25 Malbec that show how it has evolved over the past 25 years. We’re a quarter of a century into the new millennium and in that time Argentine viticulture has developed incredibly, mainly thanks to Malbec.
Over the past twenty-five years, Argentine Malbec has made a name for itself in all the major wine markets in the world, matching the best that the planet has to offer, even those with centuries of history behind them.
In addition to the hard work of Argentine winemakers, it’s important to recognize that a reputation in the industry is built wine by wine. Today, we’re highlighting 25 Malbecs, 25 major labels that ensured that Malbec is today talked about – and drunk – all across the world.
25 Malbec that show how Malbec has evolved over the past 25 years
In just a quarter of a century, Argentine Malbec has gone from being a rising star to taking its place among the great wines of the world. It has conquered countless tables and markets, elevating Argentina to major producer status. However, this prestige wasn’t built overnight: each bottle opened up a new path, each harvest pushed the boundaries and every label helped to write a new chapter in the story.
Today, we celebrate the last quarter of a century with 25 Malbecs that paved the way, not just defining a style but transforming global perceptions of Malbec. Behind each one is a vision driven by the belief that Argentina deserves its place in the winemaking big leagues.
25 Malbec to discover
Catena Zapata Adriana Vineyard Riverstone Malbec 2016
In 2018, this was the first Malbec to earn 100 points from Wine Advocate establishing Gualtallary as a Mendozan Grand Cru, but also paving the way for a new elite class of mountain reds. It was truly a watershed moment in the history of Malbec.
Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2014
This wasn’t the first Malbec to be aged without oak but it was to make concrete a key part of defining a new style that places the emphasis on bare, pure, unadorned wines. This marked a major shift in our understanding of Malbec.
Colomé Altura Máxima 2012
When this Malbec appeared, it raised the bar for the wines of Northwest Argentina; quite literally. Made with grapes from a vineyard 10200 feet above sea level, Altura Máxima turned expectations for wines from the area upside down and sounded the starter’s pistol for the rise of extreme wines where altitude is key and the possibilities are endless.
Otronia Malbec 2020
From a colder region than one would ever have imagined, extreme Patagonia, this Malbec defied expectations with its vibrant profile, sharp freshness and violet-infused nose. This is a southerly star that redrew the Malbec map.
Trivento White Malbec 2021
White Malbecs are a rarity, but Trivento converted a rarity into a global hit. Their White Malbec opened up new markets in countries such as the USA and United Kingdom, showing that Argentina’s flagship variety can also shine as a white.
Pyros Vineyard Parcela Limestone Hill Malbec 2016
The Pedernal Valley has had a major impact on the Argentine Malbec scene and this wine represented an elevation of the local style. Calcareous soils, extreme altitude and a sharp expression made it a great ambassador for the emerging terroir in San Juan.
Alto Los Cuises Malbec 2019
For years, Calchaquí Malbec was synonymous with power and character. Made with grapes from an exotic vineyard in Cafayate at a height of 6000 feet and employing a low intervention approach, this wine from El Porvenir de Cafayate shows that the northwest can also be subtle, refined and extremely elegant.
Achával Ferrer Finca Altamira 1999
Long before Altamira became generally synonymous with terroir, Achával Ferrer were already working hard on proving the value of the local region. This Malbec, made with grapes planted in 1950, was a pioneer in putting the origin on the label and thus establishing the path that Argentina would take in the future.
Krontiras Malbec Natural 2017
This wine was a major landmark in the natural wine revolution. Free of sulfites and with a pure soul, it conquered many palates with its vibrant freshness. Created by Maricruz Antolín in Maipú, it has become an icon among non-intervention wines.
Hey Malbec! 2013
Matías Riccitelli knows that you also drink with your eyes. Hey Malbec! broke the mold for fun bottles with a strong identity. His irreverent label and vibrant wine made a connection with younger generations.
Vinyes Ocults Maceración Carbónica 2019
Exploring new ways of making Malbec, Tomás Stahringer decided to try out carbonic maceration, a technique that brings out its most energetic side. Since 2019, this wine has been a fruity explosion; a Malbec that set new standards for freshness and energy.
Val de Flores Malbec 2001
Michel Rolland was a key player in Malbec’s worldwide success. Shortly after beginning consultancy work in Mendoza, he discovered an old vineyard in Vista Flores that enthused him enough to make his first great Malbec from the Uco Valley, a wine that revealed the potential and soul of old vines in Argentina.
Noemía 2003
When Hans Vinding-Diers discovered a vineyard from 1932 in Mainqué, he rewrote the history of Patagonian Malbec. His focus on precision and elegance brought Noemía to the top, showing that Río Negro could produce some of the most refined Malbecs in the country.
Alta Vista Alizarine Single Vineyard 2001
The Single Vineyard concept rewrote the way we understand Malbec. Alta Vista pioneered its use in Argentina with vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, showing that the identity of a terroir can shine out in every glass with character and authenticity.
Trapiche Single Vineyard Colleto Malbec 2003
In 2003, Trapiche decided to pay homage to their winegrowers by adding the names of their best grape suppliers on the label, a well-earned, prestigious honor. In recent years, some of these vineyards have disappeared and others have become legendary. Trapiche has made them all a part of Malbec’s history.
Mendel Finca Los Andes Malbec DOC Luján de Cuyo, Perdriel 2020
In 1989, the Luján de Cuyo DOC was a pioneering concept in the Americas, establishing the region as Mendoza’s most traditional Malbec producer. In 2023, they added the category of district wines and Mendel marked the occasion with a Malbec from an old vineyard in Perdriel, another important moment in the development of the DOC.
Terrazas de los Andes Extremo Malbec 2021
Gualtallary has become a major region in the Uco Valley, where the cool climate and rocky soils define the character of the wines. In 2008, Terrazas de los Andes planted their Espinillo vineyard there at a height of 5400 feet and this is where the grapes for this wine hail from, pushing the boundaries of the Uco Valley.
Achala Wines Malbec 2018
Traslasierra, in the Province of Córdoba, is no longer a secret when it comes to good Malbecs. This one from Achala Wines embodies the Sierra spirit with a wine that expresses the unique freshness and identity of the Córdoban Valleys, where the viticultural tradition is on the rise once more.
Terrasabia Reserva Malbec
Malbec found a new terroir in Buenos Aires when in 2004, Bodega Aleste invested in the Médanos region, where the Atlantic breeze blows through the vines. Confounding conventional wisdom, the variety has adapted very well.
Chacayes 2002
Francoise Lurton came to Argentina as a consultant and ended up writing a major page in the history of Malbec when he chose the Chacayes Region in the Uco Valley. This was where he made the wine whose name would later become one of the most prominent Geographic Indications in Mendoza. This was a pioneering Malbec that marked the beginning of a revolution in Mendoza’s terroirs.
Argento Reserva Organic Malbec 2021
Organic Malbec is no longer rare in Argentina and this is to a great degree thanks to Bodega Argento. This wine, which is celebrated for its quality and affordability, is proof that sustainability and excellence can go hand in hand.
Malbec De Ángeles 2008
The century-old vineyards of Argentina deliver a great story with every sip. In Vistalba, De Ángeles have restored a 1924 gem, producing a Malbec that honors the past while redefining the future of old vines in Luján de Cuyo.
Proyecto Las Compuertas 5 Suelos 2016
Working from a vineyard planted in 1914, Durigutti Family Winemakers have made Las Compuertas, Luján de Cuyo, a key terroir for Malbecs from Mendoza. Their focus on soils shows that Malbec’s expression transcends emerging regions and that there’s still plenty to learn about the traditional areas as well.
Jardín de Hormigas Los Amantes Malbec 2021
Alto Las Hormigas were key players in the rise of Malbec in the 90s, and have managed to combine the best of the past and future of the flagship variety with this acclaimed new wine from Paraje Altamira: early harvest, fermentation in concrete and in whole bunches, and ageing in casks have resulted in a precision wine that distils the essence of its terroir.
Cobos Malbec 2019
Paul Hobbs took a bet on Malbec when very few others were with him. In 1999, he created the most exclusive Malbec of Luján de Cuyo, one of the great Argentine wines, which today has taken its place in La Place de Bordeaux, reaffirming Argentina’s potential to make world-class wines.
Argentine Malbec is still evolving. New regions, styles and visions are continuing to emerge. There’s little doubt that in a few years another selection of great labels will be writing a new chapter in that history. Because if anything the Malbec revolution is only just beginning.
