Vintages New Release Collection – March 29, 2025

Terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley. RIGHT: The Andes are the backdrop of this Argentine vineyard.

Bold reds PORTUGAL AND ARGENTINA

Though they have more than 250 indigenous varieties to work with, Portugal’s winemakers focus on a handful of grapes to provide a consistent foundation for their food-friendly blends. Some of the most important grapes are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Aragonez (a.k.a. Tempranillo) and Trincadeira. Malbec is native to Cahors in France’s southwest and was introduced to Argentina in 1853. By planting Malbec at various altitudes, winemakers produce a wide range of styles from big, burly, concentrated wines at lower altitudes to floral, delicate, refined expressions from higher parcels, blending both to create superbly nuanced expressions. Portuguese reds and Argentine Malbecs are typically complex, floral wines, with ripe dark fruit, smoke and spice notes.

LA POSTA PIZZELLA FAMILY MALBEC 2023 Mendoza, Argentina (Laura Catena)

Subtle roasted spices, sour cherries, hibiscus and bramble berries. Youthful and quite lively palate with a fruity core of ripe, juicy berries and cherries. Flavorful finish. Drink now [through 2028+]. Score: 91 (jamessuckling. com, Sept. 12, 2024) Medium-bodied & Fruity 166298 (XD) 750 mL $17.95 2

20 VINTAGES