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Argentine Wines: Malbecs from Mendoza

If you're looking to explore the realm of red wines beyond Merlots and Pinot Noirs, try an Argentine Malbec.

A medium- to full-bodied red wine, Malbecs are earthy and wood-like, with flavors reminiscent of dark fruits like blackberries, plums and cherries.

When aged in an oak barrel, notes of vanilla and leather can also be detected. In general, these wines contain firm tannins and good acidity and are ideal when poured at a temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit, or 14.5 degrees Celsius.

Malbecs are best paired with Argentina's signature high-quality red meat, particularly bife de lomo or bife de chorizo, and rich cheeses. The wine also pairs well with spicy foods; try it with Mexican, Cajun, Indian or Italian cuisine. Some enjoy it with a rich dessert or bitter dark chocolate as well.

While the Malbec grape originated in Bordeaux, France, it was perfected in the wine-growing valleys around Mendoza, Argentina. These grapes are sensitive to changes in climate and altitude. In cool conditions, or high altitudes, the grape has thick skin and high acidity, yielding strong-bodied, robust wines. In warmer conditions, or lower altitudes, Malbec wines are lighter and best drunk when they are young.

In France, the grape is primarily blended with other wines, like Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, to soften the taste. But in Mendoza, the dry, temperate climate and high altitude are ideal conditions for the Malbec, resulting in small, dark, juicy grapes that are soft enough to produce excellent single-varietal wines.

Top Mendoza wineries

The Malbec grape is also grown in the United States and New Zealand, but the numerous wineries around Mendoza, Argentina, have emerged as the world's best producer of Malbec wines. Some of the best Mendoza-area wineries for Malbec, as selected by the editors of Wine Enthusiast magazine, include:

Achaval-Ferrer
Alta Vista
Altos Las Hormigas
Andeluna
Benegas
BenMarco
Carlos Pulenta
Catena Zapata
Chakana
Cheval des Andes
Cobos
Clos de los Siete
Cuvelier Los Andes
Enrique Foster
Fabre Montmayou
Felipe Rutini
Finca Sophenia
Kaiken
Luca
Luigi Bosca
Lurton
Mendel
Monte Cinco
Monteviejo
Norton
O. Fournier
Pascual Toso
Renacer
Ruca Malen
Salentein
Septima
Susana Balbo
Terrazas de Los Andes
Tikal
Trapiche
Trivento
Valentin Bianchi
Zuccardi

Because of the depressed Argentine economy, it's relatively affordable to sample a good Malbec, even outside of Argentina. In the U.S., a decent Malbec from a renowned Mendoza winery will set you back between $12 and $18.

About the Author... Jessica Arriola Marati

also see -> Wines of Brazil | Wines of Chile

also see in Travel -> Argentina Tourist Attractions