NEWS BLOG

MALBEC WORLD DAY 2025 "Your Malbec"

Malbec World Day (MWD) is back, celebrating Argentina’s iconic grape and its incredible journey from a single variety to a world of diverse styles. Since its launch in 2011, MWD has become a global movement, showcasing how Malbec represents not just Argentina’s wine industry but its culture, passion, and innovation. From high-altitude vineyards to bold new expressions, Malbec continues to evolve—just like the people who love it.

This year’s theme, "Your Malbec", is all about making Malbec your own—whether it's a bold red with a steak, a light and fresh style for summer, or even a Malbec cocktail 🍹 The possibilities are endless! Argentina’s winemakers are pushing the boundaries, crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines that reflect the country’s rich landscapes and traditions.
However you enjoy it, there’s a Malbec for everyone.

Fabricio Portelli: “The new Argentinean ‘Malbec of terroir’ can compete against the best wines of the world”

Fabricio Portelli: The Voice of Argentinian Malbec Wines As one of Argentina's most renowned wine journalists, Fabricio Portelli has played a pivotal role in promoting the country's flagship Malbec varietal to the world. Through his website, TV program, and as a judge for wine competitions, Portelli has become an authority on Argentinian wines.

In an exclusive interview, Portelli explained why Argentina adopted Malbec as its signature grape, allowing its unique potential to shine. He believes Chile will surprise next with exceptional Malbec wines.

However, Portelli insists Argentinian Malbec is unmatched in strength and complexity. "The Argentinian Malbec underwent a thorough development process from modest beginnings to become our flagship wine, resulting in unparalleled quality," he stated.

For consumers new to Malbec, Portelli recommends embracing it as a taste of Argentina's culture and identity. "Malbec reflects our tango, landscapes, and love for grilled meats," he explained. "It's a versatile wine that pairs beautifully with charred meats."

With Portelli championing Argentinian Malbec worldwide, wine enthusiasts can discover the distinctive characteristics of this celebrated varietal.

MALBEC ARGENTINO: BETTER FOR THE WORLD

"Malbec Argentino - Better for the World" celebrates Argentine Malbec's journey to global recognition as a pinnacle of viticulture, evolving into its finest form thanks to the dedication of Argentine producers and winemakers. With a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, the industry looks beyond present success towards a future where Malbec maintains its elegance and versatility while addressing consumer concerns about wellbeing, health, and the environment. By embracing sustainable practices and fostering a harmonious balance between viticulture, society, and the environment, Argentine wineries strive to ensure that Malbec Argentino continues to excel year after year, embodying a commitment to building a better world where wine production coexists in harmony with nature and society.

FIVE MALBEC FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR BETTER DRINKING by Joaquin Hidalgo

Argentinian Malbec is more than just a fruity, easy-drinking red. This versatile variety takes on distinct characters across the country's diverse winegrowing regions. From the high altitude of Salta's Andes Valleys, it develops spicy, roasted capsicum notes. Down in Patagonia's cool climate, it lends a fruity, floral profile.

In between lies a wide spectrum, with Mendoza's Luján de Cuyo considered the quintessential Malbec style - ripe fruit, sweet spice and plush texture. As styles evolve, fresh, aromatic Malbecs can complement lighter dishes like pastas and tuna, while richer expressions pair perfectly with grilled meats.

Malbec also shines in age-worthy Reservas or as the base for fruit-driven sparkling reds and whites. Whether showcasing terroir transparency or taking on new forms, this chameleon grape continues to reveal surprising layers of complexity.

SALTA, MEET THE MALBEC WITH ALTITUDE

The northwestern Argentine province of Salta is a hidden gem for world-class wines. While renowned for its signature Torrontés whites, Salta also excels with full-bodied, spicy Malbecs from some of the highest vineyards on Earth.Salta's prime viticultural zones span 1,600 to over 3,000 metres above sea level, providing perfect growing conditions with an arid, desert-like climate and low rainfall. Iconic subregions like Cafayate have viticulture roots dating back to the 18th century Jesuit missionaries.

At these high elevations, Salta's Malbecs take on an intense, deeply colored profile brimming with ripe red fruits, violets and dark chocolate notes. Two standout examples are the voluptuous Altimus blend from Bodega El Esteco and the plush, mineral-tinged Domingo Molina Malbec.While lesser-known, Salta's high-altitude Malbecs offer a unique sense of terroir distinct from their counterparts in Mendoza and Patagonia. For Malbec enthusiasts, these concentrated yet fresh reds from the roof of Argentina are worth seeking out.

INTERVIEW WITH SEBASTIÁN ZUCCARDI

"The most important thing is the place, and Malbec is the vehicle to express our region all around the world."

Those words from winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi capture the essence of why Argentine Malbec has become a global phenomenon. As part of the new generation at Familia Zuccardi in Mendoza, Sebastián is crafting wines that are the purest expressions of their high altitude mountain terroirs.

"We actually make 'mountain wines'," he explains. "The Andes defines everything about our region - the climate, water and soils." Mendoza's continental climate, intense sunlight, limited water from Andean snowmelt, and ancient alluvial soils that originated in the mountains set the stage.

Malbec has become Argentina's signature red due to its ability to transparently convey these one-of-a-kind conditions. Each distinct valley and paraje imparts unique characteristics to the wines. "Malbec is very transparent in order to express the place," says Sebastián. "We can have an amazing diversity."

He avoids over-ripening, extraction or oak influences that can mask terroir. Instead, his José Zuccardi Malbec from Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary aims to tell the story of place through simple, traditional winemaking with concrete fermenters and neutral oak.

While neighbouring areas, the stonier Altamira terroir yields structured reds with red fruits and firm tannins, while Gualtallary's deeper soils produce a more voluptuous, black-fruited style. "For me, a wine has to talk about the place, the vintage, and the winemaker's philosophies," summarises Sebastián.

With an incredible diversity of world-class Malbec terroirs to explore, this mountain wine is set to keep climbing in popularity around the globe.