Relatively unknown decades ago, Malbec is now one of the most reliably delicious wines on any wine list. But that doesn’t mean you should just settle for picking any old bottle!
In particular, we love Argentinian Malbec at The Three Drinkers. Whether from Salta, Patagonia or Mendoza, the variety of flavours is always a delight and only getting better!
Whether you like your Malbec easy-drinking and fruity or rich and robust, these are gems that overdeliver no matter your budget.
Malbec for UNDER £10
Catena Zapata Alamos Malbec
This is a fantastic value high altitude Malbec using grapes grown at some of Mendoza’s highest vineyards, filled with intense flavour from bright sun, cool evenings, and mineral-rich mountain water. Juicy plum is at the fore, supported by notes of dark cherry and blackberry from some additional Syrah and Bonarda added in. For the price, it’s so well balanced and would go down a treat with grilled meat and veg.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: UK £7.50 (usually more!) // US $16.99
Graffigna Reserve Malbec
Sticking with the high altitudes, we’ve loved this Uco Valley Malbec for a while now. Voluminous, fresh, and fruit-forward, it’s rich and chocolatey with standout notes of ripe blueberry and black cherry as well as a welcome touch of spice. At this price, it’s a steal.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: UK £7.50 (usually more!) // US $12.99
Graham Norton’s Own He Devil
Graham’s range of wines has proved pretty interesting, particularly the Sauvignon Blanc and Prosecco. This Mendoza Malbec is no different, filling your mouth with luscious deep purple and jammy plum. There are more complex Malbecs out there, but for something smooth, easy-drinking and well-rounded under £10, you can’t go wrong.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9.50
Malbec for £15-£20
Luigi Bosca Malbec Selección De Vistalba
Bodega Luigi Bosca is one of the oldest family wineries in Mendoza, and this benchmark Malbec is made using grapes from 50-year-old vines followed by 12 months of oak ageing. For under £20, the result is superb. It’s rich and plush with floral aromas, followed up with ripe red and dark fruits. A little liquorice and toasted spice add alluring complexity too. This really is exceptional, and we’d recommend taking it in on its own, though it will be fantastic served with a steak or any hearty stew-type dish too.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £16.99
El Enemigo Malbec
El Enemigo translates as The Enemy, and if the saying goes, ‘keep your friends close but enemies closer’ then we’re absolutely fine with that because this Uco Valley Malbec is delicious. It’s lighter than most Malbecs, with an acidic spine perfect for hearty meals. There’s so much depth of flavour too, with harmonious notes of peach, orchard fruits and blackberry as well as a woody earthiness and minerality. It works so well! Random fact: lead winemaker Alejandro Vigil even has a tattoo of the Malbec grape on his arm, so you know how much love has gone into this!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: UK £18.20 // US $29.99
Alpasión Malbec
In the Uco Valley, a group of friends sat around and decided to start a winery. That winery is Alpasión, and they’ve now got a reputation for stonking Malbec. There’s elegance in the velvety texture and balance of dark fruits and chocolatey oak, but also serious power and body to it that keeps you wanting more. Classy and classic Argentinian Malbec done masterfully.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £19.99
Malbec for £20+
Susana Balbo Signature Malbec
If you’re talking about Argentinian Malbec then it’s only a matter of time before Susana Balbo is mentioned. She’s one of the most renowned female winemakers in the country, known for her influential portfolio of elegant blends. This brings us to her Signature Malbec. With raspberry, plums and currants intertwining alongside delicate smokiness, this is such a good example of making the most out of this varietal. A dash of Cabernet Sauvignon is added for even more structure and depth in a wine that you can explore for hours. Rich, luxuriating, smooth, bold... it’s just everything you want from a quality Malbec.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: UK £21.99 // US $24.99
Chacra Roka Malbec
This is a Malbec that seems to do everything right. The nose is surprisingly floral and jammy, which leads into a finely textured vibrant core of chocolate-covered purple fruits as well as subtle tobacco. The biodynamically grown grapes give a really fresh and natural character to a Malbec that has that inviting depth of flavour whilst remaining light. A very unique and inventive expression indeed!
Size: 375ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £49.95
If you love Malbec as much as us, find out more about its story and its home in the beautiful Uco Valley here!
