Tasting - Alamos Malbec

 Name: Alamos Malbec

Variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Country: Argentina
Year: 2017
Price: $12.99

Wine critic review: 
"From La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza wine region, Alamos Malbec is always a crowd-pleaser and the 2018 does not disappoint with concentrated flavours of dark plum, dark berry, ripe cherry, baking spices and smoky vanilla flavours supple and silky on the palate. Produced from mostly Malbec with a splash of Syrah added to the mix. A great value Argentinean Malbec under $17." (Natalie MacLean)

Wine Folly: 
pg 125 - Malbec

Malbec is the most important variety in Argentina, though it originated in France from a place called Cot. Malbec's are known for chocolaty finishes and bold fruit flavors, though a short-lasting finish. The common flavors are noted as red plum, blackberry, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and coca. These wines are meant to be decanted for 30 minutes, though I only decanted mine for about 15. Mendoza is noted as a common region for growing Malbec grapes.

pg 126 - Mendoza, Argentina

Wines from this region generally receive minimal oak aging which allows for a "fresher and juicer style". Red fruit notes such as cherry and plum are common with softer tannins and herbal notes.

pg 198 - Argentina: The Land of Malbec

Most Argentinian vineyards are at the base of the Andes Mountains which has a sunny and wet climate due to snowmelt from the mountain peaks which gives the wines a plump, deep color. The high elevation of the mountains allows for cold nights that maintains the wines acidity. Mendoza is the largest and most important wine region in Argentina, containing three-quarters of the vineyards, with a focus on red wines.

My review: 
The first thing I noticed was the dark, pomegranate color. The fragrance was warm and rich with mainly blackberry, but subtle hints of nutmeg and oak were present as well. The taste was heavily cherry and blackberry. There was pretty average dryness/sweetness and body, though the flavor had a long-lasting finish in the mouth, mainly in the back of the throat. The finish was completely with a very subtle chocolatey flavor that was very smooth. The light tannins of this wine combined with the soothing after-feel make it very drinkable.

Enjoyed on its own.