Achaval Ferrer 2015 Mendoza Malbec: An enjoyable Malbec from a reliable Argentinian producer!
Hello Friends,
Today’s Quick Sip is Achaval Ferrer’s 2015 Mendoza Malbec. Once a popular blending component in Bordeaux; Malbec has established itself as a major player in Argentina. Malbec’s birthplace may be Cahors (SW France), which I also enjoy sipping, but from my point of view, Argentina – specifically the Mendoza region, has put Malbec on the radar of wine lovers around the globe. The more approachable, fruit-forward examples of Malbec with fine tannins and round textures can be quite appealing without breaking the piggy bank. Today, I regularly see Mendoza Malbec poured and promoted at weekend wine shop tastings, on restaurant wine lists, and even ‘on tap’ at some gourmet burger chains in the area. This was not so much the case ten years ago, and the quality-to-price ratio is generally high which bodes well for consumers.
One of the leaders in quality Argentinian Malbec is Achaval Ferrer. Founded in 1995, Achaval Ferrer, I say from experience, is as reliable as they come. Buy with confidence. This talented producer has really tapped into the varying soil types, elevations, and meso-climates in Mendoza, expressing the diversity of the region through the grape: Malbec. You’ll find the distinction in their three single-vineyard Malbec wines; their lovely Malbec-based blend, Quimera; and their regional Mendoza Malbec – the wine that is the subject of this post. With the warm weather season upon us, the 2015 Mendoza Malbec is just the ticket for backyard cookouts and dinner tables. It pairs great with just about anything off the grill; particularly burgers, lamb sausage, ribs, and grilled portobello mushrooms. For further information and where you can find this wine, please check out my tasting notes below.
Today’s Quick Sip is Achaval Ferrer’s 2015 Mendoza Malbec. Once a popular blending component in Bordeaux; Malbec has established itself as a major player in Argentina. Malbec’s birthplace may be Cahors (SW France), which I also enjoy sipping, but from my point of view, Argentina – specifically the Mendoza region, has put Malbec on the radar of wine lovers around the globe. The more approachable, fruit-forward examples of Malbec with fine tannins and round textures can be quite appealing without breaking the piggy bank. Today, I regularly see Mendoza Malbec poured and promoted at weekend wine shop tastings, on restaurant wine lists, and even ‘on tap’ at some gourmet burger chains in the area. This was not so much the case ten years ago, and the quality-to-price ratio is generally high which bodes well for consumers.
One of the leaders in quality Argentinian Malbec is Achaval Ferrer. Founded in 1995, Achaval Ferrer, I say from experience, is as reliable as they come. Buy with confidence. This talented producer has really tapped into the varying soil types, elevations, and meso-climates in Mendoza, expressing the diversity of the region through the grape: Malbec. You’ll find the distinction in their three single-vineyard Malbec wines; their lovely Malbec-based blend, Quimera; and their regional Mendoza Malbec – the wine that is the subject of this post. With the warm weather season upon us, the 2015 Mendoza Malbec is just the ticket for backyard cookouts and dinner tables. It pairs great with just about anything off the grill; particularly burgers, lamb sausage, ribs, and grilled portobello mushrooms. For further information and where you can find this wine, please check out my tasting notes below.
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| Achaval Ferrer 2015 Mendoza Malbec |
Achaval Ferrer 2015 Mendoza Malbec (SRP $25): This Malbec pours a deep ruby-garnet color. Inviting dark fleshed plum and black cherry aromas are joined on the palate by licorice, pretty floral notes suggestive of lilacs, and a smidgen of fennel on the back-end. In the mouth, this wine is filling yet nicely balanced with fine, round tannins, lifted acids, and a finely textured medium-long finish. It is worth noting that the 2015 growing season in Mendoza was challenging: marked by rainfall, hail events, and warmth. Production totals for the winery were half that of 2013. Even though quantity was down, quality was kept consistently good due to continuous attention to detail in the vineyard. Hard work paid off and is expressed in this delicious bottle of wine. This Malbec would be a great addition to any dinner or backyard cookout. Region: Mendoza, Argentina. Other info: ABV 14.5%, fruit sourced from Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo, and Medrano, aged 9 months in 2-year old French oak barrels, natural cork enclosure. Click here to find this wine.
