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Malbec’s distinctive combination of juicy fruit, spicy notes and velvety texture has made it one of the world’s top-selling red wines, putting Argentina’s wine industry in the spotlight. Its popularity has increased since the inception of Malbec World Day on April 17, 2011, by Wines of Argentina.
Fifteen years later, April typically sees an increase in promotions of the country’s signature red wine as well as other wines produced in Argentina. Brands use the grape’s celebration, which commemorates the day in 1853 when Argentina’s first agricultural school was established, to host consumer tastings and organize special promotions.
Canada ranks as the fourth largest global market for malbec, following the United States, the United Kingdom and Brazil. In Ontario, sales have seen a growth of over five per cent in the past year, with malbec accounting for approximately 70 per cent of the total category.
According to a 2024 vine census from Wines of Argentina, malbec represents 116,297 acres, which is 25.5 per cent of the total cultivated vineyard area in Argentina. Bonarda, a red wine with raspberry and aniseed flavours, and cabernet sauvignon are the second and third most widely planted varieties, representing roughly nine and seven per cent of plantings.
The April timing has the added benefit of coming at the start of barbecue season, which helps showcase the flavourful red wines made with the malbec grape’s affinity for smoky, flame-grilled entrees. Here are five recommendations to enjoy now.
Alamos Malbec 2024 (Argentina), $17.95
Rating: 89
Produced by the Catena family.
Alamos offers a medium-bodied, fruity and slightly floral expression of malbec. The soft and smooth texture contributes to its crowd-pleasing character.
This has 13 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028.
Available at the above price in Ontario ($15.95 until April 26), $17.99 in British Columbia ($15.49 until April 25), various prices in Alberta, $18.99 in Saskatchewan, $16.99 in Manitoba, $22.99 in Nova Scotia, $21.99 in Prince Edward Island, $19.42 in Newfoundland.
Doña Paula Estate Malbec 2024 (Argentina), $18.35
Rating: 90
Produced with grapes grown in the Uco Valley, this satisfying malbec reveals a blend of ripe blueberry, plum and cherry flavours, complemented by floral, earthy and baking spice notes.
Its polished texture is enhanced by aging 12 months French oak barrels before bottling.
This has 14 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre. Drink now to 2029.
Available at the above price in Ontario ($15.35 until April 26), $19.99 in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, various prices in Alberta, $16.99 in Manitoba.
Kaiken Estate Malbec 2023 (Argentina), $18.95
Rating: 90
This robust red wine is made in a rich and ripe style and displays dark fruit with mocha notes that add to its appeal.
Its plump, creamy texture, thanks to relaxed tannins, makes it a good choice for your next barbecue.
This has 14 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2029.
Available at the above price in Ontario ($16.95 until April 26).
La Linda Malbec 2024 (Argentina), $15
Rating: 88
La Linda is a value brand from family-owned Luigi Bosca Wines.
This malbec is produced from grapes grown in 30-year-old vineyards in Luján de Cuyo. Its ripe, dark fruit character is enhanced by peppery spice and it has terrific balance and structure for the price.
This has 13.2 per cent ABV and 2 g/litre r.s. Drink now to 2028.
Available at the above price in Ontario ($13 until April 26), various prices in Alberta.
Trapiche Reserve Malbec 2024 (Argentina), $14.95
Trapiche Reserve MalbecSupplied
Rating: 87
Trapiche consistently delivers a flavourful malbec that offers dark fruit (cherry, blackberry) and oak-derived (spice, chocolate, smoke) flavours. The ripe fruit character is balanced by fresh acidity that carries through to a clean finish.
This has 13.5 per cent ABV and 3 g/litre r.s. Drink now.
Available at the above price in Ontario, $15.99 in British Columbia ($12.99 until April 25), various prices in Alberta, $15.99 in Manitoba, $15.45 in Quebec, $18 in New Brunswick, $17.96 in Nova Scotia, $17.99 in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland.
