Fabricio Portelli suggests three iconic red brands that captivate experts in the world's most significant marketplaces due to their features, distinctive character, and quality.
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| Malbec wine |
Malbec was present when Argentina began to wish to debut in the world of wine a little more than 20 years ago, but no one was as devoted to it. Today's data reflect a drastically different present and a very optimistic future. Malbec accounts for 46,565 of the country's 207,047 hectares of vine cultivation, or 24.3%. This means that it already accounts for more than 40% of red grapes (40.8%) and that its area has increased by 185% in the previous 22 years.
In terms of kilos, Malbec accounts for 422 million of the 1,898 million kilos of grapes intended for production, accounting for 22.35% of the total and 42.4% if just reds are included. According to preliminary figures from the Institute National Viticulture, the year 2022 ended with 1,509,857 hectoliters of Malbec sold in the international market (including 4% Malbec with cut) and is equivalent to 509.2 million dollars (FOB).
The fractionated Malbec accounts for 74% of the total volume (1,118,394 hectoliters) and 92.5% of the total value (471.2 million dollars). And, while there is still a long way to go and markets to conquer, no other country in the world identifies a varietal like Malbec with Argentina, and this is the country's tremendous chance in terms of wine.
Many people wonder how Malbec arrived here and what factors contributed to the success of its irruption. On the one hand, it was not known as a varietal in the globe and so was not sold. On the other hand, its real potential was undiscovered in Argentina. There were others who saw history and understood it had something remarkable, but its oenological merits were not as obvious. Until he became the local ace of spades, the small figure that the rest lacked, and it was a good place to start betting on his future.
And so, with a nod to the past but a strong ambition to see how far it might go, new Malbecs began to emerge, the Malbecs of the future. Of course, they are now from the present. And they succeeded so well that they established themselves as the top Argentine wines in history. Better things can happen, but some of those who have appeared in recent years have blazed a trail that will be tough to follow.
With a concentration on research and development, as well as discovering more expressions of location in wines than varietal typicity, exceptional wines began to emerge gradually. Vineyard management, along with soil understanding, resulted in more precise harvest spots. Later at the winery, everyone adapted to meddle as little as possible to maintain the fruit's flavor.
Today, outstanding Malbecs not only compete with the greatest wines in the world, reaching 100 points, but they also encourage a whole industry to better and customers to feel pride, beyond the pleasure of each corkage.
1. Argento Single Block 1 Paraje Altamira Organic Vineyard Malbec 2019
This Malbec stands out not only because it is organic and of such high quality, but also because the young winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia has chosen the best plot to portray a very special region, and he confirms it for the third year in a row with this wine. Aromas are intense, the palate is contemporary, and the volume is good. There are berry fruits with herbal overtones that speak of the region, as well as fluidity with delicate and strong textures that ensure long-term age. Drink during the years 2022 and 2025. 93 points
2- Catena Zapata Argentine Malbec 2019
The marriage of the traditional (Lunlunta) and the modern (La Consulta) results in a Malbec that tells a tale from the inside out. Aromas are integrated and subtle, suggestive of black fruits, with notes of extremely exquisite age. Its drink is (as usual) juicy, flowing, but also slightly compact, and on the finish, its biting textures provide depth while emphasizing its freshness. Drink during the years 2022 and 2028. 96 points
3- Zuccardi Infinity Stone 2019
This Malbec, which debuted with the 2012 vintage, is a real indication of the category's growth. And this vintage is the most forward-thinking Malbec yet. Because he was clear in his message from the start, focusing first on fruit and later on pleasant textures. On the palate, this 2019 seems compact, crisp, and flowing, with small gritty textures that diminish its fruity message and make it more austere. Drink during the years 2022 and 2029. 97 points
Source: Infobae America