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Argentina's Malbec: Great Cheap Red Wine

Budget Wine Picks from Mendoza that Deliver Quality

Oct 22, 2008 Lee Asbell

In uncertain economic times wine drinkers do not become teetotalers. They simply seek out bargain choices for everyday consumption. Malbec from Mendoza fits the bill.

The new darling of the wine world is Malbec, a fruity red wine with complex flavors, smooth tannins and a price to quality ratio that is sure to please your wallet. Your savings may be in the tank and retirement just got a whole lot further away, so it's all the more reason to unwind with a glass or two of good red wine at the end of a long, hard day.

Malbec is the new Shiraz

According to wine expert, Katherine Cole of The Oregonian, Malbec is the new Shiraz. In her October 21, 2008 article entitled Muscular Malbecs a Fruity Delight, she draws a comparison between the Malbec grown in Argentina and Shiraz grown in Australia. Both Malbec and Shiraz, or Syrah as it is known in France, found a better home in hotter, drier New World climates. Both have produced a large number of good wines at moderate prices. The difference is that right now, you get more wine for your money with Malbec than with Shiraz.

Argentine Wine Exports Growing Rapidly

Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world but until about twenty years ago, the vast majority of Argentine offerings were simple table wines consumed at home. With foreign investment and new winemaking expertise, quality has improved radically and exports have exploded, especially in the last decade. Malbec is largely responsible for this rapid growth, particularly in markets like the US and UK.

Red Meat and Malbec Pairings

Whether you fire up a steak on the grill or slowly braise short ribs in the oven, Malbec loves red meat. It's also a good match for hearty winter fare like stew or pot roast. So, pour a little in your dinner and a little in the cook and everyone will be happy.

Cole's article included the following two recommended wines in the $10 range:

2006 Trumpeter Mendoza Malbec
2006 Bodega Septima Mendoza

Other highly recommended Malbecs in the $10-$20 range not included in Coles' review:

2006 Altos Los Hormigas Malbec
2006 Melipal Malbec
2006 Punto Final Malbec

Economics of Malbec

Argentina suffered a devastating economic crisis in 2001-2002 and although the country has largely recovered, government manipulation of currency and interventionist policies have drawn sharp criticism. Taxes, especially on agricultural products for export are on the rise. It remains to be seen if Malbec and other Argentine wines will continue to remain affordable. It's another good excuse to enjoy these delightful and affordable wines in the near future.

The copyright of the article Argentina's Malbec: Great Cheap Red Wine in New World Wine is owned by Lee Asbell. Permission to republish Argentina's Malbec: Great Cheap Red Wine in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Malbec grapes