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Malbec is so popular as Argentina’s signature red grape that it often overshadows some of the country’s other delicious reds. Most of Argentina’s malbec is grown in Mendoza, but that wine region is also home to outstanding cabernet sauvignon. And many experts believe that Patagonia, the southernmost wine region of South America, produces some of the country’s finest pinot noir. The following two examples earned scores in the 90s from top critics.
Wapisa 2020 Pinot Noir, Patagonia, Argentina
Bought • Costco, 4200 Rusty Road, in April for $14.99
Description • Owned by former kidney specialist Dr. Patricia Ortiz, Wapisa is unusual for several reasons. It’s the only coastal winery in Patagonia (the largest desert in the Americas), and it’s also the only winery in Argentina to age wines under the sea. Just 25 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Wapisa’s vineyards benefit from the cool maritime breezes, which boost the acidity and red fruit flavor of the pinot noir grapes. Aged in oak for eight months, this is an intense and mouthwatering red that tastes of strawberries and cherries with spicy savory notes. A light-bodied red that’s best enjoyed a little chilled, it would go well with salmon, duck and white meat.
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Zuccardi Q 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina
Bought • Costco, 4200 Rusty Road, in April for $14.99
Description • Now in its third generation of family leadership, Bodega Zuccardi Valle de Uco has racked up numerous prestigious awards including Wine Enthusiast’s New World Winery of the Year 2022 and the No. 1 spot on the World’s Best Vineyards international list for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. This delicious, full-bodied cabernet comes from the winery’s Zuccardi Q series, an affordable introduction to Zuccardi’s renown wines. An aromatic, beautifully balanced red with firm tannins, it tastes of concentrated black currants and other dark fruit with hints of cedar and smoke. Pair this wine with steak, roasted duck breast and lamb.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch lists the best-reviewed wines of 2022. The list has been divided into sparkling, white and red wines.
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Follow Gail on Twitter @GailAppleson.