In the late '80s, Malbec was not the protagonist; the good national reds were blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon with French labels. It wasn't until the late '90s that this variety began to be talked about, but only in the (few) wine circles. However, with the turn of the millennium, everything changed, and the Malbec industry felt the need to find its place in the world. This varietal "resurfaced," incomparable to any other, simply because no one else was making Malbec, except in the small French region where it was born, Cahors. As a result, Malbec was the almost absolute protagonist in the top wines of the 2002 vintage (supposedly the best of recent decades until then).
Thus, the "new great Argentine wines" emerged. These were mostly concentrated reds, a bit overripe, and heavily oaked, as it was believed that this was the path to impact. Since then, the industry experienced a renaissance, driven by this original red variety. Wineries owned by foreigners multiplied, all with the same goal: Malbec.
Over the harvests, these reds were no longer conceived as so concentrated or heavily oaked; fruit and freshness took the lead, and the regions began to differentiate themselves. The Uco Valley began to make its mark, and nothing was the same again. There are many styles of Malbec, from Salta to Patagonia, with excellent examples in all segments. Currently, Malbec is so expressive and eloquent that it easily conveys its attributes, whether its varietal characteristics or those of the place. As the most produced variety, it also best shows trends in fashions and styles. For winemakers, it's the best grape to "show places," understanding that terroir is the most special aspect of a wine, and it is also the protagonist of the most acclaimed labels. Here is our selection of the 10 best Malbec wines in the country.
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