Luján de Cuyo

Altos Las Hormigas (Spanish for 'the high ants') is one of the pioneers that helped put Argentine Malbec on the world wine map – and their Clasico bottling shows exactly why this grape and country fell madly in love with each other. Founded by Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini and partners in 1995, the winery focuses on expressing the unique terroir of Mendoza through minimal intervention winemaking. This Malbec strikes that perfect balance between fruit-forward accessibility and genuine complexity. It's not trying to be a powerhouse that knocks you over the head – instead, it offers layers of flavor that unfold gradually in the glass. The high-altitude vineyards provide natural acidity that keeps everything fresh despite the ripe fruit character. It's the kind of red that makes you crave a second glass before you've finished the first – dangerously drinkable but with enough depth to keep things interesting. Perfect for converting friends who think they only like white wine.

Los Bocheros Malbec captures everything that made Argentina famous for this French transplant grape – bold fruit, velvety texture, and impressive depth at a price that makes French producers weep. From high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza comes this crowd-pleasing red that delivers serious bang for the buck. The name 'Los Bocheros' refers to players of 'bochas' (similar to bocce ball) – a popular Argentine pastime that, like this wine, brings people together in celebration. What makes this Malbec stand out in a crowded field is its perfect balance between power and drinkability. There's plenty of that lush dark fruit Malbec lovers crave, but with enough structure to keep things interesting through the whole bottle. It's the kind of red that makes weeknight dinners feel special without requiring a special occasion budget. Pair it with anything from the grill for a foolproof combination.

Broadbent's Argentine Cabernet delivers exactly what you want from the variety – bold dark fruit, structure, and that satisfying finish that makes you reach for another sip. The high altitude vineyards of Mendoza provide the perfect conditions for Cabernet to develop intense flavor while maintaining freshness. While Broadbent may be better known for their Portuguese wine portfolio, this Cabernet shows they know their way around the international varieties too. The wine strikes that sweet spot between New World fruit expression and Old World structure – powerful enough to stand up to a steak but refined enough to enjoy on its own. At this price point, it's a bottle that punches well above its weight class.

Cabernet Franc might be best known from France's Loire Valley and Bordeaux, but this old vine expression from Belasco de Baquedano proves that Argentina has something special to contribute to the variety's story. Part of the 'Llama' series (named for the iconic Andean animal), this bottle showcases what happens when Cabernet Franc meets the high-altitude terroir of Mendoza. Belasco's vineyards sit at over 3,000 feet above sea level, where intense sunlight and cool nights create perfect conditions for developing complex flavors while maintaining the grape's natural acidity and aromatic character. These old vines produce fewer grapes but with much more concentrated flavor and character. The result is a wine that honors Cabernet Franc's elegant nature and distinctive herbal notes while adding a layer of New World fruit intensity that makes it immediately appealing. It's a fascinating alternative for Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers looking to explore something with a bit more aromatic complexity and finesse.

Argentina may be famous for its Malbec, but this blend from Belasco de Baquedano proves that Bonarda deserves just as much attention. The 'Llama' series celebrates Argentina's iconic Andean animal – a fitting symbol for wines that express the unique high-altitude terroir of Mendoza with such distinctive character. This blend combines old vine Bonarda (Argentina's second most planted red grape) with Malbec, creating a wine with remarkable depth and complexity. The 'old vine' designation is important here – these mature vines produce fewer grapes but with much more concentrated flavor. Belasco de Baquedano's vineyards sit at over 3,000 feet elevation, where intense sunlight and cool nights create perfect conditions for developing rich flavor while maintaining freshness. The result is a wine that offers immediate pleasure with its generous fruit but keeps you coming back to discover new layers of complexity. Perfect for those looking to explore beyond basic Malbec into Argentina's broader wine landscape.