Argentine Wine Tasting 2024.

Punctual for the annual event, the Argentine embassy and most of the major wine importers from this prominent wine-producing country of Latin America were in attendance.

As anticipated, this year`s presentation prominently featured wines, with Malbec and Cabernet (Sauvignon and Franc) showcasing remarkable concentration and extended length. However, these wines also often revealed their high alcohol content and pronounced tannic structure. 

While the white wines may still linger in the shadows, year after year, Torrontés and Sauvignon Blanc increasingly impress me with their freshness and aromatic intensity.

The list below reflects all of the above, allowing wine enthusiasts to discover their ideal match for a wonderful Argentine tango!

White wines

Balbo, Crios Torrontes 2022: The esteemed representative of Argentine wine confirms its expertise in Torrontés, offered at an excellent value of just 11€ for 750 ml of this vibrant and fresh wine, which showcases prominent notes of smoke and lemon caramel. Wonderful length. (8.5/10)

Colome, Altura Maxima Sauvignon Blanc 2021: A very light, lemony white wine, it features notes reminiscent of white asparagus and pepper, with a hint of barrel and an endless finish. Sourced from a remarkable elevation of 3.111m, it embodies the unique terroir of the region. (9/10)

Colome, Torrontes 2022: Although this label belongs to the core range of the producer from Salta, this mountainous Torrontés (grown at 1.700-2.300m) exhibits an expressive nose of petrol, tobacco and marigold, with a medium body and soft flavour profile. (8/10)

El Porvenir, Laborum Torrontes Oak Fermented 2023: An explosive wine full of citrus and rose notes from the Cafayate region of Salta. Light and intensely lemony, it conceals its oakiness under the refreshing essence of its terroir at 1.650 meters. (8.5/10)

Rosé wines

Krontiras Rosé 2023: The Criolla grape is gaining popularity as a winemaking variety. Krontiras Winery pairs it with Syrah to create a rosé that is timid yet impressively persistent and austere. (8/10)

Rutini, Trumpeter de Malbec Metodo Tradicional 2020: Argentina excels in sparkling wine production. Expressive and lengthy, this Malbec rosé combines a dried, toasty nose accompanied by remarkable structure and character. (8.5/10)

Red wines

Altos las Hormigas, Malbec Terroir 2021: Not all red wines from Argentina are dark, tannic, and high in alcohol! This cuvée is 13% ABV and sees minimal barrel aging, resulting in a floral, fruity, and pleasantly bitter profile. Best enjoyed in 2027. (8/10)

Amalaya, Corte Unico 2020: Perhaps the highlight of the event, this high-altitude cuvée fills the glass with super-concentrated notes of liquorice, blackcurrant, and berries, balanced by abundant freshness that tempers its intensity. Best enjoyed in +10 years. (9/10)

Amalaya, Malbec 2020: Although it might seem unusual from a marketing perspective to recommend the same wines each year, this Best Buy from Las Mercedes Estate in Calchaqui leaves no alternative. It is beautifully balanced and brimming with black fruit and nettle. (8/10)

Balbo, Crios Malbec 2021: Don`t be deceived by its low price or subdued intensity of black fruits. Crios is a dense, rather lengthy red with a strong robust structure built on abundant acidity and firm tannins. Yes, it needs time! (8/10)

Balbo, Benmarco Cabernet Franc 2020: With the Benmarco series, Susana Balbo highlights the exceptional terroir of Uco Valley`s vineyards. This expressive Cabernet Franc, with its radicchio aroma, wild palate, and endless finish, is a testament to that. +5 years. (8.5/10)

Balbo, Benmarco Sin Limites Malbec de Gualtallary 2021: A great Malbec from a renowned Cru in Uco. Graphite, ink, and mint create a dense bouquet, while the fresh fruit of Gualtallary emerges through the darkness. Best from 2030. (9/10)

Bressia, Monteagrelo Syrah 2020: Looking for an Argentine dynamo that isn`t astringent? Packed with aromas of cedar, star anise, and ham, Monteagrelo is highly drinkable without being overly sweet. (8.5/10)

El Porvenir, Laborum La Parcela Malbec 20203: Block 4 of the Alto Rio Seco estate provides the fruit for this epic Malbec, which envelops its velvety and delicate flavour, remarkably light for a wine with 15% alcohol, in a cloak of red-black fruit and herbs. (9/10)

Krontiras, Dona Silvina Family Selection 2021: This winery from Luján de Cuyo is increasingly embracing a focus on "naturalness," yet this cuvée delivers classic characteristics: notes of tar and liquorice, impressive flavour length, ripe fruit, and fine-grained tannins. (8.5/10)

Lagarde, Guarda Cabernet Franc 2021: Though shorter than other vintages, my favourite Argentine red expertly balances low alcohol with elegance and complexity—provided you can appreciate the varietal`s herbaceousness! (8.5/10)

Per Se, Inseparable 2021: The result of a project based in a vineyard surrounding the Monasterio de Cristo Orante in Gualtallary, this vinified and cement-aged Malbec showcases bright acidity. Ethereal, soft, and peppery, it evokes the character of a Gigondas! (8.5/10)

Riccitelli, Malbec Gualtallary 2021: Once again, the Malbec from the blessed region of Gualtallary stood out among the wines of this Argentine "rock star." Boldly tangy yet layered with a peppery character reminiscent of Côte Rôtie. Best enjoyed in +5 years. (8.5/10)

Rutini, Trumpeter Reserve Bonarda 2023: This relatively modest Bonarda from the Uco Valley winery offers impressive expressiveness and concentration, characterised by spicy fruit, a buttery finish, and a hint of tannins. Delicious and affordable! (8/10)

Viña Cobos, Felino Malbec 2022: Winemaker Paul Hobbs, known for his expertise across four continents, blends grapes from the Uco and Luján de Cuyo regions, aging 8% in barrels to create a dark, powerful, and vibrant Malbec with a peppery finish. (8/10)