the palate brims with spices and dark fruits. Savory aftertaste. Concentrated aromas of prunes, blackberries, and raspberries join notes of tea, salt, and dried violets. The medium body is rich with delicious figs, stewed fruits, and blueberries, to name a few. Hints of cardamom, coriander, and cinnamon add a spicy note. The well-integrated oak blends perfectly with the rounded tannins. Savory, delicious finish. Refreshing acidity.

Fine Wine from Fruit Source from Family-Owned Vineyards

Laura Catena is a pioneer of small-grower collaborations in Mendoza. This specific label comes from limited production wines crafted with fruit sourced from some of Argentina’s best high-elevation, low-yield, and family-owned vineyards. Argentinian perfection!


Best Under $40

  • Name ā€” Luca Beso de Dante
  • Winery ā€” Luca
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Cassis, Fig, Prune, Oak, Tobacco, Mint
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Raspberry, Cherry, Blackberry, Pepper, Eucalyptus, Vanilla, Dried Soil
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 14%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Lamb Tagines, Barbecue Pork, Hot Lamb Curries, Spaghetti Bolognese, Gouda
Overall Rating: 4.8

Positives
  • Great Aromas
  • Fruit-forward Mouth
  • Balanced
Negatives
  • Lacks A Bit Of Elegance

Tasting Notes

Aromas of wood, tobacco, and cassis join mint nuances on the nose. Good structure on the palate. Balanced with smooth, fine-grained tannins. Long finish. The bouquet of this Malbec is dynamic, with notes of cassis, figs, prunes, oak, tobacco, and mint.

In the mouth, flavors of dark fruit blend with tastes of cherries, raspberries, pepper, eucalyptus, and vanilla spice. The tannins are moderate but smooth, while the finish is oaky and long. As for the acidity, it is medium and refreshing. Balanced and superbly structured. A hint of earth can be detected too.


Best Under $50

  • Name ā€” Tapiz Black Tears Malbec
  • Winery ā€” Tapiz
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Raspberry, Cherry, Plum, Fig, Compote, Cinnamon Spice, Vanilla
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Chocolate, Coffee, Prune, Fig, Blackberry, Blueberry, Soil, Underbrush
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 14.5%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Chili Con Carne, Cured Beef, Venison, Aubergine Bakes, Cheddar
Overall Rating: 4.9

Positives
  • Powerful
  • Smooth Tannins
  • Ripe Flavors
Negatives
  • A Little Bit Spicy

Tasting Notes

Flavors and aromas of ripe red fruits, plums, figs, and jam are evident on the nose. The palate shows notes of chocolate and coffee, creating an irresistible and distinct result. Luscious and spiced, this wine opens with the aromas of raspberries, cherries, plums, figs, and compote. A hint of cinnamon and vanilla surface on the bouquet, but they are a bit muted.

As it enters the mouth, tastes of chocolate, mocha coffee, and ripe black fruits emerge. These flavors are not excessive, but perfectly balanced due to the good acidity. Elegant but powerful, this Malbec has smooth tannins and a rounded texture, too. The flavors intensify the longer it stays in the glass.

Andean Winemaking Goodness

Tapiz displays the qualities of Argentina and her red wines, such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, as well as her white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. This marriage of Andean foothill vineyards and exceptional vinification ensures high-quality wines that capture the spirit of Argentina.


Best Under $100

  • Name ā€” El Enemigo Gran Enemigo
  • Winery ā€” El Enemigo
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Fig, Prune, Chocolate, Coffee, Vanilla Spice
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Raspberry, Stewed Dark Fruits, Chalk, Cassis, Leather, Tobacco
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 13.9%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Duck Confit, Pot Roast, Lamb Shank, Rib-eye Steak, Sausages, Barkham Blue, Brie
Overall Rating: 5.0

Positives
  • A Nuanced Malbec
  • Structured
  • Persistent, Fine-grained Tannins
Negatives
  • Lacks A Very Little Bit Of Fruitiness

Tasting Notes

Sweet aromas of ripe black fruits combine with hints of chocolate, coffee, and spice on the nose. The mouthfeel is structured and rich, with persistent tannins and a natural acidity that refreshes the taste buds. Excellent finish. A nuanced Malbec that presents aromas of figs, prunes, chocolate, coffee, and vanilla spice.

Some touches of mint are present on the bouquet, too, adding a pleasant dimension. The palate is plush and structured, exhibiting flavors of berries, stewed fruits, chalk, cassis, and leather. The smooth texture is creamy and blends seamlessly with the persistent tannins. Long, tobacco-influenced finish.

True Wine Enthusiasts

El Enemigi (translates as the enemy) is a tribute to the internal battles that makes people who they are. These winemakers endeavor to exhibit this characteristic in their wines. The winery was founded by winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, and historian, Adrianna Catena, who share a passion for wine and attempt to re-create wines that capture the era of the European immigrants that first settled in Argentina.


Best With Unlimited Budget

  • Name ā€” Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco
  • Winery ā€” Zuccardi
  • Country/Region ā€” Argentina, Mendoza, Uco Valley, Paraje Altami
  • Type ā€” Argentinian Malbec
  • Aroma ā€” Cherry, Strawberry, Crushed Stones, Thyme, Oregano, Coriander
  • Grapes ā€” Malbec
  • Taste ā€” Fig, Prune, Dried Soil, Violet, Currant, Tobacco, Blueberry, Blackberry
  • Alcohol Content ā€” 14%
  • Sugar ā€” Dry
  • Pairing ā€” Roast Beef, Salmon, Chili-based Rubs, Fajitas, Beef Burritos, Plum Compote, Manchego
Overall Rating: 5.0

Positives
  • Pronounced Body
  • Subtle And Elegant Tannins
  • Refreshing
Negatives
  • Just Perfect

Tasting Notes

Highly expressive with a great fruity character and notes of red and black fruits, Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco is a wine of great concentration. One of the top-rated Malbec wines from Argentina. A fascinating red, with aromas of crushed stones, cherries, strawberries, and herbs (thyme, oregano, and coriander.)

The mouth shows the dominance of dark fruits, namely figs and prunes, as well as tastes of dried soil, violets, currants, and tobacco. The volume is pronounced but not austere, and the tannins are subtle and elegant. Moderate but refreshing acidity. Let it age, as this one has great aging potential.

Wines of Clear Identity

The Zuccardi winery is considered one of Argentina’s best. Founded in 1963, after planting a vineyard in Maipu, Zuccardi is designed to be energy efficient. As expected, at the same time, it also nurtures biodiversity, organic farming, and effective irrigation practices to produce world-class Argentinian wines. In 2016, the new Zuccardi winery opened in Uco Valley, focusing on the production of wines with a clear identity.

Conclusion

Malbecs are truly exceptional and combine fruitiness, earthiness, and acidity. They are balanced and highlight their Latin American temperament in every sip. Smooth tannins and pronounced flavors of cassis and wood are common in Malbec wine. So, if you want to know which is the best Malbec from Argentina, do yourself a favor and uncork any of the above examples for the ultimate wine-drinking experience.

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