Review: Wines of Argentina, Summer 2024 Releases
The world of wine is currently seeing some interesting shifts in 2024. Some countries find themselves with a glut of bottles in surplus, while others are pulling their vines due to an overcrowded market and low demand. No country feels immune to change and Argentina is no exception. However, the shift down in South America is slightly different. Countries like Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina are seeing more demand and decades of foreign investment in establishing new wineries seem to be coming to fruition. Today we’re taking a look at four wines, all from Argentina, currently owned by European investors looking to compete on par with the OG masters.
2021 Colomé Auténtico Malbec – The northern region of Salta has been quietly turning out some interesting Malbecs thanks to the versatility of its terroir, and Colomé has consistently led the charge over the last several years. This is quite full-flavored and big on notes of blackberry, fig, and tobacco leaf throughout, with hints of mocha and violet peeking through the dry finish. It’s aged in steel tanks, which shows how big and brooding Malbec can be without having to rely on oak aging. This is one to have handy during the chilly months of the year. A / $42
2021 Finca Flichman Dedicado Gran Malbec – I’ve never had the pleasure of reviewing anything from Tupungato’s Finca Flichman portfolio, but it’s a name with which I’ve long been quite familiar. Aged 26 months (18 in oak casks, 8 in the bottle), the wine pours dark and is layered with black berries and black pepper before herbs peek through to cut through and keep it from becoming too jammy. The palate pivots slightly from dark berry to cherry, but oregano, pepper, and thyme remain constant to the lingering finish, where toffee and cedar peek through the tannins. Dedicado is one of Flichman’s higher-priced offerings, but well worth the price of admission. A- / $45
2022 3 Sapas Reserva Malbec – Three Swiss ex-pats fell in love with Argentina and, as one does, established the brand 3 SAPAS, an acronym that, when translated, means “three Swiss at the foot of the Andes.” Culled largely from Tupungato-grown grapes from Alto Agrelo (southern Mendoza), this Malbec arrives with everything one would expect from the region: a nose full of violet and dark cherry, a lively palate of dark berries and spice, and a finish full of cassis and roasted plum, along with a touch of mocha towards the end. There’s nothing off-balance to be found; it would do well accompanied by something off the grill. Only established a few years ago, they are still relatively the new kids on the block and getting their footing underneath them. This offering exhibits the promise and potential of a new and interesting wave of winemakers. B+ / $23
NV Alta Vista Sparkling Alta Vista Brut Rose – Lighter than the other three offerings, this Malbec and Pinot Noir blend offers gentle notes of cherry, strawberry, and light floral influence throughout, with mild lime zest on the finish, helping to offset any excessive sweetness. Well-balanced; something to serve with a fruit-based dessert. B / $15
2021 Colomé Auténtico Malbec
$42
