Spring and summer are for grilling, and a great match for any charbroiled steak is an Argentinean Malbec. Bell Wine and Sprits made several great Malbec wines available for tasting last week’s grand tasting. The D.C. Wine Budget Examiner already reviewed the Maipe Malbec, which is a tremendous value at $10.99 a bottle.
But if you are looking for a bit more punch and complexity, the Susana Balbo Malbec (2007 vintage tasted at Bell) is a great option. Bell sold it the night of the tasting for just $23.79, but it usually retails for $27.99. It scores 91 points by the Wine Advocate and 90 points with the Wine Spectator. The Spectator describes it as “enticing mocha-and spice-filled nose, along with creamy raspberry and boysenberry fruit flavors that carry through the lengthy, pure finish.”
It is made the at the Dominio Del Plata winery with grapes from the Luján de Cuyo region in Mendoza. The winery is owned by winemaking couple Susana Balbo and Pedro Marchevsky, who together started the winery in 1994 after having successful careers at other wineries. This wine of course is named after Susana, perhaps the best known woman in winemaking in Argentina. Wine blogger, Dr. Vino, has a very good post covering some of the details of the family.
Also of note, the company also makes Dominio del Plata “Crios de Susana Balbo” Torrontes, which Bell also offered at the tasting for just $12.74. It usually sells for $14.99. It is pricier than some Torrontes wines (see prior review of the Finca La Linda Torrontes), but it is well worth the price. With floral and sweet aromas of peaches and some citrus (lime), the wine represents an excellent choice to serve with appetizers before you grill that juicy steak to enjoy with the Susanna Balbo Malbec.
Originally published on Examiner.com.
