At a glance

Producer

Viña Alicia

Region

Mendoza, Argentina

Grape variety

Malbec

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Rich dark cherry, plum, violet florals, hints of vanilla and spice from subtle French oak aging.

Evolution: Fruit notes will integrate further and soften over the next 3-5 years with more pronounced tertiary aromas such as leather, tobacco, and earth.

At peak: Balanced harmony of ripe fruit, savory spice, and velvety tannins with smooth finish.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate, balanced to support aging

Tannins

Medium to medium-plus, fine-grained

Alcohol

14.0%-14.5%

Aging potential

8-12 years, with potential to peak within 5-10 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2023 to 2030

Current status

Approaching optimal drinkability

Current condition

Showing fresh fruit with developing secondary notes, tannins still firm but integrated

Malbec from Mendoza is known for robust structure and moderate acidity, enabling it to age well for 8-12 years. The 2020 vintage was very good, with warm conditions but some cooler nights, promoting balanced fruit and fine tannins which bode well for medium-term cellaring.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, barbecued dishes, rich stews, hard cheeses like aged Manchego.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To allow tannins to soften and aromas to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Employ sustainable farming practices including efficient water use, integrated pest management, minimal chemical intervention, use of solar energy for winery operations, and recyclable packaging materials.

Viña Alicia practices sustainable viticulture focusing on environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. Their certification under the Argentine sustainable program reflects efforts in reducing water and energy consumption, promoting biodiversity, and minimizing chemical inputs. Packaging uses lightweight bottles and recyclable materials, which, combined with solar energy use, improves their overall sustainability profile. Export transport adds to carbon footprint but is common for internationally distributed wines.