Tinto Negro, Malbec 2013, Mendoza, Argentina

Tasting Note: This malbec is the black hole of wine – malbec so deliciously inky black that barely any light passes through it when you lift your glass to the sun.

With a nose of ripe black fruit smooth flavors of raisin and blackberry emerge culminating in a light-acidic finish. This is a substantial malbec and a great value for the price.

Many malbecs at this price point are not as concentrated in intensity or flavor. Tinto Negro’s malbec is a good example of what Argentinean malbec has to offer.

While this wine’s brand name will have marketing challenges in the United States, I’d give it a try at home. They have cleverly softened the brand name graphically on the label but I still wouldn’t bring it as a gift to a dinner party – especially to a host of color.

Bottle Note: Bottle Note: Tinto Negro, meaning black wine in Spanish, is meant to celebrate the essence of Malbec in Mendoza. Known for its dark blackish color Malbec is definitely a Tinto Negro. Sourced from Mendoza’s Primera Zona at an altitude of 3,200’ elevation, the Mendoza blend is meant to showcase the exceptional value and approachable style of Malbec. The wine’s soft, drinkable style is accompanied by light oak aging for additional complexity.