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Argentina continues to climb the wine-region ranks, and is now a sizable contributor to wine production and exports on the global stage. This is in large part thanks to its rich, fruity Malbecs, many of which are affordably priced. While the origins of the variety can be traced back to southern France, it's become Argentina's signature grape. All but one of the Malbecs in today's selection hail from Mendoza, where nearly three-quarters of Argentina's vineyards are; the other comes from Cafayate Valley, also a top region in the country.
BODEGA LUIGI BOSCA Malbec Mendoza Terroir Los Miradores 2016
WS review: Lusciously spiced, with dark cherry, blackberry and dark currant flavors swathed in rich cardamom and mocha accents. The plush finish is long and creamy. Drink now through 2024. 800 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Los Miradores is one of eight vineyards Bodega Luigi Bosca highlights in their single-vineyard bottlings. This is their highest-altitude vineyard, planted at 3,700 feet above sea level in Tunuyán, within Uco Valley. The wine's elegance and spice-filled core is typical of expressions from this area.
CUVELIER LOS ANDES Malbec Uco Valley 2015
WS review: Pure and refreshing, with snappy red fruit and spice flavors that feature plenty of minerality. Reveals notes of pencil shavings and slate on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 2,400 cases imported.
Why it's of note: The Cuvelier family, owners of Bordeaux's Château Léoville Poyferré and Château Le Crock, were drawn to Argentina when French enologist and winemaking consultant Michel Rolland invited them to take part in the Clos de los Siete project, which includes four French-owned wineries in Uco Valley. Bertrand and Jean-Guy Cuvelier later decided to build a winery of their own, giving birth to Cuvelier Los Andes. The vineyard was planted in 1999, and Rolland consults for the brand.
PIATTELLI Malbec Cafayate Valley Grand Reserve 2016
WS review: Fresh and lively acidity supports the intense dark fruit, spice and cream flavors. The fruity finish is long and rich, featuring accents of flint and white pepper, with ample tannins. Drink now through 2024. 1,100 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Cafayate Valley is a unique appellation within the Salta wine region in northern Argentina. It has elevations exceeding 5,800 feet, with extensive sunlight and cool nights extending the growing season. This yields elegant wines that are ripe but remain balanced and structured, like this bottling from Piattelli.
ALTA VISTA Malbec Mendoza Estate 2017
WS review: Interesting slate, flint and spice notes accent the dark fruit flavors. Firm tannins show on the slightly peppery finish. Drink now through 2021. 2,000 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Alta Vista was among the first Argentinian wineries to make single-vineyard Malbecs, but this dark and spicy blend sources grapes from various estate vineyards in Uco Valley. In total, Alta Vista farms and owns 516 acres throughout Mendoza.
BODEGAS SALENTEIN Malbec Uco Valley Reserve 2017
WS review: Crisp, with fresh-crushed red fruit flavors that are supported by crunchy acidity. Cranberry zest detail emerges on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 5,000 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Guided by influential Argentinian winemaker José Galante, Bodegas Salentein is one of the largest estates in Uco Valley, with 2,000 acres of vines. Plantings range from 3,400 to 5,600 feet in elevation, offering various microclimates for their range of wines. The reserve bottling benefits from alluvial, stony soils, which yield crisp flavors and acidity.
TINTONEGRO Malbec Uco Valley 2017
WS review: There are dried meat notes to the roasted plum and macerated cherry flavors of this red, with dried blueberry accents on the tannic finish. Drink now through 2022. 10,000 cases made.
Why it's of note: TintoNegro is a collaboration between Alejandro Sejanovich and Jeff Mausbach, who worked together at Bodega Catena Zapata for 15 years. Through his time as vineyard director at Catena, Sejanovich gained knowledge of a variety of Argentina terroirs, and chose Uco Valley for this wine with the intent to showcase a cool-climate Malbec.
VIÑA DOÑA PAULA Malbec Uco Valley 2017
WS review: Sinewy, with sanguine notes to the dried red berry and red currant flavors. Underbrush hints on the finish. Drink now. 70,000 cases imported.
Why it's of note: Viña Doña Paula makes wine exclusively from estate fruit from their 1,700 acres of vines, which are split between four vineyards in various subregions of Mendoza. This bottling taps two of those vineyards, one with stony soils and one with sandy soils, yielding a distinctive wine.