7 Great Argentinian Malbec Wines Around $20

Malbec is Argentina's signature red wine. It packs plenty of power while being pumped full of dark fruit components, spicy character, inky purple color profiles, and velvety textures. 

Originally part of Bordeaux's best blends, Malbec has found favor and incredible reception in its second sunny homefront of Argentina. The hot continental climate with serious sunshine allows the grape to ripen exceptionally well, offering wines with both power and elegance. This style serves the value-minded consumer as well as the high-end premium collector. 

Versatility and availability on the worldwide market have given Malbec a leg up in terms of finding forever fans and delivering instant buying opportunities, and there are several well-priced bottles—many under $20—to choose from.

Catena Malbec (About $20)

A delicious introduction to the heart of Argentinean Malbec, the 2013 Catena Malbec spotlights gorgeous floral components, mainly violet, lavender, and a smidge of sage. Mighty Malbec's black fruit theme returns in full force with the jammy notes of black plum and blueberry alongside tangy tobacco leaf and an unmistakable minerality. 

Pascual Toso Malbec Mendoza 2016 (Around $20)

Destined to be a favorite everyday Malbec, this workhorse shows ripe cherry and plum-driven profiles on the nose with a wisp of something wilder on the side, leaning towards a meaty game component. Easy-going tannins, a medium body, and fairly forward fruit push this party pleaser to the top of the value wine finds. 

Bodega Norton Reserva Malbec (Around $15)

A perennial crowd-pleaser, this particular Malbec shows mesmerizing inky blues and purples in the glass, with loads of dark fruit and cigar box spice on the nose. It is ready to roll with red cherry, black plum, and serious spice swirled with earthy, herbal character and well-integrated tannins. No matter the vintage, this Malbec offers considerable interest for the money.

Antucura Malbec (Around $15)

Dense and dark black fruit profiles and black pepper spice on the nose create a wine of intrigue and instant affability. The palate carries blackberry, black cherry, and plum in a full body with well-managed tannin and vibrant fruit expressions that linger on a full-flavored finish.

Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2016 (About $16)

This full-throttle Malbec from the heart of Mendoza's winemaking epicenter is made by famous Chilean winemaker, Aurelio Montes of Montes Wines. Black fruit, dark chocolate, and espresso aromas entice, while blackberry, blueberry, and vanilla notes dance on the palate. Full bodied with a full, juicy finish make this a Malbec you'll want to track down for sipping now or cellaring a few years. 

Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec (About $12)

Fresh with smoky aromas and bright fruit character, any vintage of the Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec is a fantastic value. These carry Bing cherry and warm baking spices front and center, in a medium body with silky tannins and a very food-friendly personality.

Luca Malbec Uco Valley (About $25)

Refined, ripe and ready, and built on the back of almost 50-year-old vines, the 2013 Luca Malbec shines with black cherry, chocolate, and earth on the nose. Intensity and elegance grapple on the palate with a second debut of black fruit and sweet spice injected with firm tannins and powerful structure.