Do you think that Argentine wine is all about rich concentration and plush fruit? Think again! Here are five new fresh and crunchy red wines, all under $20 USD, from Argentina to add to your ‘must try’ list. They are part of the new wave of lighter, brighter red wines and are perfect to drink slightly chilled over a Summer’s lunch!
PS. If you are in winter at the moment, our friends in the Northern Hemisphere, then let your bottle chill in the snow outside for a few moments and uncork it by the fireplace and enjoy with some pre-dinner nibbles.
Four fresh Argentine reds for the summer
Altos las Hormigas Tinto 2017
This is truly an Argentine blend – Malbec, Bonarda and Semillon – and it happens to be the first blend for Altos Las Hormigas (who are otherwise Malbec specialists). Fresh, juicy and with vibrant notes of red fruit and spice, this is a thirst-quenching wine and really easy to enjoy alone although it would also pair nicely and is quite versatile. The price point (around $15USD) also means you don’t have to feel guilty about opening a second bottle!
Read full tasting note and more technical info.
Marcelo Pelleriti Signature Blend 2018
This is a totally new style, or shall we say nouveau style, of wine in winemaker Marcelo Pelleriti‘s personal collection. The clue is in the Bourgogne-shaped bottle and the fact that it’s sold within the same vintage year – this is Pelleriti’s equivalent of a Beaujolais Nouveau. Picked during harvest season and released with a few months in the next spring, this 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Franc blend is made with carbonic maceration and the result is a bright and aromatic wine. Abundant with fresh fruit aromas of strawberries and red cherries with pretty floral notes, this is an ultimately gluggable wine. Drink it chilled, and drink plenty of.
Read full tasting note and more technical info.
Bodega & Viñedos Nicolas Catena, La Marchigiana Criolla Chica 2017
Catena Zapata joins the ‘natural wine’ club with their La Marchigiana series. In this case, it is a 100% Criolla Chica coming from Rivadavia in eastern Mendoza which is fermented in clay pots and then aged there for a further 9 months with no added sulfites. You’ll find juicy fruit and floral notes on the nose but there’s a spine of tannin that makes this a food friendly wine with a fresh finish. Great summer drinking and a nice addition to the growing Criolla revival.
Read full tasting note and more technical info.
Bocanada Malbec 2017
Leandro Boullaude is 23 years old, and has already stacked up four harvests in his repertoire. Bocanada is his boutique label where he makes a handful of wines from the Uco Valley (including a rather lovely Semillon) and his Malbec from Gualtallary is a triumph. Lovely acidity, bright and fresh with a long, textural finish. This is a stylish sipper and wouldn’t go amiss for a summer evening supper. I’m excited about this young winemaker – watch this space.
Escala Humana, Livvera Bequignol 2018
Germán Masera is on a mission to rescue Bequignol – a long-forgotten French variety planted in Argentina which has been in sharp decline for the last couple of decades. Just over 600 hectares remain today and this debut single-variety Bequignol is an excellent summer wine. Fruit on the nose, fresh acidity and fine tannin. Bravo Germán – and cheers to a summer of Bequignol in Argentina!
What fresh reds are you drinking this summer? Let us know on our Facebook post or in the comments section below!
