Tinto Negro Malbec

Tinto Negro Malbec

2011

Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina

Ohhhhhhh yes, another Malbec from Argentina.  

This bottle is the 2011 Tinto Negro Malbec produced by Bodega Cruz de Piedra out of Mendoza, Argentina (like a TON of other Malbecs).  

The weird thing about this wine is that it has a screw top instead of a cork.  Every time I get a bottle with a screw top I can't help but think it's not going to be all that great.  I know it's just a superficial thing, but having a screw top always makes the wine feel less desirable from the start.  Maybe I'm the only person who this happens to.  I can't help it.  I'm human.

The 2011 Tinto Negro Malbec pours an inky black cherry color and has bold aromas of blueberries, cherries, cocoa, and blackberry pie.  Tasting brings a mouth-filling collage of tart craisins, dried cherries, a savoriness like grilled meat and au jus, followed by damp, danky earth, cedar and oak.  

This isn't quite as jammy as many other Malbecs, it's a bit more tart.  But it does have a fair amount of the savory, earthy, rustic qualities that make good Malbecs interesting.  

Bottom line this is a good, solid Malbec that really shouldn't have a screw top.  

It's better than that.  

This isn't my favorite Malbec, but at around only $10 a bottle, it's a great deal.  

Drink it while eating red meat or game.  Or alongside a dark, oily Maduro-wrapped cigar.  I'm getting thirsty just talking about it...

Drink This: if you want a tart, savory Malbec. 

Don't Drink This: if you don't like rustic, earthy wines.  I could see this wine being very polarizing.  Like many similar Malbecs, you're either going to love it or hate it.  

Cheers!