Reverse Wine Snob

Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good

  • About
  • Aldi® Picks
  • Costco® Picks
  • Trader Joe’s® Picks
  • FREE GUIDE
  • Insider Deals
menu icon
go to homepage
Get Our Free Guide!
search icon
Homepage link
  • FREE GUIDE!
  • Insider Deals
  • Best Of Lists
    • - Costco
    • - Trader Joe's
    • - Aldi
  • About
  • The Rating System
  • More Helpful Links
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Elsa Bianchi Malbec and Torrontes - Value Defined

    By: Jon Thorsen Published: July 23, 2013 Last Updated: March 3, 2021

    Elsa-Bianchi-Malbec-and-Torrontes
    soft and silky Malbec and a thirst-quenching Torrontes for under $10.

    Malbec and Torrontes represent the two signature wines of Argentina among red and white varietals respectively. And while the signature grapes of many other regions often sell for a hefty premium (Pinot Noir from Oregon or Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley for example), not so for Argentina where you can find excellent examples like today's wines at a very low price, even under $10. To that we say, "Salve Argentina!" (Long Live Argentina!)

    Today's pair of wines come from Valentin Bianchi, a family owned winery in Argentina that has been around since 1928. The winery produces many different labels, all from their vineyards in San Rafael in Mendoza. The grapes for both of today's selections come from the winery's Dona Elsa Estate in the Rama Caida area of San Rafael that sits at about 2,500 feet above sea level.

    2012-Elsa-Bianchi-Malbec

    First up is the 2012 Elsa Bianchi Malbec. Sample submitted for review. It has an SRP of $12 and available for as low as $8. It is imported by Quintessential Wines.

    From the bottle:

    "This unique Malbec was created by our expert winemakers, who harvest selected grapes from vines that have produced consistent, high-quality yields year after year. Elsa Bianchi varietals have been carefully vinified, with each bottle achieving the special character for which these wines are now known.

    Description: The classic Malbec aromas of ripe plum and violets are evident in the nose, with hints of vanilla. The Malbec in Argentina is its ability to combine a rich weighty mouth-feel with a soft silkiness. This wine impresses, with pleasing fruit that mimics the aromas.

    14.1% Alcohol"

    The 2012 Elsa Bianchi Malbec begins with pleasant aromas of blackberry, plum and a little vanilla. Honestly, this one was a little out of sorts when it was first popped and poured, but with a little air it quickly transforms. Abundant juicy blackberry and cola, super soft tannins and a silky smooth mouthfeel are a few of the things you'll find. The medium length finish on this easy drinking Malbec features lots more cola notes and juicy fruit.

    See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.


    Taste Rating: 7              Cost Rating: 9
    Overall Rating: 7.5

    Recommended Buy

     


    2012-Elsa-Bianchi-Torrontes

    Next up is the 2012 Elsa Bianchi Torrontes. Sample submitted for review. It has an SRP of $12 and available for as low as $9. It is imported by Quintessential Wines.

    From the bottle:

    "This unique Torrontes was created by our expert winemakers, who harvest selected grapes from vines that have produced consistent, high-quality yields year after year. Elsa Bianchi varietals have been carefully vinified, with each bottle achieving the special character for which these wines are now known.

    Description: The Torrontes aromas exhibit a pleasing degree and nice complexity. Well-integrated scents of grapefruit, spice, orange blossom and apple are evident. On the palate, a refreshing mouth-feel with flavors similar to the aromas and a clean, bright finish.

    13.0% Alcohol"

    The 2012 Elsa Bianchi Torrontes begins with aromas of grapefruit, honey, nectarine and a few floral notes. Tasting the wine reveals a nice lively texture plus zesty citrus, a bit of tropical fruit and some nice mineral notes underneath. It ends very crisp and clean with lingering grapefruit notes that last for a long time. A very nice, very tasty and very refreshing wine!

    See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.


    Taste Rating: 8              Cost Rating: 8
    Overall Rating: 8.0

    Highly Recommended


    Filed Under: Argentina, Malbec, Torrontés

    << Yarden Mount Hermon Galilee White Wine - Surprisingly Deep and Very Satisfying
    Cecchi Natio Chianti - Tart and Tasty >>

    About Jon Thorsen

    Author and independent wine consumer helping millions of people find great wines without breaking the bank since 2011. Sign up for my FREE GUIDE to learn how! Read more about me...

    Reverse Wine Snob Insider Deals Header Square
    Limited Time offers with amazing discounts just for our readers.

    Don't Miss Out!

    About Reverse Wine Snob

    Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good! Jon Thorsen is an independent wine consumer who has been helping millions of people find great wines without breaking the bank since 2011. If you're new to Reverse Wine Snob® sign up for my free guide and don't miss our exclusive Insider Deals! Read more about Reverse Wine Snob in the news and about me.

    Reverse Wine Snob Logo

    Join over 450,000 followers on social media!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    Get Our Free Guide! How To Drink Great Wine...Without Breaking The Bank

    Free Guide! How To Drink Great Wine Without Breaking The BankReady to start drinking the best wine of your life, and save money doing it? Sign up for our 5 Day Free Guide!

    Learn More

    Helpful Links

    • - Ask The Expert Series
    • - Browse by Variety, Region, etc.
    • - Buy My Book on Amazon
    • - Get Our Free Guide
    • - How To Choose A Good Bottle of Wine
    • - Insider Deals
    • - Insider Deal FAQ
    • - Printable Lists of Recommended Wines
    • - Ten Tenets of Reverse Wine Snobbery
    • - The Rating System
    • - Wine Tasting Basics

    • - Advertise
    • - Contact Info
    • - Submit Samples for review

    How To Drink Great Wine...Without Breaking The Bank

    Tired of wasting money on bad wine? Sign up for our Free Guide!

    No commitments, no spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Best Of Lists!

      • - Aldi Wine
      • - Best Pizza Wines
      • - Best Red Wines of 2022
      • - Box Wines
      • - Cabernet Sauvignon
      • - Chardonnay
      • - Chianti
      • - Costco Wine
      • - French Wines
      • - Italian Wines
      • - Malbec
      • - Merlot
      • - Oregon Wines
      • - Organic Wines
      • - Pinot Noir
      • - Red Blends
      • - Rosé
      • - Riesling
      • - Sauvignon Blanc
      • - Spanish Wines
      • - Sparkling Wine
      • - Syrah
      • - Thanksgiving Wines
      • - Trader Joe's Wine
      • - Vegan Wines
      • - Zinfandel
      • And Many More Best of Lists

    Reverse Wine Snob®: Wine doesn't have to be expensive to be good.

    Copyright © 2011–2023 · Reverse Wine Snob, LLC. | Privacy, Editorial & Advertising Policy