14 Argentinian wines won gold medals at the IWC international competition

With 14 gold medals Yes 87 payment, Argentina was ranked sixth in the world among the 50 wine producing countries that participated in the 38th edition of the International Wine Challenge (IWC), held in London, UK.

The national wines which have obtained the highest distinction are all The reds of Mendoza, except one from Patagonia, made in Río Negro. Six of them belong to Bodegas Fabre Montmayou, only one of which is available for the domestic market, the others being part of their lines produced exclusively for export.

The labels were tasted blind during the month of April by a team of experts led by British critic Tim Atkin. The rigorous selection is carried out each year after at least eight judges have tasted and evaluated the contents of the winning bottles, grouped by style and region, but without cellar identification or price reference.

To obtain a gold medal, wines must obtain a score of 95 to 100 points, while those of silver are obtained with a score of 90 to 95. The Argentinian wine with the highest score was Alta Yari Grand Corte 2019, from Bodegas Fabre, with 96, who also won the trophy for the best blend in the country. Unfortunately, this is one of the labels that not available for local sale.

One of the data likely to be of interest to the Argentine consumer who wishes to taste the award-winning wines is their price range, which in some cases is less than $ 1000 in wine cellars, something unusual among labels distinguished by international critics, which tend to be much less accessible due to their range or limited edition.

The podium of the 2021 edition it was led by France, with 77 gold medals, followed by Australia with 49, Spain with 38, Portugal with 26 and Italy with 17. Argentina, with 14, was the best in South America, followed by Chile with 6 .

Another recognition that is part of the IWC competition is that of “Winemaker of the Year” (winemaker of the year), which in this edition will be announced on June 30. The French Hervé Fabre, owner of the Argentine winery that bears his name, is one of the nominees in the red wine category with his colleagues Chris Hatcher and Steven Frost, from the Australian winery Wolf Blass, and Javier Martinez de Salinas, from the winery Spanish Olarra.

What are and how much do Argentinian gold medal wines cost?

The prices indicated are taken from references in wine merchants and online stores. In some cases, they apply promotions to sell in a closed box.

• Gran Sombrero Malbec, 2020 – Wines Huentala (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 1,200.

• HJ Fabre Reserva Malbec Cabernet Franc 2020 – Bodegas Fabre (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 1,250.

• Malbec Hat 2020 – Huentala Wines (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 700.

• Finca Lalande Bio Malbec 2020 – Domaine Bousquet (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 3,420 per box x 6.

• Dedicated Gran Malbec 2018 – Finca Flichman (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 1,200.

• Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2019 – Trivento (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 1,800.

• The Enemy Malbec 2018 – Aleanna (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 2,200.

• May 2018 –Bodega Kaiken (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 4,900.

• Navarro Correas Reserva Malbec 2018 – Navarro Correas (Mendoza)

95 points. $ 885.

Here are the distinguished wines that are only available on the international market:

• Alta Yari Grand Corte 2019 – Bodegas Fabre (Mendoza)

96 points.

• Viñalba Reserve Malbec Touriga Nacional 2020 (Mendoza)

95 points.

• Viñalba Gran Reservado Malbec 2019 (Mendoza)

95 points.

• Viñalba Patagonia Malbec Reserve 2020 (Río Negro)

95 points.

• Viñalba Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (Mendoza)

95 points.