60% Malbec, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and made with organically grown grapes. Available for $10. Sample received courtesy Marquee Selections for review purposes.
From the bottle:
"Mendoza Red Wine
Concentrated Malbec and silky Cabernet Sauvignon are blended to create a delicious red wine with dark cherry & blackberry flavors, spicy notes, and smooth tannins. A wine to complement your cuisine; try with grilled meats, roast beef or hearty sauces.
13.9% Alcohol."
Caligiore is an organic producer in Argentina imported by Marquee Selections which focuses on organic and green producers. The Malbec used in this blend comes from 80 year old vines, and according to their website these wines are not aged in wood in an effort to let the quality of the grape shine through. I can't tell you if these production methods really make a difference but I can tell you that this wine is very good.
The 2010 Caligiore Staccato Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon opens with aromas of ripe fruit, blackberry, spice, and flowers. Don't be afraid to give this wine some time to breathe as you will be rewarded for it -- it tastes good right out of the bottle, but it gets even better with some air. This wine has a lot of fruit with flavors of cherry and blackberry. It is medium-bodied and balanced with smooth but firm tannins on the finish. It shows some good complexity with distinct differences between the palate and the finish. We found this wine to be even better on day 2 as the tannins smoothed out a bit more, and the nose was still very strong. Excellent!
Also see the review for the 2009 Caligiore Reserve Malbec.
See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.
Overall Rating: 8.0
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