Wine Review: Agua de Piedra Selección Malbec 2016 (Argentina)

A very cute twenty-something woman was in my wine aisle at work the other day. She had been searching for a wine with which to celebrate the New Year when all of a sudden she came running up to her friends holding two bottles of wine with a fantastic smile on her face. "Look what I found??" She exclaimed.

Now, whenever someone becomes excited about one of our wines I make it a point to get involved. "What do you have there?" I asked.

"Only my most favorite wine in the world!" She squealed.

Holding out one of the bottles, I could see that she had found the Agua de Piedra Malbec that was in our Limited Reserve bin around the corner. "Ahh..." I sighed. "I haven't tried that one yet." So much wine, so little time...

After a brief, but I'd like to think a fairly flirty conversation, I told her I was going to have to buy and try the last remaining bottle. Her face contorted and she said, "Well, you had better be getting more of this if you ever want to see me again..." Duly noted, young lass. Duly noted.

I purchased this wine that night and took it home to sample. When I uncorked it, pleasant and spicy scents of plum and oak drifted out of the bottle. As I poured the wine into my glass, a beautiful plum-colored liquid swirled about and released ever more plum and berry goodness into the air.

The modern, two-part label whispered sophistication. It stated that Agua de Piedra was the nickname for their vineyard which sprawls out at the foot of the Andes. They go on to joke that with the soil so rocky, it's a wonder the vines find the water underneath the soil. I was intrigued.

Rich in blackberry and plum, this Malbec did not disappoint. Light tannins and a mild acidity, the pepper and chocolate that often defines Malbec soared through. A decent finish remained in the palate; dry but fruity. A hearty wine for beef or poultry. I enjoyed mine with rotisserie chicken, riced cauliflower, and California Mix vegetables.

At $11.99, this Malbec is a fair value. It's not the best Malbec I have ever had, but I have not had a bad one from Argentina, either. And if it gets that cute woman back in my store, I'll order two cases next time... ; )

Here's the winery's website: http://www.experiencemendoza.com/en/wine-tasting/visiting-mendoza-wineries/

Cheers!

@braveboat