2009 Graffigna Centenario Reserve Malbec

2009 Graffigna Centenario

 Reserve Malbec

Origin: San Juan, Argentina

Alcohol: 13.5%

In years past, Malbec was typically only used in wine blends, particularly in France, Chile, and Argentina.  But now, 100% Malbec wines from Argentina have had a huge surge in popularity.  I think this is great, since personally I love Malbecs.  They're like drinking a rustic bit of Argentinian culture.

The 2009 Vintage Graffigna Centenario Reserve Malbec is from San Juan, Argentina.  It is a combination of 50% oak aged wine combined with 50% unaged wine, lending to its complexity.  Graffigna is pronounced "grah FEE nyah" if you were curious and don't want to sound like a total Gringo.    

This wine pours a deep, dark ruby that verges on violet.  It has aromas of strong dark fruit, tobacco, and a touch of spice.  This actually tastes fairly restrained considering the aroma.  It has notes of earthy blueberries, plums, and a dry, smoky bit of oak.  There are moderately-strong drying tannins combined with a heavy mouthfeel that manages to stay feeling a bit velvety throughout.

This has little resemblance to the Lucky Duck Malbec that I have reviewed previously, in that it actually tastes like Malbec.

The bottle suggests pairing this with Lamb Ossobucco and hot spicy pumpkin risotto in Malbec reduction.  Sounds great to me!  Now if I could just find somebody to cook that for me...   

Drink This: if you want a red wine that is earthy and rustic, yet elegantly delicious.  This is my kind of wine.
Don't Drink This: if you aren't a fan of heavy, red wines.  If you normally drink White Zinfandel and other fruity, sweet wines, this probably isn't for you...