World Malbec Day: 9 Argentinean Wines Awarded – 16/04/2019

In the wine world, talking about "better and worse" will always be a subjective questionsubject to each palace. But, of course, there are more trained and influential palates than the others. This is the case of the most recognized juries international competitions, whose distinctions can place a label on the map of the world, open doors to new markets and strengthen not only the prestige of the winery but also the industry of the country in general.

Although each year different skills are developed in different parts of the world, the Decanter Wine Awards (organized by the specialized magazine Decanter), the International Wine Challenge (Britain), Vinalies Internationales (France) and the International wine and spirits competition (London, Great Britain) could be considered equivalent to the "Oscars" of wines, as the award-winning bottles are the result of the most rigorous evaluation processes.

Therefore, to celebrate the International Malbec Day April 17, we present a selection of Argentinian labels which, between 2018 and 2019, have conquered the podium of the "world champions" of the wine. Only those who have won the maximum prize (platinum and gold medals, depending on the competition) and are available for sale to the public in Argentina are included.

1. Trapiche Terroir Series Finca Orellana 2015

Gold Medal at the Vinalies (Paris) 2019.

Pure expression of a unique vineyard of more than 70 yearsIn La Consulta, in the Uco Valley (Mendoza), the Terroir de la Finca Orellana series is an iconic wine from the winery that has already won several awards. The 2015 vintage that won the highest medal in Paris last March is aged in French oak barrels for the first use for 18 months and a 12-month stowage. For its part, the same vintage of Finca Ambrosía (in Gualtallary), he won a silver medal and, last year, a gold medal at the international wine and spirits competition.

Price: $ 1,525 (both labels).

2. Victorio Altieri Gran Reserve Malbec 2014 (Bodega Vinorum)

Gold Medal at Vinalies 2019.

Vinorum, the winery that produces this wine, was founded in 1930 and acquired in 1998 by the Altieri family. It is entirely dedicated to the production of high-end natural wines in Mendoza. The Gran Reserva Malbec is made of 85% grapes of this variety and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, fruit of its vineyards located in Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo. Although many of its labels are exported, Victorio Altieri Gran Reserva is available in wine shops and specialty stores.

Price: $ 1,100.

3. The collection of Alta Malbec ducks 2015 (Bodegas Vila)

Gold Medal at Vinalies 2019.

With vineyards of more than a century and a half, the history of this winery dates back to the founders of Maipú Department, in Mendoza. Now in charge of the Vila family, he produces wines for export to the United States, Canada, Germany and China, among other countries. Malbec Los Patos is one of the ten brands produced for the Argentine market.

Price: $ 375.

4. Doña Paula Bodega Selection 2016

Gold medal at the International Wine Challenge 2019.

A wine that, after adding a vintage, has garnered high prices and scores from international critics. Made at 1350 meters above sea level in the alluvial farm of Gualtallary, Mendoza, with mineral and stony soils. At CBI 2019, he obtained 96 points and was introduced as "a muscular wine". "The tan, with good power and nuts, great potential that goes with ripe and concentrated tannins," were the tasting notes.

Price: $ 900.

5. Synthesis Malbec 2015 (Finca Sophenia)

Platinum Medal at the 2018 Decanter Wine Awards.

"A malbec in its most elegant form, scented and earthy notes mixed with wild mountain herbs and juicy cherries, intense and spicy, of incredible purity with a perfect oak and a long and fresh finish" this is the jury that awarded him 97 points. Made in Gualtallary, Tupungato (Mendoza) by the wine team commissioned by Germán Masera and Matías Michelini.

Price: $ 950.

6. Trivento Gaudeo Malbec 2015

Gold Medal at the 2019 International Wine Challenge and Platinum Medal at the 2018 Decanter Wine Awards.

With three vineyards located at different locations and at different heights, Trivento explores Malbec's "micro-terroir" concept in Valle de Uco, the inexhaustible and surprising wine region of Mendoza. The expression that defeated critics of the Decanter Awards in 2018 was that of San Carlos, Paraje Altamira (at 1,090 meters)who scored 97 points and the highest medal. At the International Wine Challenge 2019, he won the gold medal and 95 points, as well as the version of Gualtallary (Tupungato, at 1300 m). The line is completed by that of San Pablo (Tunuyán, 1,480 m).

Price: $ 1,250.

7. Vinyes Ocults Gran Malbec 2015

Platinum Medal at the 2018 Decanter Wine Awards.

An almost unknown bottle of many Argentines a cult wine well before getting this medal and the 97 points of the jury. Your winemaker, Tomás Staringer, began making wines in the garage of his home in Godoy Cruz, Mendoza. His travels through Mexico and Catalonia have inspired the skull of the label and the name ("Hidden Vineyards" in Catalan) of the great personal project started in 2005. There are now seven varieties in Tunuyán, north of Las Tunas River. those who shine this great malbec who has conquered criticism.

Price: $ 1,283.

8. Malbec Accordion 2017 (Finca Ferrer)

Gold Medal at the 2019 International Wine Challenge.

It belongs to a varietal line of Excellent value developed by Finca Ferrer in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, at 1,300 meters altitude. The IWC jury awarded 95 points in the 2017 vintage, calling it "fresh, elegant, dynamic and complex".

Price: $ 315.

9. Package N ° 2 Los Castaños Malbec 2013 (Terrazas de los Andes)

Malbec 2018 Trophy and Outstanding Gold Medal 2018 at the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

"Really a great wine, with a long development potential, powerful and complex, extremely rich and concentrated in the mouth, in the manner of a large orchestra, everything is perfectly tuned," said the jury's maximum distinctions of competition British.

Elaborated in a historical parcel of the Uco Valley in limited quantity, it comes from one of the oldest great wines of Mendoza and from the highest elevation of the cellar (1,100 meters).

Price: $ 1,800.