Argentina, renowned for its world-class football, exceptional horsemanship, and rich food culture, is also home to one of the most prestigious wine industries in the world.
With a rich history of blending indigenous cultures and European influences, the country's food culture is as diverse as its people. From hearty stews and grilled meats to pizzas, pastries, and ceviche, Argentine cuisine reflects its cultural melting pot.
However, when it comes to wine, Argentina has chosen a distinctive path. While the country produces a wide variety of wines with expertise and passion, one grape variety has come to define its wine culture: Malbec. Originally from the Cahors region in France, Malbec has found its ideal home in Argentina, where it has evolved into a national icon.
Malbec's Rise to Fame
Though Argentina grows many different grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Torrontés, it is Malbec that has truly captured the nation's attention and acclaim. This bold red wine, known for its deep color, rich flavors, and velvety texture, has consistently dominated the country’s wine rankings. In fact, Argentina's top wines are almost exclusively Malbec or Malbec blends, with only a single white wine breaking the trend.
Among Argentina’s top-ranked wines, several estates stand out, each producing Malbec wines that showcase the unique terroirs of Mendoza, the country's primary wine-producing region. Here are some of the best by Wine-Searcher, showcasing the pinnacle of Argentina's wine craftsmanship.
1. La Craie by PerSe
The La Craie blend by PerSe is one of Argentina's most celebrated wines, with an impressive aggregated score of 97 points. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, crafted with minimal intervention from small, high-altitude vineyards in the Gualtallary region of Mendoza. Known for its purity and elegance, La Craie is also one of the more affordable wines on this list, priced at USD 246—up from USD 153 in 2020, yet still offering remarkable value for its quality.
2. Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal by Familia Zuccardi
The Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal from Familia Zuccardi is a 100% Malbec made from the mountain vineyards of Altamira in Mendoza. Scoring an impressive 97 points, it represents the best of Argentina’s terroir-driven Malbec. Familia Zuccardi, a family-owned business founded in 1963, has earned international acclaim for its consistent quality. The price of this wine has remained steady at around USD 228, reflecting its value and reputation.
3. Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal by Familia Zuccardi
Another standout from Familia Zuccardi, the Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal is also a 100% Malbec, with an aggregated score of 97 points. This wine, priced at USD 257, offers an excellent balance of fruit richness and structure, with a minerally finish that speaks to the high-altitude vineyard’s unique soil composition.
4. Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec by Catena Zapata
From the prestigious Catena Zapata estate comes the Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec, another pure Malbec that scores 96 points. The Adrianna Vineyard, named after Nicolás Catena's youngest daughter, is known for its limestone-rich soils, contributing to the wine’s elegance and minerality. Priced at USD 237, it’s a fine example of the meticulous craftsmanship that has made Catena Zapata a household name in the world of wine.
5. Finca Piedra Infinita by Familia Zuccardi
A third entry from Familia Zuccardi, the Finca Piedra Infinita Malbec stands out for its earthy, mineral-driven profile. Scoring 95 points, this wine showcases the ruggedness of Mendoza’s landscape, which gives its wines such distinctive character. Priced at USD 170, it is a great value, considering its complexity and aging potential.
6. River Stones Malbec by Catena Zapata
The River Stones Malbec from the Adrianna Vineyard is crafted from vines growing on an ancient riverbed, covered with smooth, oval stones that help regulate the temperature, protecting the vines from extreme heat and cold. Scoring 95 points, this wine’s elegance and aromatics are a direct result of this unique terroir. Priced at USD 208, it represents Catena Zapata’s commitment to producing world-class Malbecs.
7. Lubileus Malbec by PerSe
Lubileus is another exceptional Malbec from PerSe, with a touch of Cabernet Franc for added complexity. With a critic score of 95 points, this wine is known for its balance and complexity, offering dark fruit flavors complemented by hints of spice. Its price has slightly decreased to USD 174 from USD 189 in 2021, making it a more accessible choice for those looking to experience top-tier Malbec.
8. White Bones Chardonnay by Catena Zapata
Breaking the red-wine trend is the White Bones Chardonnay from Catena Zapata’s Adrianna Vineyard. Grown on soils rich in limestone and fossilized animal bones, this Chardonnay is aromatic and full of minerality. With an aggregated score of 95 points, it’s a standout white wine in a region predominantly known for reds. Priced at USD 137, it is a rare gem in the world of Argentine wines.
9. Fortuna Terrae Malbec by Catena Zapata
The Fortuna Terrae Malbec is another impressive wine from Catena Zapata. With a score of 94 points, it reflects the richness of its biodiverse vineyard, known for its loamy soils and fresh, aromatic qualities. Priced at USD 145, this wine offers an excellent introduction to the elegance of Catena Zapata’s portfolio.
10. Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Malbec
Rounding out the list is the Bodega Noemia de Patagonia Malbec from Patagonia, a region known for its cool-climate wines. This wine, with a score of 94 points, is the product of an innovative collaboration between Italian Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and Danish winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers. Priced at USD 156, it offers an exceptional value for a wine that represents the future of Argentine winemaking.
Argentina's Malbec: The Sun That Shines in the Wine World
While Argentina's food culture is a rich fusion of global influences, its wine scene has focused its energy on perfecting one grape variety—Malbec. This singular focus has allowed the country to develop some of the finest wines in the world, each a testament to the unique terroir and skill of its winemakers. From the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza to the emerging cool-climate regions of Patagonia, Argentina continues to lead the way in Malbec production.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of Argentine wine, these top ten wines prove that when it comes to quality, Malbec is where the sun shines brightest in Argentina.
Source: Wine-Searcher