Varietal Classics: Argentinian Malbec
2015: Gold 3 Silver 5 Bronze 2 Commended 8
2014: Gold 2 Silver 5 Bronze 4 Commended 4
There were one or two grumbles from some tasters about the entries here being rather generic – ‘I’m not sure how many of these really tasted like Malbec’ said one. But 10 medals – most of them around the £9 or lower level – was a good performance, and there’s no doubting this grape’s must-list status.
FOOTNOTE: The price limit for the Varietal Classics category is £12 ex-VAT. Argentinian Malbec can also be entered in the relevant New World Malbec category.
From the Tasting Teams
‘Argentinian Malbec is like Rioja – a wine style that people who don’t know much about wine feel fine about liking. It has an element of exoticism to it, and it’s easy to pronounce.’ Donald Edwards, consultant
‘This stuff flies off the list. We have one that we buy at £15 and it still sells. It has such a solid reputation that people are willing to experiment.’ Charles Van Wyk, FJB Hotels
‘Malbec might lack personality, but it has consistency, and like Sancerre it sells itself. People go for it straight away because they know what it tastes like.’ Matteo Malquori, Hakkasan Hanway Place
‘It’s worth having two or three of these on the list, with a more entry-level wine and an upmarket one that you can upsell. George Bergier, The Victorian Chop House Company