Malbec is the world’s favourite red wine grape and Catena Zapata won ‘The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2020’ from Drinks International. The effects of the pandemic on Argentina’s already fragile economy will be profound and long-lasting. Tesco stocks 29 malbecs and several chardonnays, pinot grigios, torrontes etc. from Argentina. This wine and most of the others on the shelves are currently at bargain prices due to the (for us) favourable exchange rate. Life was hard for the people before the events of 2020; some wine executives we met in Mendoza explained that they only ate meat once a week and drove 20 hours across the Andes into Chile to buy electrical appliances.

Tasting notes: Its appearance is deep purple in colour. Aromas of cherry and raspberries and faint notes of vanilla and coconut. Medium length. Medium body. Some intensity on the palate, with blackberry, plum and blueberry notes. Balanced acidity, a little complexity. Exceptional value for money at the moment.

Region of Origin – Mendoza.
Wine Colour – red
Price – £12 – reduced to £10, currently £7.50 which is great value.
Where do I get it from? Tesco
Current Vintage – 2017
Producer – Catena Zapata
Grape – Malbec
Country – Argentina

Verdict – Good wine for an excellent price

Food Pairings: This would work well with rich red meat dishes and cheese.