This year, I’ve made a concerted attempt to celebrate the special wines days that pop up on social media. From Riesling Day to Pinot Noir Day, I’m trying to have a bottle ready and waiting for each one. My efforts are so sincere that I made a 2021 Drinks Calendar to guarantee I don’t miss one. But there’s one day that I never skip, one that was such a focus during my previous role working for a wine agent, that I always celebrate every year. Malbec World Day 2021 falls on April 17th (as it does every year), and I’m doing it up big!
I recently wrote an article for SOMM TV that dives into the origins of Malbec World Day and explains why it’s such an important day to recognize. The industry in Argentina has grown substantially over the past 20 years and it’s all thanks to the French grape, Malbec. Last year, I dedicated a post to some popular Malbec bottles. For Malbec World Day 2021, keep your eyes peeled to my Instagram. In the week leading up to April 17th, I’ll be sharing over a dozen bottles to look for and try during your celebration of Malbec World Day.
However…
…here today, I’m looking beyond Malbec and recognizing the immense growth that Argentina has seen to become a major player in the wine world. So when choosing your Malbec for this Saturday, grab a second bottle – perhaps one of the following wines – and appreciate other varieties that Argentina has to offer. Specifically, Cabernet Sauvignon!
I realize it’s weird to talk about Cab in the lead up to Malbec World Day. But go with it! Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for just over 12% of red varieties in Argentina, about three-quarters of which is planted in Mendoza. On its own, Cabernet Sauvignon is robust and fruity but it also acts as a great structural addition to a red blend and ages well in oak. It has so much going for it, it’s no wonder it shows so well in Argentina.
Achaval-Ferrer
Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
✅ Sustainably farmed
? 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
? Agrelo (Lujan de Cuyo) & Medrano (Junin), Mendoza
? Redcurrant, black cherry, mineral, rose, spice
? Medium-full body, firm tannins, integrated herbal, dark chocolate finish
? 10 months in second use French oak barrels
? Approximately $31 – $35
Alamos
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
✅ Hand-harvested
? 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
? Mendoza
? Ripe blackberry, clove, mocha, black pepper
? Medium-full body, ripe dark fruit, approachable, vivid acidity, lingering finish
? 50% aged 6-9 months in first and second use French and American oak
? Approximately $14 – $18
Bodega Argento
Estate Reserve Organic Cabernet Franc 2019
✅ Organic
? 100% Cabernet Franc (It’s not Cab Sauv, but I’m sneaking it in the mix)
? Agrelo (Luján deCuyo), Mendoza
? Raspberry, herb, green pepper
? Medium body, earthy, red & black fruit, acidity through the finish
? 30% in French oak (550L and 3500L)
? Approximately $18 – $22
El Esteco
Don David Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
✅ 20+ year old vines
? 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
? Calchaquí Valley
? Blueberry, plum, coffee & mocha, spice
? Medium-full body, black/dark fruit, robust tannins, well-balanced, integrated oak flavour
? 70% aged in American and French oak for 12 months
? Approximately $15 – $19
Escorihuela Gascon
1884 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
✅ Terroir expression since 1884
? 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
? Agrelo (Luján deCuyo), Mendoza
? Ripe red and dark berries, vanilla, clove, herbs
? Medium body, juicy, plush tannins, well-balanced
? 8 months in French oak
? Approximatey $19 – $23
Kaiken
Seleccion Especial Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
✅ Hand-harvest
? 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
? Agrelo (Luján deCuyo), Mendoza
? Raspberry, redcurrant, mineral, light herb
? Medium body, soft & approachable tannins, medium acidity
? 40% aged for 6 months in French oak
? Approximately $12 – $16
Achaval-Ferrer
Quimera 2013
✅ Sustainably farmed
? Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (the only blend of the bunch)
? Perdriel (Lujan de Cuyo): Malbec
Medrano (Junin): Cabernet Sauvignon
Tupungato (Uco Valley): Merlot and Cabernet Franc
? Black currants, dark plums, vanilla pod, black pepper
? Full body, bold tannins, elegant, concentrated berry notes, layered
? 15 months in new (50%) and second use (50%) French oak
? Approximately $72 – $78
