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Best Wine from Mendoza, Argentina
A Connoisseur’s Guide
Nestled at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Mendoza stands as the beating heart of Argentina’s wine country. Its high-altitude vineyards, combined with a unique terroir and passionate winemakers, give birth to wines that are truly exceptional. Known predominantly for its world-class Malbec, Mendoza offers an array of wines that are as diverse as they are captivating. Here, we embark on a journey through some of the most remarkable wines from Mendoza, providing expansive reviews for each.
Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2017
Tasting Notes: A deep violet hue gives way to aromas of ripe blackberries, lavender, and a touch of leather. On the palate, flavors of dark cherries, mocha, and hints of spicy oak linger beautifully.
Review: Bodega Catena Zapata showcases the epitome of Mendoza’s Malbec prowess with this bottle. The wine’s structure, depth, and elegance solidify its place among the world’s finest.
Achaval-Ferrer Finca Altamira 2016
Tasting Notes: Intense aromas of red fruits, violet, and graphite captivate the senses. Tasting it reveals a medley of raspberry, plum, and subtle notes of white pepper.
Review: This wine from Achaval-Ferrer is a testament to the balance between power and finesse. Its vibrancy and lush fruit profile make it a standout.
Bodega Norton Lote Negro 2018
Tasting Notes: Offering scents of blueberry, vanilla, and hints of tobacco, the wine then tantalizes with flavors of blackcurrant, cocoa, and a touch of mint.
Review: Lote Negro not only captures the essence of Mendoza’s terroir but also showcases the potential of blending to achieve harmony and depth.
Terrazas de los Andes Single Vineyard Las Compuertas Malbec 2015
Tasting Notes: With an inviting nose of cherries, floral undertones, and a whiff of smoke, the palate is treated to rich flavors of plum, dark chocolate, and a sprinkle of spices.
Review: This Single Vineyard selection highlights the intricate nuances of its origins, promising a layered and evolving tasting experience.
Zuccardi Valle de Uco Paraje Altamira Malbec 2016
Tasting Notes: This wine begins with an aromatic dance of black fruits, earth, and a hint of coffee. Dive in, and savor the notes of dark cherries, licorice, and a trace of herbs.
Review: Zuccardi’s commitment to expressing the true essence of Valle de Uco shines through in this bottle. It’s a delightful convergence of power and elegance.
Trapiche Terroir Series Malbec Finca Ambrosía 2018
Tasting Notes: With an elegant deep ruby color, the nose is treated to aromas of fresh blackberries, rose petals, and a hint of anise. Its palate reveals lush flavors of blueberries, cocoa, and a subtle earthy undertone.
Review: One of the champions from Trapiche’s Terroir Series, this wine exemplifies the vibrant character of Gualtallary’s terroir. Its balance between fruit and mineral notes is a pure joy to the senses.
Bodega Altocedro Año Cero Malbec 2019
Tasting Notes: This wine charms with scents of red cherries, violets, and soft vanilla. The flavors present a delicious mixture of ripe strawberries, chocolate, and a light touch of spicy oak.
Review: Hailing from La Consulta in the Uco Valley, the Año Cero Malbec is a delightful representation of altitude and craftsmanship. It’s harmonious, fresh, and embodies the region’s dynamism.
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2017
Tasting Notes: Displaying a captivating nose of red bell pepper, raspberry, and hints of smoke, it unfolds flavors of black fruits, graphite, and a touch of clove on the palate.
Review: A testament to Mendoza’s capability to produce exceptional Cabernet Franc, El Enemigo showcases a tantalizing complexity. This wine stands out with its depth, spicy notes, and vibrant acidity.
El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2017
Tasting Notes: Greeting with aromas of plum, toasted almonds, and a hint of floral, it carries forward with flavors of blackcurrant, mocha, and a dash of black tea.
Review: Bodegas Salentein, with its pioneering spirit, offers a Malbec that beautifully marries intensity with elegance. The wine is a graceful expression of the Uco Valley’s cooler climates.
Mendel Finca Remota Malbec 2017
Tasting Notes: With enticing notes of dark fruit, lavender, and wet stone on the nose, the palate experiences a symphony of black cherry, licorice, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Review: From the renowned winemaker Roberto de la Mota, the Finca Remota is a profound expression of Malbec’s adaptability and grandeur in Mendoza. It is both opulent and impeccably structured.
Mendoza, cradled by the mighty Andes and bathed in sun-kissed valleys, stands as a beacon for wine enthusiasts worldwide. Each bottle hailing from this region is not just a beverage, but a story – of its terroir, its vintage, and the hands that crafted it. The wines featured here are emblematic of Mendoza’s rich tapestry of flavors, terrain, and pioneering spirit.
For the devoted connoisseur or the curious novice, these wines serve as a compass, pointing to the heart of Argentina’s viticultural wonders. Here’s to the enduring allure of Mendoza wines, a testament to a region and culture inextricably entwined with the vine. Salud!