About Argentine Wine

About Argentine Wine
Argentina is the fifth largest wine producing country in the world and much of that has to do with one wine, Malbec, which has become synonymous for Argentinean wine. By far, the most widely planted variety -red or white - in the country (almost twice as much planted as the next red variety, Bonarda), Malbec with its deep color, ripe berry fruit and light, peppery spice, has become wildly popular with consumers, looking for a flavorful red at the right price. There are dozens of very fine examples of Malbec from the Mendoza region available on USA retail shelves for $12-$16.

Some of these same producers are also crafting $25 and version of Malbec, to show the aging ability and potential of the variety; these are not yet sales successes for the most part.

There are other notable reds produced in the country, namely Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. As for white wine, the signature variety is Torrontes, a medium-bodied white with light pear and tropical fruit flavors that is a pleasant sipper or partner with lighter seafood.

Top Picks for Argentina

Pampa 2022 Estate Malbec
94 points
$9
Best Buy
A simple but extremely well executed Malbec that makes you crave dinner at an Argentinean steakhouse.
94 points $9 Best Buy
Alamos 2021  Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
$13
Best Buy
Just a delicious everyday Cabernet from Mendoza; not too lean, not too ripe, not too much oak, it's like Goldielock's Cabernet.
93 points $13 Best Buy
Pampa 2019 Family Reserve Malbec
93 points
$29
A rich, well structured wine that paints a story and you can almost envision the Gauchos with their cattle.
Malbicho 2021  Malbec
93 points
$10
Best Buy
A big, well-balanced chewy red wine with black and blue fruits, texture and personality; would sidle up quite nicely to grilled meats, strong cheeses or charcuteries
93 points $10 Best Buy
Salentein 2018 Numina Gran Corte Red Blend Malbec
93 points
$40
A bold, complex and mysterious red packed with exciting flavors.
Awards: 2022 Best Other Argentine Red
Pampa 2023 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$10
Best Buy
Delicious and powerful while being well balanced and elegant; the perfect option for grilled steak and chimichurri sauce.
92 points $10 Best Buy
Eccentric 2022  Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$10
Best Buy
Lush, concentrated fruits make for a simple and straight forward but eminently enjoyable wine.
92 points $10 Best Buy
Alamos 2018 Seleccion Malbec
92 points
$20
Best Buy
A bold, complex Malbec with concentrated aromas; a great example of Argentine's most famous grape.
92 points $20 Best Buy
Kirkland Signature 2020  Malbec
92 points
$6
Best Buy
Cozy up with a bottle at your favorite Argentinean or Brazilian steakhouse and suddenly everything makes sense.
Awards: '2022 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $8 and Under'
92 points $6 Best Buy
Pampa 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$9
Best Buy
A well crafted Cabernet that expresses the terroir of Mendoza well.
Awards: '2022 World Value Wine Challenge-Top 10 Red Wine $10 and Under'
92 points $9 Best Buy