Wine Region: Mendoza

(2026) One of the long-established names of Argentina, Trapiche, has just released this unoaked, fresh-styled Malbec exclusively for the Co-op. It is also Fairtrade certified. Malbec can take oak ageing well and often produces big, powerful wines, but the variety also has a highly aromatic side, and this wine is more of an expression of that. Violet, cherry and plum aromas are succulent and ripe, with the fruit on the palate juicy and in the black spectrum, mainly cassis and blueberry. The tannins are quite firm and the acidity has a sour cherry tartness that balances nicely. A good one if you are firing up the barbie for some beef skewers or burgers. Watch the video for more information.

(2026) This dark, serious and concentrated Malbec really does need food - or decanting - if opening now. Its tightly furled, meaty density matches wonderfully with some red meat protein, even if its a little tougher to appreciate on its own at this youthful stage. Zuccardi bottle with a DIAM 10 cork, suggesting they expect it to age comfortably for 10 years. Violet and cherry aromatics do shine through, and the strict chewiness of the tannins are wreathed in curls of smoky oak and deep fleshy plum at present. Impressive stuff that should improve further with cellaring.

(2026) A wine fermented in neutral 500-litre barrels and aged in a combination of those and concrete tanks. From high altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley, it is an intense Chardonnay, but wears the oak lightly with just an oatmeally sheen over its concentrated green apple. On the palate such an energising core of citrus and salts drives the wine. A textured wine, with just the merest suggestion of buttery Brazil nut, but really is all about citrus focus and acid drive.

(2025) This is a Wine of Argentina, so not from a single viticultural region, with fruit sourced from both San Juan and Mendoza. Made by Graffigna, who have celebrated 150 years of winemaking, it is a zest, fruity, well-made sipper with just 12.5% alcohol. If we have a bit of an Indian summer, the watermelon, Asian pear and lemon brightness of this will slip down a treat. Dry and with a little more punch than some supermarket Pinot Grigio's from Italy's bulk producers. Buy it for £7.50 in Sainsbury's until 29th September 2025. Watch the video for more information.

(2025) Though Argentina equals Malbec for many people, the Bonarda grape is another stalwart of the country and its second most planted red variety. From vineyards in Mendoza at an altitude of 620 metres, this was fermented in concrete tanks and used oak barrels with wild native yeasts. Part of the blend was then aged in French oak. It's a supple, smooth and sumptuous style, with plenty of dark bramble and cassis fruit, but there is a great spiciness and core of fresh, tangy cherry acidity that cleanses and freshens the finish. Tannins are modest, but the overall impression is of well-balanced drinkability. Watch the video for more information.

(2025) A blend of parcels from vineyards where altitudes range from 1230m (4,035 feet) to 1650m (5,413 feet), the wine completed fermentation in oak barrels, where it aged on the lees for eight months. There is an overlay of custardy, creamy almond oak, but the ripe and peachy fruit, cut by lemon, is there. On the palate this has texture and a little hint of exotic ripeness, certainly quite plush, but it is well tempered by the acidity.

(2024) The first release of an organic certified Malbec from this producer, the wine aged in oak barrels for 12 months. A proportion was kept in tank to enhance fruit freshness. It's a vivid purple, aromatic Malbec, violet, caraway and and almost strawberry-like lift to the fruit aromas, oak in the background. The palate is dry and savoury, the tannins have enough sandy grip and texture, acidity is moderate but present and the black fruit sits nicely in the long, spicy finish. Watch the video for more information.

(2024) A powerful, 14.5% alcohol wine that blends 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Roussanne. The varieties are fermented separately and blended before bottling. Quite a bold, light gold colour, the Sauvignon marks the aroma initially, green herbs and citrus, a touch of elderflower, but the peachy influence of the Roussanne adds a rounding element. It has weight on the palate, a broad base of acidity supporting the ripe melon fruit, the Sauvignon seeming to be tamed and bolstered by the Roussanne so it feels rather like a Rhône blend in many ways. Mouth-watering, orange acidity in the finish.

(2024) A highly unusual blend for Achaval Ferrer's new entry-level red in their sustainable Quimera range. It mixes Pinot Noir, Malbec, Syrah and, would you believe it, 12% Sauvignon Blanc. All fruit comes from the Uco Valley and the wine is unoaked, the Pinot Noir and Malbec fermented in concrete tanks, the rest in stainless steel. I presume the Sauvignon Blanc is there to lift the aromatics and overall picture, though the nose is solidly fruited, little raspberry and floral notes sit on top with the merest suggestion of something herbal. In the mouth it is creamy and sweet. A plushness is evident, but so is a freshness. The alcohol sits at 14.5% and adds a little heat and richness, but the overall picture is in the red fruit spectrum of cherry, raspberry and ripe red plum, with modest tannins and a long line of acidity. Watch the video for more information and food matching ideas. 

(2024) In Asda, this is a wine from Mendoza that is a multi-variety blend. It majors on Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah which make up 97% of the blend, plus a splash of Tannat. It is assembled after separate fermentation of the components, and it is unoaked. Plummy and spicy stuff, a little bit of prune but also a distinct olive/herb lift. The palate has sweetness - maybe a touch of residual sugar, but also ripe berry fruit. The finish is spicy and fruity finishing gently.