We recently had the great privilege of visiting Mendoza, Argentina, the indisputable home of and premier growing region for modern Malbec. It was Mendoza and the Malbec revolution brewed up there a couple decades ago that have led to Malbec being widely recognised as an incredible stand-alone wine. Prior to the “Mendoza Revolution”, Malbec was primarily used as a minor blending varietal in Bordeaux and Bordeaux-styled blends (usually consisting of some combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Vedot, and/or Malbec).
If you think about it, it’s a sort of miracle. Flash back to the year 2005. We survey our wine drinking friends to list out every stand-alone red wine variety they know. We see plenty of Cabernet Sauvignons. Of course we see Pinot Noir, and as you’d expect, Syrah regularly clocks in. Merlot makes a showing, often pencilled in with a frowny face (Merlot was then a global punk post “Sideways Movie” – who would have thought a pop culture movie would have such an impact on global wine drinking!) Other varieties that came back with less frequency included Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Zinfandel, Nebbiolo, and even Barbera made an appearance. No one mentioned Malbec.
Much has happened between 2005 and now. One of the things that happened is that Mendoza’s most ambitious wine families put their heads together to make Malbec a globally recognised wine variety of distinction, and boy did they ever succeed. Less than 20 years later, Malbec is recognised the world over – and most belovedly so from Argentina – Mendoza, Argentina.
We recently revisited Mendoza. While much has changed (more, bigger, and fancier wineries, much higher prices now that these wineries enjoy global acclaim), much has remained the same – Malbec everywhere to be found at fantastic quality and still reasonable (if higher than past) prices. If you don’t know Malbec well, you don’t know global wine… which is a long way of saying you need to eventually make the pilgrimage to Mendoza. When you do, you must visit these four wineries:
* Catena Zapata is essentially the modern Godfather of Mendoza, Malbec, and Argentinian wine. CZ is one of the oldest houses in the region and remains one of the most progressive, driven to relentlessly experiment, learn, and improve. Catena Zapata was arguably the chief architect of the Mendoza revolution. Your visit here will be well rewarded with an incredible tour steeped in history and wines of soaring stature – such grace, structure, finesse, and poise.
* Bodega Luigi Bosca has always been one of our favourite Mendoza wineries and Malbec houses in the entire world. LB’s new Paradise experience is completely off the charts – truly multi-sensory in an unbelievably beautiful setting. But above all for us, it’s the wine. Luigi Bosca produces the most consistently satisfying and delicious wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and of course Malbec – stunning, delicious wines of great clarity and depth. Think plump, smooth, flavourful … pretty much perfect in short 🙂
* Bodega Monteviejo sits in the heart of the Uco Valley, at the Southern end of the Mendozan region. The Uco Valley is the current darling among Mendoza’s sub regions, and when you visit here, you’ll understand why! The winery is essentially a castle, sitting a bowl hemmed in by the majestic Andes. Oceans and oceans of vines can be seen from its parapets. And the wines! Such intense, engaging wines – it’s as if the voice of the earth speaks through these magical wines. (And while this article is about Malbec, Monteviejo makes a gorgeous Torrontes (essentially Argentina’s signature white variety.))
* Bodega Laureano Gomez offers a very refreshing take on Mendoza. This newer kid on the block is proving that new dreams can still flourish here. While the cellar door is more humble and functional, the experience is supremely authentic. You’ll be talking directly to the winemaking family, walking around, seeing the wine making process in actual action. You’ll hear and see dreams coming to life. And the wines are beautiful. Who knew Merlot could be so rugged, potent, and mesmerising!
Finally, if you’re looking for some great Australian Malbecs (and there are some stunners if you search), the regions to visit include Langhorne Creek (top pick: Bleasdale Vineyards), the Pyrenees, VIC (top pick: St Ignatius Vineyard) and the Great Southern Wine region (top picks: Forest Hill Winery and Ferngrove & Killerby Wines).
The history, the beauty, the flavours of Malbec and Mendoza are #WhyWeLoveWine
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