Hello Everyone! One of the hottest and fastest growing wine regions in the world today is Argentina, and the two most common grapes are Malbec and Torrontes. Malbec is the fifth Bordeaux varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot are the other four), but is usually only used for blending. However, Malbec has made an incredible surge in Argentina.
We are always on the lookout for interesting Malbecs because it brings back memories of living in Boston when we were poor students. We used to pick up Balbi Malbec/Syrah in the 2 for $13 bin at Blanchards in Jamaica Plain. It was aromatic, spicy and a bit rough, but we really enjoyed the flavors. Depending on how Syrah is done, it can be very peppery if it is made using the whole bunch press or it can be more mellow if the stems are removed prior to the crush. Malbec provides a bit of velvety smoothness, especially in Argentina. Together, they can make an incredible blend.
The 2008 Los Ailos Malbec is a 60/40 blend of Syrah and Malbec from the Valle de Tulum region. This is on the western border of Argentina just north of Mendoza. Mendoza is one of the most famous regions in Argentina, well-known for its great Malbec. We picked up the Los Ailos for $8.99. The wine was light and fruity with cherry aromas with just a touch of spice and oak. Overall, we were a little disappointed with the wine and would have preferred a bit more heft, spice and oak as we are used to seeing with this type of blend. The wine was more of a $6.99 wine than an $8.99 and if you see it for the lower price it's worth trying a bottle. On the other hand, we would recommend spending $1 or $2 more and getting Trapiche Oak Cask or Catena Alamos Malbec, both of which are much more serious wines than their prices would indicate.
Look for a later discussion on Torrontes.
Like what you drink, drink what you like!
Rachel and Bryan Gavini
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