The success of Argentinian Malbec in the UK is truly remarkable and quite rightly so. Argentinian winemakers seem to be maintaining a consistent level of quality across all price points and this Callia is a great example of what good value it can be.
It has plenty of ripe, soft berry fruit flavours with the usual pinch of spice associated with Malbec.
Argentina
San Juan
San Juan
Bodegas Callia
Malbec
13.5%
Screwcap
Drink now + 2 years
The
San Juan region of
Argentina
Behind Mendoza, San Juan is the second wine producing region in Argentina. San Juan is home to many varietals including Malbec, Bonarda, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and for white wines Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Torrontes and Viognier. Although currently most famed for its still wines it also has a long history of producing sherry, brandy and vermouth.
Like Mendoza, San Juan is a high altitude (600m-1200m), semi-desert with very little rainfall. The vineyards have to rely on irrigation from the regions rivers and meltwatre from the Andies to survive.
Malbec
A red grape variety that is planted widely across the world, its birthplace is said to be in the South of France but most recently it has risen to fame in Argentina where it is producing fruit-driven, ripe, juicy wines which are the thing to drink in the States.
This varietal has the potential to age when left to mature in oak, where the condensed black fruits so typical of this varietal meld with the sweet vanilla toastiness of the wood to produce some fantastic results.
Salads & Vegetables
A good tapas-style dish of chorizo and spicy sausages would work well here, and grilled chicken or beef salad would also be a winner.
Fish & Seafood
This wine is generally too heavy for fish and seafood.
Pasta & Other Sauces
Best suited to cream based sauces like a good white or cheese sauce found in dishes such as lasagne and carbonara.
Meats
Best suited to rich flavoursome meats such as duck, goose and venison but would also work well with a roasted or grilled joint of beef or lamb.
Herbs & Spices
Best matched to black pepper, chives, cloves and coriander - big flavours! We would also recommend using sage, but very much in moderation.
Spicy Foods
A great wine to have with anything with a kick to it, such as Mexican and Indian cuisine - it can handle the lot.
Cheeses
Delicious with creamy blue cheeses and mature Cheddar, it also works a treat with Parmesan!