Few grapes are as closely linked to a country's wine story as Malbec is to Argentina – though its role continues to evolve as the industry grows and diversifies.
Malbec World Day returns on 17 April for its 15th edition, offering a moment to reflect on the variety that has helped shape Argentina’s wine reputation on the global stage.
Argentina is the main producing country of Malbec with more than 46,000 hectares planted across the country. Originally from France, Malbec has established deep roots in Argentina, where the combination of climate, soil and altitude has allowed the grape to develop a distinct regional character. Mendoza, Argentina’s most famous wine region, has become synonymous with Malbec and leads local production with 39,635 hectares cultivated (about 85% of the total vineyards).
Now the 15th edition, Malbec World Day celebrates the diversity of Argentinean Malbec. From North to South, Argentina’s varied wine regions and sub-regions showcase the unique characteristics of Malbec, with altitude, soil, climate, latitude, sunlight and winemaking styles all influencing the grape’s identity.
Scroll down to discover Argentina’s top-scoring Malbec wines from DWWA 2024
At the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), Argentine Malbec showed consistently strong results, with 17 wines from Mendoza scoring 94 points or higher. From that group, we’ve selected 15 standout bottles that represent a broad range of styles, regions and approaches to winemaking.
Whether grown in the higher-altitude vineyards of the Uco Valley or in the more established zones of Luján de Cuyo, these wines offer a clear look at the variety’s versatility and the ongoing focus on quality. The selection includes both established producers and smaller names, with wines ranging from structured, age-worthy expressions to more vibrant and approachable styles.
Scroll down to discover 15 of Argentina’s top-scoring Malbecs from DWWA 2024.
Top Malbec wines of DWWA 2024
Luján de Cuyo
Vinorum, Victorio Altieri Gran Reserva 2021
Platinum, 97 points
100% Malbec
A veritable assault on the senses with a vibrant display of crunchy black and blueberry fruit, chocolate and sweet vanilla and an emergence of enriching smoky minerals. All-consuming and concentrated with silky tannins and a harmonious ending. Alcohol 14%
Trivento, Golden Reserve Malbec 2022
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Sleek dark berries and violet florals with a classy balsamic lift. Textured and pure with glossy tannins and acidity and a rich cocoa, vanilla finish. Alc 14%
Mendoza
Bodegas Krontiras, Natural Malbec 2023
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Emblazed with vivid red and blue fruit, black tea and wondrous soy sauce savouries; hugely intense and bold with velvety tannins and an enveloping finish. Full of life. Alc 13.9%
Paraje Altamira
Pacheco Pereda, Legado Organic Malbec 2021
Platinum, 97 points
100% Malbec
A sublime perfume of violets, blackberry, black cherry and damson with a dusting of cocoa powder, coffee and soy sauce to enrich and enhance. Fabulously concentrated with a prevailing calcareous Altamira backbone and mouth-watering acidity. Spectacular! Alc 14.5%
Argento, Single Block Organic Malbec 2021
Silver, 94 points
100% Malbec
Fragrant nose with ripe blackberry and vanilla. Dense palate with lots of dark fruit and chocolate. Ripe and firm tannins. Alc 14.5%
La Celia, Heritage Single Vineyard Malbec 2021
Silver, 94 points
100% Malbec
Refined and well defined nose with violets, blackberry, black cherry, aromatic herbs and chocolate notes. Fresh acidity and fine tannins. Alc 13.5%
Tunuyán
Bodegas Bianchi, IV Generación Gran Malbec, Los Chacayes 2021
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Impeccable blueberry fruit and sultry black pepper aromas. Compact and firm with a deep mineral expression, high gloss tannins and a piquant blackberry crunch on the finish. Alc 14.5%
Terrazas de Los Andes, Parcel 12 Lican Vineyard, Los Chacayes 2021
Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Brimming with pristine forest fruit and carrying a buzz of cayenne pepper energy underpinned by an exciting river-bed mineral character. Juicy and fluid with velvet-textured tannins. Alc 13.6%
Tupungato
Finca Flichman, Microterroir Gravel & Stone Malbec 2020
Best in Show, 97 points
100% Malbec
The battle for the Argentinian Malbec crown within our Top 50 Best In Show selection is always a fierce one – and of course we’d be open to featuring more than one Argentinian Malbec should suitable candidates present themselves (as they did last year). This year’s laureate comes from Tupungato, a large northern zone of the Uco Valley (and one that includes Gualtallery within it). It’s midnight-black in colour, with a dense, almost port-like weft of primary fruit, flower and plant aromas despite the fact that it has had a period in oak and is now four years old. That same exuberance and exciting drench of character is apparent on the palate, complete with stunningly perfumed tannins and fruit-saturated acidity. But here’s the thing: there’s no heat, no exaggeration, no excessiveness, no exhaustion for the drinker. The wine is rather deft, supple, sumptuous and supremely drinkable: magnificent winemaking getting to work on outstanding fruit. Alcohol 14.5%
Domaine Bousquet, Virgen Organic Malbec 2023
Value Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Exquisite red fruits and fragrant violets with a tenacious spine of cooling acidity, a rounded grip of smooth tannins and a finish that unravels and delights. Alc 14%
Finca Sophenia, Altosur Malbec, Gualtallary 2023
Value Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
A smouldering charcoal and graphite bass line supports a blanket of lavish dark cherries and vibrant florals. Generous and textured with crunchy tannins and a long, gourmet finish. Alc 14%
Bodegas Fabre, Alta Yarí Gran Malbec, Gualtallary 2022
Silver, 94 points
100% Malbec
Interesting fruity aromas merging with notes of wild herbs, spices and well integrated oak nuances. Elegant and rich, fresh and juicy. Alc 14.5%
Uco Valley
Trapiche, Pure Malbec 2023
Value Gold, 95 points
100% Malbec
Stand-out varietal clarity with lashings of pure red and black fruit with a firm, concise texture, a juicy bite of acidity and pervading tannins. Textbook. Alc 14%
Asda, Extra Special Malbec 2021
Silver, 94 points
100% Malbec
The nose displays aromas of black berries and red fruits with some sweet tobacco and vanilla. Rich and powerful, polished. Alc 14.5%
Majestic, Definition Malbec 2022
Silver, 94 points
100% Malbec
Perfumed aromas of violets and bright spicy red fruits on the nose. Succulent and fresh, with round tannins. Long and enveloping. Alc 14%
