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Argentina's identity lies with Malbec; it accounts for 86 percent of the country's vineyard acreage. But the wines have more than one identity. Argentina's wine regions range from 1,400 to 6,500 feet in elevation, with myriad microclimates resulting in a variety of styles. The heart of the country's wine production is Mendoza, which itself is divided into several subregions. While many vintners highlight these areas in terroir-specific bottlings, most succeed in making entry-level, affordable, drink-now Malbecs, like those we've compiled here.
ALPASIÓN Malbec Uco Valley Grand 2015
WS Review: Big and ripe, with concentrated dark plum, cherry and currant flavors that are unctuous and well-structured. Offers polished tannins and plenty of creaminess on the rich and chocolaty finish. Drink now through 2024. 20,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Alpasión started when a bunch of friends built a luxury vacation rental on a 148-acre vineyard in the high-altitude Uco Valley subregion of Mendoza. Karim Mussi Saffie of Altocedro makes the wines.
CLOS DE LOS SIETE Uco Valley 2015
WS Review: Offers a lithe and well-cut blend of cherry, dried berry, currant and spice box flavors that mesh easily. The richly textured finish lingers with creamy notes. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2021. 10,400 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits and global winemaking consultant Michel Rolland are behind this affordable and richly textured Malbec-based blend. Rolland started the brand in 1998 using grapes from four family-owned vineyards he helped develop in Uco Valley.
ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS Malbec Luján de Cuyo Terroir 2017
WS Review: Elegant and well-structured, with focused flavors of red currant, dried berry and savory herb that are supported by medium-grained tannins. The minerally finish has good grip. Drink now through 2022. 500 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Altos Las Hormigas was founded in 1995 by a handful of well-known Italian winemakers, including Antinori's Alberto Antonini. The vineyards for this Terroir cuvée are planted in the limestone-rich area of Luján de Cuyo, lending elegance and structure and a minerally finish to the wine.
BODEGA EL ESTECO Malbec Calchaquí Valley Don David Reserve 2017
WS Review: Dried red fruit flavors are lively, offering a surplus of rich, dried savory herb notes. Accents of hot stone and white pepper flood the finish. Drink now through 2023. 25,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Founded by French immigrants in 1892, Bodega El Esteco makes a range of wines at various price points. The Don David Reserve pays homage to one of the founders, Don David Michel, and is made in a distinctively savory and lively style.
FAMILIA ZUCCARDI Malbec Uco Valley Q 2017
WS Review: A robust red, with dark plum, dried cherry and wild herb flavors that are filled with muscular tannins. Intense dark chocolate notes linger on the racy finish. Drink now through 2021. 15,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: The "Q" on the label stands for quality. The team at Zuccardi selected the most prized, and often oldest, vines in different microclimates of Uco Valley for this bottling. The base wines are made in vineyard-specific batches and then blended to make this robust Malbec.
DOMAINE BOUSQUET Malbec Tupungato Reserve 2017
WS Review: Lip-smacking flavors of red currant and raspberry are backed by vibrant acidity in this lively red. Cigar box notes linger on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 9,044 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: A third-generation winemaker from Carcasonne in France, Jean Bousquet sold his Languedoc estate in 1997 and migrated south to Mendoza. The winery makes a range of wines, most of which are value-driven. The Reserve is from the best, low-yielding plots of its organic vineyards.
KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Malbec Mendoza 2017
WS Review: Vibrant floral notes accent the lithe raspberry and cherry flavors. Fresh acidity powers the minerally finish, which feature hints of white pepper. Drink now through 2021. 175,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Costco is known for having some of the best deals around, and the wholesale giant's wine program, Kirkland Signature, is no exception. This vibrant Malbec is hard to beat at $7 a bottle, and is a great weeknight, food-friendly wine.
BODEGA NORTON Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2017
WS Review: Zesty flavors of dark currant, olive and roasted plum are supported by firm tannins and acidity in this red. Dark chocolate and dried sage notes show on the fine-grained finish. Drink now through 2022. 50,000 cases imported.
Why It's of Note: Bodega Norton delivers great-quality wines at affordable prices, like this zesty reserve bottling. The grapes hail from five estate vineyards, many with vines that are 30 to 50 years old, resulting in good concentration and balance.