Argentinians have long enjoyed their well made wines in the domestic market, and the full-flavored Malbec from Mendoza entered the world stage only about 15 years ago. The bottles tried in the past have been of the juicy and brambly type or the dense and alcoholic, so I am happy to read the good news from Luis Gutierrez’ Argentina 3.0 (Robert Parker).
In it he mentions two important trends for Argentinean wines. The first “there is a global trend towards more freshness and drink-ability in wines, toward more balance, elegance, and differentiation, towards less excess and more harmony, and Argentina and Chile are no exceptions” which speaks of the Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira I enjoyed from the 2008 vintage. He continues “I think Argentina is on the way, and beside the classical regions regions in Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo, Maipú, Cruz de Piedra, Perdriel or Agrelo, other specific and much newer sites are added to that list, mostly in the Uco Valley”, and this is where consumers, not only in Thailand, but around the world, should start experimenting with and try wines above the entry level from the various appellations Argentina offers.
Of course, you have to like the style the country offers – a dark color, intense flavors and well textured wines full of extract. But look beyond that and you find great wines with nuance and structure, and a good price.
The Altamira by the way i rate 4.0 stars (out of 5).