Five Malbecs to mark Argentine Wine Day by Aoife Carrigy @ Independent

Aoiffe Carrigy has reviewed 3 of our wines offered at criadowines.ie in a very interesting article 'Five Malbecs to mark Argentine Wine Day" at the Irish Independent Food & Drink section on last Friday 14th November.

"Fifteen years ago this month, Argentina signed in Decree No 1800 to declare wine its national drink – and Argentine Wine Day on November 24 was born. As explained in a well-researched blog post from Argentinian fine wine specialists Criado Wines (criadowines.ie), the day honours a rich 500-year history of winemaking and an industry that continues to thrive and evolve."

"Mendoza is the most significant province, the heartland of Malbec production and home to three-quarters of this sprawling country’s vineyards. Located in the arid wine region of Cuyo, it nestles in the Andes foothills with altitudes rising from 600 metres above sea level up to 1,600 metres within just 60km, and temperatures dropping by 10C."

Luz de Noche Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 14pc, €24

From the high-altitude GI of Vista Flores, this unoaked Malbec is full-bodied and fruit-forward but joyously vibrant, thanks to grapes harvested at night to preserve their freshness. The Wine Pair, Neighbourhood Wine, The Grape Vine, Clontarf Wines, criadowines.ie

Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2022, Mendoza, 13.5pc, €25

High and bright with vibrant red and blue fruit, floral hints, notably silky texture and elegant freshness, this is a great-value example of Catena’s Appellation series that highlights what different terroirs can offer by bottling separate elements from their blends. Delineated officially in 2013, the high-altitude Paraje Altamira (1,100 metres) was the first GI to be defined by geographical, geological and climatic characteristics, though it was long synonymous with quality Malbec thanks to its sandy, loamy soil and intense mountain light. Mitchell & Son, Molloy’s, Ely Wine Store, Foley Wines, Barnhill Stores Dalkey, criadowines.ie

Pyros Appellation Malbec 2021, Pedernal Valley, San Juan, 14pc, €29

From a high-altitude northern valley named after its flinty soil, this is dark, bloody, intense and bold with firm tannic grip. FireCastle (Kildare), Leonard’s (Trim), Galvin’s (Listowel), Molloy’s, Lotts & Co, Brady’s, DrinkStore, Baggot Street Wines (all Dublin), criadowines.ie

Full article