Malbec comes in all shapes and sizes. Some are incredibly fruit forward and others are more classically styled and structured. Today I’ll look at one that’s very reasonably priced from Bodega del Tupun, a Mendoza based producer. The family has their roots in Spain and has been making wines in Argentina under their own label since the mid 1990’s.
The Tupun 2008 Valle de Tupungato Malbec was produced from fruit sourced in the Mendoza region of Argentina. The vineyards this fruit was sourced from sit more than 3,600 feet above sea level in ground that is rich with limestone, clay and pebbles. This offering is 100% Malbec and it has a suggested retail price right around $20 and is currently available at WineChateau.com for less than $10.
Plum, blueberry, mushroom and wisps of barnyard fill the highly perfumed nose of this 2008 Malbec. From the first sip the engaging flavors of this wine grab you into its warm, welcoming embrace. Black fruits dominate the palate and they’re joined by plum pudding and fruitcake spices. Dark fleshy plum flavors are joined by interspersing cranberry characteristics and continued spice on the finish which has above average length for the category. This wine will pair will with hard cheeses and roasted meats. It’s also a good choice to have with Pizza.
This Malbec seamlessly rides the line between juicy, forward fruit and a proportionate, balanced palate. In short this wine is more refined than many in a similar price range, making this a terrific value in Malbec.