Ben says
★★ Great Wine “The nose of this Malbec is immediately vibrant. Its youth is not only clear from its deep purple rim but also in that aroma, like a blackcurrant you’ve just burst between your finger and thumb. Sweet vanilla backs it up in a soothing scent. The wine is rewardingly full and creamy on the palate, its tannins offering a soft grip that just prevents the whole experience from feeling flabby and jammy. Instead vanilla yoghurt, blackcurrant and chocolate come together in a sweet and fruity mouthful. Peppery-like alcohol is well balanced and the finish is plentiful and moreish. Tesco have knocked it out the park with this one.“
KEY POINTS
Varietal Malbec with 13.0% abv. Short ageing in French and American barrels.
Grown in: Uco Valley, Mendoza, ARGENTINA.
Food Pairing
Packed with dark fruits, spice and sweetness, this is a fantastic Malbec for ribs or grilled meats. It should also pair really well with mushroom linguine, especially if you can afford to grate black truffle over it.
Disclosure & Price
Purchased at retail price. Find in the UK for circa £9.25 from Tesco.
Reviewed and tasted: 22/03/2025
About the Producer
Catena, who make this wine for Tesco, is one of the best known Argentinian wineries. Founded in 1902, the family-owned winery is focused on hand-harvested grapes with consistent high quality production, and has been met with critical acclaim across all price points. The current generation is headed by Laura Catena, who has continued the work of her father Nicolás Catena Zapata, who Jancis Robinson MW credits with “putting Argentinean wines on the world map”.
