South America’s two best-known wine production regions – Argentina and Chile – are separated by about 100 miles over the majestic Andes Mountains, which is why the one-hour flight is more than 200 miles and five-plus hours by car.
Malbec is Argentina’s signature grape. Most of the best come from Mendoza’s high-altitude – roughly 3,000 to 5,000 feet – vineyards. Bodega Catena Zapata, arguably the country’s most influential winery, produces high quality and value at every price level. The 2013 Catena ($24) is a beautiful wine at a fair price, precisely what makes Malbec so popular.
From nearby Salta, Bodega Colomé produces Malbec in a pure, precise style from vineyards at 6,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level, the world’s