Alamos Malbec

[Innkeeper]

1998 Nicolas Catena, Alamos, Malbec, Mendoza ($8). This could also have gone on Rhone or Wines of Another Category, but the regional identity along with Chilian Carmenere, South African Pinotage, and Australian Shiraz give ample reason for us creating a Southern Hemisphere Thread. Back to the Alamos. This is a drop dead terrific summer red. I've seen it all over the country, so everyone should be able to gloom onto it. They claim that "This balanced and full-flavored wine is excellent with chicken, lamb, grilled vegetables, and pasta dishes." That may be true, but we think it is a perfect hamburger wine. Not plain ole patties, but complex burgers with lots of ingredients. It is 13.5% alcohol, loaded with fruit, smooth tannin, and otherwise as they describe it. If this sounds like what you want in red food wine, you've got it. Last night we matched it with grilled chedderburgers in mesquite smoke. Wonderful, and the price is right.

[zenda2]

Love those Mendoza Malbecs, and second the request for a 'southern hemisphere' forum to discuss same. Lots of good wine coming out of S. America & S. Africa.

[thewoodman]

The Alamos Bonarda is comparably priced and of comparable quality. Bonarda may be the otehr great varietal of argentina. I expect to be seeing more of it.

[winoweenie]

O.K. Woodsy, no more cracks from you 'bout the Weeners' fat-fingers. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]

[Innkeeper]

While looking for more malbec the other day, found the Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon for $8.99. Notes to follow soon. Will keep eyes open for the bonarda.