Some of the world’s most beloved wines are not 100 per cent varietals, but rather blends of numerous grape varieties, with the Bordeaux style being the most sought-after method for this type of wine production. Bordeaux wine blends refer to wines made using a blend of grape varieties that are commonly grown in the Bordeaux region of France, which typically include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Interestingly, however, many of these types of wines are actually not being made in France, but in Argentina thanks to the success of its emblematic red variety, Malbec. In fact, although these blends are of comparable quality and textures to the French product, theirs is a price point far lower than what is typically expected for wines of this quality. The adoption in Argentina of the Bordeaux-style blend by vintners has led to the production of some truly outstanding labels that feature the country’s Malbec.

As the leading wine-producing countries in South America, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay have a shared formula for high-quality wines, inspired by the Bordeaux tradition, that continues to evolve as vintners refine their winemaking methods. Ever since the arrival of French grapes, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, along with the European immigrants, to the southern continent of the Americas, the viticulture in these countries, though greatly influenced by their forebears, gradually developed over time. This has allowed each one to establish its own unique formula for its red Bordeaux-style blends, while utilising the known Bordeaux varieties — Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. The terroir selection, vineyard management, harvest times, oak regime and use of innovative equipment have allowed leading South American wineries to supply the world with outstanding blends made using this method.

The Mendoza region of Argentina is particularly renowned for its Bordeaux blends owing to its high altitude, dry climate, and ample sunlight, which all combine to create an ideal growing condition for these grape varieties. Winemakers in Mendoza also have access to old vines, some older than 100 years, which add complexity and depth to the wines. These red wines are often full-bodied and rich, with dark fruit flavours and complex tannins best enjoyed young, but with potential to age well for several years. Despite Malbec’s status as the iconic red of Argentina, the country’s mainstay lies with its Bordeaux-style red blends, which continue to gain more and more popularity with Argentines. Quite expectedly, Malbec remains the major component of these wines, often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

While white Bordeaux blends are traditionally made in the Bordeaux region of France, winemakers in Argentina also produce their own version of this blend. The grape varieties used in an Argentine white Bordeaux blend can vary, but they generally include Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and/or Torrontés. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon are often the primary grapes used in the blend, with varying percentages depending on the winemaker’s preference. Torrontés, the country’s aromatic signature white variety, may also be added to the blend, thus giving it a unique character with a touch of floral and tropical fruit flavours. Additionally, some vintners may also choose to use other varieties, such as Chardonnay or Viognier, in their version of the white Bordeaux blends.

Argentina’s winemakers, aware that working with Bordeaux varieties require a careful approach, make every effort to employ techniques that will improve their vineyards and cellars while ensuring a successful harvest. The result often produces red blends that are very good value for money with some bodegas, even including grapes such as Tempranillo, Syrah or Bonarda to the mix. It is these unusual moments of creativity that solicit further interest in Argentina’s viticulture and its flair for producing fine wines. There are many wineries in Argentina that make Bordeaux blends but today, Thursday Food introduces you to five wines from two bodegas which are among the most well-known and respected producers of Bordeaux-style blends.

Salentein Numina Gran Corte, a 90-point red blend produced in Mendoza’s Uco Valley by Bodega Salentein, is comprised of 66 per cent Malbec, 20 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 5 per cent Merlot, 5 per cent Cabernet Franc and 4 per cent Petit Verdot. The wine is a deep, dark red color with intense violet glints. On the nose it is complex with notable aromas of dark berries and raspberries, along with black currant and spices. In the mouth, acidity is quite evident, as well as an elegant, full-bodied, good tannic structure with a long, persistent finish.

Salentein Reserva Corte de Tintas Fincas Proprias is a 93-point red blend made with Cabernet Sauvignon (51 per cent), Malbec (34 per cent) and Cabernet Franc (15 per cent) by Bodega Salentein. It has an intense ruby red colour with complexity on the nose where spicy notes such as licorice and black pepper stand out. These are combined with subtle aromas of red pepper, black currants, and tobacco. On the palate, Malbec stands out due to its silkiness, after which the juiciness, structure and complexity reveal the combination with the other varietals before ending with a lingering finish.

Salentein Reserva Corte de Blancas is the white Bordeaux blend from Bodega Salentein that, along with the previously mentioned red blend, forms part of the Salentein Reserva line which features modern and premium offerings of the highest quality, committed to the land in which they are born. This 92-point wine, which comprises 62 per cent Chardonnay, 28 per cent Gewurztraminer and 10 per cent Sauvignon Blanc, is a steely yellow color with greenish reflections, limpid and brilliant. It is aromatic and complex on the nose with notes of orange blossom and jasmine, combined with fruity notes of lychee, apricot and orange peel. In the mouth, citrus notes such as grapefruit and a vibrant acidity are present, making it a fresh wine with a persistent finish.

Argentina’s sixth-largest exporter, Bodegas Salentein, ranked in the 2020 listing of the Fifty Best World Vineyards and was also named Best Producer Argentina in 2019 by Mundus Vini.

Piattelli Arlene Serie Blend, a 94-point red blend produced from vineyards in Cafayate, Salta by Bodega Piattelli, is made up of 85 per cent Malbec, 10 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 per cent Cabernet Franc. The wine is of a very deep black colour, characteristic of the high concentration of colour in the valley. It expresses delicious aromas of tobacco, black currant and roasted peppers. It has a very long and silky mouthfeel as well as an acidity and freshness that stand out at the end of the mouth.

Piattelli Trinita Grand Reserve is a 93-point wine, produced from vineyards in the Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley areas of Mendoza, that comprises Malbec 71 per cent, Cabernet Sauvignon 22 per cent, Merlot 7 per cent. This wine, which is also made by Bodega Piattelli, has an intense garnet red colour with violet hues. On the nose it is reminiscent of fruits such as raspberry, cherry and plum, characteristics of the varietals that make up this blend. Spicy aromas such as black pepper and cloves, and aromas obtained during aging in barrels such as chocolate and vanilla are also perceived. In the mouth, it feels balanced with a good body and a persistent, elegant finish.

Piattelli Vineyards is an award-winning wine producer making wines in two of Argentina’s predominant wine regions: Mendoza (in the central Cuyo) and Cafayate (in the northern Salta province). Like many producers in these regions, Piattelli specialises in high-altitude wines made from Malbec, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Torrontés.