🍷 From the mountainous terrains of Mendoza to the shelves of Trader Joe’s, Argentine wines have journeyed far to offer a sip of South American terroir. The Alamos Malbec, with its depiction of the rugged Andes, is a testament to the 2022 vintage, promising a robust experience. Not far behind in complexity and narrative is the Clos de los Siete, a creation under the guidance of Michel Rolland, blending Malbec with Merlot, Syrah, and other varietals for a layered bouquet.
The vibrant Cuy Malbec stands out with its pink label and claims of natural production, while the Piattelli Vineyards’ Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon speaks of heritage and reserved quality. The Domaine de Argentine Malbec offers notes of chocolate and vanilla, indicative of its aging process and the richness of the Uco Valley.
La Finca’s Oak Aged Malbec introduces us to the heights of the Argentine Andes, where altitude plays a key role in the character of the wine. Gestos, another high-altitude offering, blends Malbecs from different elevations, adding a unique twist to the varietal’s expression.
Finally, the Belharra Estate Malbec, sourced from single vineyards, brings forward full-bodied notes of dark fruit and a touch of spice and chocolate, wrapping up the collection with a flourish.
Alamos Malbec
- Price: $9.99
- A Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, this wine boasts of being born in the vineyards of the Andes. Celebrating over 100 years of winemaking, the Alamos Malbec is said to embody the rich terroir of its region, offering a display of dark cherry and blackberry flavors with a long, lingering finish.
Clos de los Siete by Michel Rolland
- Price: $16.99
- This vineyard project, nestled at the foot of the Andes, is a collaborative effort led by Michel Rolland. The Clos de los Siete is a blend of Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It’s a vino argentino that promises complexity, with sumptuous hints of red fruits and a touch of minerality.
Cuy Malbec
- Price: $9.99
- A Malbec described as ‘natural’, the Cuy Malbec seems to focus on a pure expression of the grape. The label indicates that this wine is an unfiltered offering, which may present a more authentic taste of the Malbec varietal.
Piattelli Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Price: $7.99
- This Cabernet Sauvignon is a reserve from the vineyards of Mendoza. The label suggests that the wine is a product of Argentina’s rich winemaking heritage and that it carries the essence of the terroir from which it hails.
Domaine de Argentine Malbec
- Price: $3.99
- Label Description: The Domaine de Argentine Malbec label talks of chocolate and vanilla notes with a long finish, indicative of a well-aged wine. It paints a picture of the wine having a deep connection to its place of origin, with a flavor profile shaped by the local climate and soil.
La Finca Malbec
- Price: $4.99
- La Finca’s offering is an oak-aged Malbec with notes of blackcurrant, vanilla, and spices. It’s described as pairing well with meat dishes, suggesting a robust profile suited for rich culinary experiences.
Gestos Malbec
- Price: $7.99
- Gestos features two Malbecs from different elevations, creating a bold and full-bodied wine. The label notes a spicy profile with dark fruit and chocolate, culminating in a long, round finish.
Belharra Estate Malbec
- Price: $8.99
- The Belharra Estate Malbec is from a single vineyard, focusing on full-bodied wine notes of dark fruit, light spices, and chocolate. It represents the single-vineyard philosophy, aiming to capture the unique characteristics imparted by a specific location within Mendoza.
Each bottle at Trader Joe’s carries with it the essence of Argentina, inviting enthusiasts to explore the diverse profiles of Malbec and beyond, each with a unique story, ready to be uncorked and enjoyed. Whether it’s a bottle of Alamos or the exclusive Gestos, there’s a narrative and taste that’s bound to resonate with the palate of novices and connoisseurs alike.