A Argentina além da Malbec: 14 vinhos cativantes e de bom preço (Wine Spectator)

Em qualquer parte do mundo, quando mencionamos o vinho argentino, a Malbec é a referência imediata. Mas grandes produtores como a Catena Zapata, de Mendoza e alguns mais novos no mercado como a Bodega Chacra, na Patagônia, investem também em vinhos de outras varietais que tem todo o potencial para se desenvolver bem no país (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bonarda, Pinot Noir e Chardonnay). 

A Wine Spectator preparou uma relação com 14 destes vinhos, que fogem do "porto seguro" da Malbec, tem ótimo preço e abrem novos horizontes para o vinho da Argentina:

BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 2008 Score: 90 | $20

This is solid, with dense but polished structure holding the weighty core of plum, fig paste and black currant preserves together. The dark, lengthy finish lets a nice Kenya AA coffee note chime in. Drink now through 2013. 32,000 cases made. —J.M.

BODEGA CHACRA Merlot Patagonia Mainqué 2008 Score: 89 | $39

Compact and pure, with a lovely core of blackberry and damson plum fruit framed by silky tannins and layers of grilled herbs, olive and smoke that linger on the chalky finish. Drink now through 2013. 50 cases imported. —N.W.

BODEGA CHACRA Pinot Noir Río Negro Barda 2009 Score: 89 | $25

Balances ripe red and black cherry fruit against bright acidity and firm minerality. Light, silky tannins frame the juicy finish, which lingers with hints of licorice and wild herbs. Drink now through 2013. 4,657 cases made. —N.W.

PIATTELLI Cabernet Sauvignon Tupungato Grand Reserve 2008 Score: 89 | $15

Distinctive, with aromas of wild herb and game accenting the ripe plum and currant fruit. Integrated tannins and toasty oak support the juicy yet mineral-tinged finish. Drink now. 500 cases imported. —N.W.

BODEGA EDUARDO ALFREDO DEL RIO Chardonnay Río Negro Valley Verum 2010 Score: 87 | $17

Smoky yet fresh, with good cut to the vibrant Honeycrisp apple and melon notes, as a beam of chalky minerality lifts the focused finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made. —N.W.

ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS Bonarda Mendoza Colonia Las Liebres 2009 Score: 87 | $10

Soft, ripe and friendly, with tasty plum and blackberry fruit melded with sweet, dark toast. Drink now. 15,000 cases made. —J.M.

CAITEC Pinot Noir Patagonia 2008 Score: 87 | $14

Honest, with cherry and red plum flavors supported by notes of smoky mineral and hints of licorice through to the solid finish. Drink now. 600 cases imported. —N.W.

VIÑA DOÑA PAULA Chardonnay Mendoza Los Cardos 2009 Score: 87 | $12

Medium-bodied and lively, with bright notes of fresh-cut apple, pear and melon supported by citrusy acidity and a minerally spine. Solid length. Drink now. 4,000 cases imported. —N.W.

BODEGA MENDEL Sémillon Mendoza 2010 Score: 87 | $25

Slightly waxy, but with good cut to the peach and clementine fruit, as a hint of salted butter frames the tangy finish. Drink now. 300 cases imported. —N.W.

FAMILIA RUTINI Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Trumpeter 2009 Score: 87 | $12

Broad and muscular, with a core of prune, coffee, plum and fig character that gives way to the loam-tinged finish. Drink now through 2012. 4,000 cases imported. —J.M.

BODEGAS ALMA NEGRA Chardonnay Mendoza Sparkling 0 Score: 86 | $20

Aromas of acacia and orange blossom lead to flavors of Rainier cherry and apricot, as hints of spice build on the firm finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases made. —N.W.

BODEGAS ESMERALDA Chardonnay Mendoza Tilia 2009 Score: 86 | $9

Spicy pineapple and tangerine aromas and flavors are backed by vibrant acidity, with a touch of chalky mineral chiming in on the finish. Drink now. 25,000 cases made. —N.W.

BODEGAS ESMERALDA Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Tilia 2009 Score: 85 | $9

Round and fleshy, with forward plum, licorice and mocha notes and a plush finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. —J.M.

BODEGA NORTON Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza 2010 Score: 85 | $10

Grapefruit, straw and chive flavors are vibrant through to the tangy finish. Drink now. 2,000 cases imported. —N.W.