Bodega Urqo Malbec Organico 2024, Valle de Uco, Argentina

In a quiet corner of Tupungato lies a block of Malbec that is colder than its neighbours. The average temperature here is recordably lower and has been deemed a cold-trap by Urqo’s viticulturalist Franco Bastia. These ferments from these blocks somehow always taste more ethereal, lifted, aromatic-indeed pretty. Malbec can be such an aromatic, lifted joy, especially in its youth, before it is coupled with oak or other. This is 100% steel tank fermentation from what is an accredited organically farmed block which has much of Uco’s colour and grip, but equally a Pinot Noiressence of prettiness on the nose and palate. It’s a beautiful wine and very happily sports a bonkers label representative of ancient Andean mysticism rendered with Tintin-esque joy.a