Why the price-to-quality ratio for Argentinian wines is hard to beat right now
Newer malbecs coming out of Argentina's Mendoza region, like the "Reserva" line from Terrazas de los Andes, are leaving the behind sappy, sticky style that the grape has become known for.
Terrazas de los Andes Malbec “Reserva”
$18.79 13.5% alcohol
PLCB Item #6734
Sale price through July 6; regularly $20.79
Argentina’s wines are relative newcomers on the global market; their quality continues to improve by leaps and bounds but has yet to reach its full potential. Malbec is the nation’s most-planted grape and dominates exports to the United States, but a focus on rock-bottom pricing has given it a poor reputation among those who prefer a drier and more food-friendly flavor profile in their red wines.
As modern winemaking comes of age in the Mendoza region, more and more of its wines are leaving the sappy and sticky style behind, orienting their offerings to an audience with more well-traveled tastes. This is particularly true for Argentine wineries that are outposts of European fine-wine companies, and those priced in the $15-to-$25 range can be hard to beat for their price-to-quality ratio, especially as the country’s economic crisis drives prices down even further as vintners attempt to maintain their market share.
Terrazas de los Andes was built by Moët & Chandon in 1992 as a still wine-focused sister property to their sparkling operation nearby. This “Reserva” line is sourced from cool, high-altitude mountain vineyards and ages for 12 months in neutral French oak barrels, resulting in a surprisingly sophisticated mid-weight red wine that is quite dry. Layers of dark fruit flavors like red plum and blueberry taste quite lively and fresh, supported by aromatic floral accents reminiscent of candied violets.
Also available at:
Joe Canal’s in Bellmawr, $13.99
WineWorks in Marlton, $14.98
Roger Wilco Beer, Wine & Spirits in Pennsauken, $16.99