Next in the Best Value series, we turn our attention to a grape that has become an emblem of Argentine viticulture: Malbec.
Synonymous with juicy, full-bodied reds perfect for grilled meats and cozy evenings, Malbec's spiritual home is now firmly rooted in the Andean soils of Argentina—even though it originated in France.
The grape’s journey to Argentina began over 150 years ago, brought by French agronomist Michel Aimé Pouget under the vision of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, future president of the country. Together they founded Quinta Normal de Mendoza, the research station that sparked a wine revolution. Today, Malbec is not just a grape—it’s a cultural symbol of Argentina, its gaucho spirit, dramatic mountain vistas, and a nation’s commitment to fine wine.
And while France and the U.S. still craft noteworthy Malbecs, Argentina dominates when it comes to offering top-quality expressions at outstanding prices. To help wine lovers find the best deals, Wine-Searcher has rounded up the Top 10 Best Value Malbecs of 2025. Each wine in this list:
- Scores 90+ points from leading critics
- Costs no more than USD 30 on average
- Is readily available in the U.S. market
Let’s dive into this year’s standout stars:
1. Pelleriti Priore Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec 2021
- Region: Mendoza, Argentina
- Critic Score: 94 pts
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Average Price: USD 26
A passion project from enologist Marcelo Pelleriti and entrepreneur Miguel Priore, this wine represents a modern vision of Mendoza terroir—bold, structured, and expressive.
2. Finca La Luz Callejón del Crimen Relatos del Callejón Malbec 2020
- Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza
- Critic Score: 94 pts
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Average Price: USD 19
A winery rooted in Uco Valley’s origins, this hauntingly rich Malbec bears the nocturnal symbolism of its owl mascot and offers astonishing depth for the price.
3. Familia Zuccardi Polígonos del Valle de Uco San Pablo Malbec 2021
- Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza
- Critic Score: 94 pts
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Average Price: USD 24
From one of Argentina’s most respected wine families, this high-altitude Malbec shows exceptional precision and elegance.
4. Altos Las Hormigas Terroir Valle de Uco Malbec 2019
- Critic Score: 92 pts
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Price: USD 16
Founded by Tuscan winemakers, this wine is a benchmark for value in Mendoza—delivering terroir-driven complexity at an accessible price.
5. Durigutti Proyecto Las Compuertas Cinco Suelos Malbec 2023
- Critic Score: 93 pts
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Price: USD 29
Crafted from ungrafted vines, this wine reflects the Durigutti brothers’ commitment to sustainability and soil expression.
6. Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2022
- Critic Score: 93 pts
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Price: USD 23
From Argentina’s first female winemaker, this wine blends power and finesse—backed by decades of innovation.
7. Pelleriti Priore 1853 Old Vine Estate Heritage Malbec 2019
- Critic Score: 95 pts
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Price: USD 26
A heritage cuvée celebrating Argentina’s earliest Malbec vines, it’s intense, rich, and layered.
8. BenMarco Sin Límites Malbec Pedernal Valley 2019
- Critic Score: 93 pts
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Price: USD 26
Another Susana Balbo gem, this wine hails from the rocky soils of Pedernal Valley, showing a wild edge and fine minerality.
9. Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec 2020
- Critic Score: 93 pts
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Price: USD 30
A legacy producer dating to 1883, Trapiche showcases old-school elegance with modern flair—true to its name.
10. Pelleriti Priore Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec 2019
- Critic Score: 93 pts
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Price: USD 18
A second appearance from Pelleriti Priore, this older vintage offers remarkable quality at a bargain price.
Final Thoughts
From new labels like Pelleriti Priore to legendary estates like Trapiche and Zuccardi, Argentina’s Malbecs in 2025 are delivering extraordinary value. These wines showcase diversity in terroir—from Uco Valley’s soaring altitudes to the heritage soils of Luján de Cuyo—while remaining firmly under the USD 30 mark.
For lovers of expressive reds that overdeliver, the message is clear: Malbec remains Argentina’s gift to the world—and this list is your passport to its best-kept secrets.
Source: Wine-Searcher