Rich and delicious: The 7 best wines from Argentina

Malbec used to be one of the most famous grape varieties of Bordeaux. But much of the vines were destroyed by a devastating grapevine pest called phylloxera. In the meantime, the grape variety was introduced to Argentina where it found its true home. It has become the star grape of Argentina, producing spectacular bottles. It’s a food-friendly wine that goes particularly well with meat.

Here are seven rich reds to seriously tempt your taste buds. 

From left:

The Society’s Exhibition Malbec 2013, Mendoza £9.95, thewinesociety.com (01438 741177), 14% alcohol

Floral and meaty, this is bursting with moreish black cherries, plums and a smooth, ripe texture. I love the meaty edge to the sweet fruit. 

J Opi aka Rodolfo Sadler Malbec 2014, Mendoza £7.99, laithwaites.co.uk (0333 014 8168), 13% alcohol

This shows fresh, floral raspberry and black-cherry fruit with a savoury spiciness. It’s quite tight and youthful with a hint of spicy oak. 

Viñalta Malbec 2015, Mendoza £8, Marks Spencer, 14.5% alcohol

Here’s a simply delicious wine, with pure, supple blackcurrant and cherry fruit. There’s a silky texture with some attractive green notes.

Trapiche Pure Malbec 2014, Mendoza £8.99, The Co-operative, 14% alcohol

This is so floral and vivid, with violets, blackcurrants and black cherries. With pure fruit and an attractive suppleness, it’s the very essence of malbec. 

Matias Riccitelli Hey Malbec! 2014, Mendoza £14.99 or £9.99 each if you buy two, Majestic, 14.5% alcohol 

With its modernist packaging, this malbec delivers appropriately modern flavours of sweet, intense, vivid black fruits. It’s fruity and highly drinkable. 

Tesco Finest Malbec 2014, Mendoza £6, Tesco, 13.5% alcohol

I love the green sappy edge to the elegant, fresh, pure cherry and berry fruits. It’s an appealing red with a lovely silky feel, and goes well with rich food. 

Bodega Cuarto Dominio Chento Malbec 2012, Mendoza £13.50, bbr.com (0800 280 2440), 14% alcohol

With its sweet, silky, ripe cherry and berry fruits, this is bold and tasty with plenty of ripe flavours, but it also has good balance. 

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