Most folks only think of Malbec when it comes to the country of Argentina and the reason is simple- it’s what “they do”, right?  Well, not exactly – they also produce a lot of other varietals that are simply rocking things out of the park at the price-points they’re able to hit.

In fact, I’d say that dollar-for-dollars, it’s really difficult to match the QPR of Argentina right now this side of Spain or Portugal. In this review, I take a gander are a Torrontes, a Rose and finally a Malbec.

These wines are imported to the USA by Frederick Wildman and Sons which is based out of New York. It has established itself as a premier importer and are sticklers on quality.

2008 Don David Torrontes Reserve – W.E.P. Rating: 100%

Technical Data:

• Wine Type: Dry White
• Grape Type: 100% Torrontes.
• Country: Argentina
• Region: Cafayate Valley
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Sugar 4.0 grs./lt
• Acidity: 6.2 grs./lt
• pH: 3.35
• Price: $16

Nose: Jasmine, grapefruit, kiwi, chock-dust and gravel.

Taste: Classic jasmine fruit across the mid palate along with some orange peel, grapefruit pulp, and a touch of dust. Good acids, good body and a soaring finish that has superb hang-time.

There are many reasons why I simply love the torrontes grape and just about each time I have one, I’m reminded of how fruit, dry and food-friendly they really are. This is a grape that I believe has a really good chance of sneaking in under the radar and grabbing a lot of market away from Pinot Gris.

2008 Michel Torino Malbec Rose – W.E.P. Rating: 95%

Technical Data:

• Wine Type: Dry Rose
• Grape Type: 100% Malbec.
• Country: Argentina
• Region: Cafayate Valley
• Price: $15

Nose: A little rose petal action right off the bat along with cherries, rhubarb, spice and some honeysuckle.

Taste: I’m getting that classic mix of strawberries and pepper along with some very nice notes of gym socks, red delicious apple and a touch of pear. Good fruit forward action with a solid mid palate transition. The end is very solid and finishes rather well.

2007 Trapiche Broquel Malbec – W.E.P. Rating: 50%

Technical Data:

• Alcohol: 14 %
• Charactteriisttiics Total acidity: 6.30 g/l
• pH: 3.30
• Sugar: 2.78 g/l
• Price: $15

Nose: Peppered jerky smell right off the bat. Nice layers of leather, charcoal and blackberry.

Taste: Sour cherries, rhubarb, black pepper and leather belt. I’m not really into the way this wine finishes as it’s a bit too hot and gets too disjointed for me on the back-end. For my money, there are more exciting malbec’s out there.