This 17 April marks the 12th anniversary of Malbec World Day, a global initiative created by Wines of Argentina to celebrate the success of Argentina’s wine industry.
Argentina is the main producing country of Malbec with more than 44,000 hectares planted across the country. Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine region, has become synonymous with Malbec and leads local production with 37,754 hectares cultivated (85% of the total vineyards).
Now the 12th edition, Malbec World Day celebrates the diversity of Argentinean Malbec. From North to South, Argentina’s varied wine regions showcase the unique characteristics of Malbec, with altitude, soil, climate, latitude, sunlight and winemaking styles all influencing the grape’s identity.
Tasted and rated by regional specialists at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards, see below for the top 10 award-winning Malbec wines from Argentina to celebrate Malbec World Day with…
Learn more about Malbec World Day at the official website: www.malbecworldday.com
DWWA 2021: Top award-winning Malbec
Argentinean Malbec performed exceptionally well at the 2021 Decanter World Wine Awards, with one wine – Catena Zapata, Nicasia Vineyard Malbec, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza 2019 – winning the competition’s top accolade of ‘Best in Show’. Only 50 (0.28%) out of more than 18,000 wines tasted received this esteemed medal.
Best in Show, 97 points
Few red wines can rival grand Argentinian Malbec for drama and grandeur, and this version from the Altamira zone of La Consulta (in the Uco Valley) stood out even amongst its dramatic, strikingly profiled peers. It is jet black, just shot with purple at the rim. Soaringly expressive Malbec rose and tea leaf lifts from the glass with enviable purity, without a trace of distorting oak. In the mouth, it is deep and long: an arrow of fruit yet elegant, deftly textured with a snow of fine tannins, and devoid of alcoholic heat or intrusive, strenuous acidity. A sumptuous, haute-couture Malbec where the vineyard’s untrammeled fruit and inner radiance has been given voice. Alc 14%
Terrazas de los Andes, Parcel N2 W Los Castaños Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2018
Platinum, 97 points
Excellent freshness and perfumed, floral fruit over a coconut oaky frame. Youthful palate with very well-integrated alcohol and a wealth of fruit concentration. Elegant style, with a lovely aromatic length. Alc 14.2%
Colomé, 1831 Malbec, Calchaquíes, Salta 2017
Platinum, 97 points
Mature aromas on the nose showing scents of jammy purple fruits over meaty, floral and sweet spices undertones. Lovely-textured on the palate, mouth-filling with gentle tannins and fresh acidity. Alc 14.5%
Kaiken, Indómito Malbec, Mendoza 2019
Gold, 96 points
Lifted perfumed nose of violets, lilies and roses over beautiful dark fruit and baking spice undertones. Really fresh and juicy, with lovely sweetness, floral elegance. Alc 14.4%
Viña Cobos, Bramare Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 2019
Gold, 96 points
On the nose, showing complexity and elegance with vanilla and lovely juicy dark fruits. Well-judged oak use on the palate with ripe resolved tannins. Alc 14.5%
La Celia, Heritage Single Vineyard Malbec, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza 2017
Gold, 96 points
Gorgeous floral perfume of violets and roses over a core of ripe plums. It shows a great drive and a lovely intensity with a great length. Alc 14.5%
Sophenia, Malbec, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Mendoza 2019
Gold, 95 points
Rich nose of black cherries and plums with smokey oak spices. Fresh and elegant palate with very fine-grained tannins and a lengthy complex finish. Alc 14.5%
Finca Don Carlos, Calathus Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2018
Gold, 95 points
Multi-layered nose with wild mountain jarilla undertones over ripe prune, damson and chocolatey aromas, somewhat spicy. Elegant tannins with purity of fruit and freshness on the palate. Alc 13.7%
Viña Andrico, Gran Reserva Malbec, Los Chacayes, Tunuyán, Mendoza 2015
Silver, 94 points
Notes of forest floor and leather, meaty, over ripe currant fruit. Densely structured but fine grained tannins, mature and interesting. Alc 15%
Chakana, Estate Selection Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza 2019
Silver, 93 points
Ethereal nose with high class aromas of cigar box, smoke and dried fruits. Beautiful palate power with fantastic elegance. Alc 14%
