The wines of Argentina have been and continue to be good values, and it is important to note that this wine-loving nation is not all about Malbec. Argentina’s winemakers are also producing beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon, Torrontés, and even Pinot Noir. So why are these wines such great values? According to Independent Wine Consultant and Educator Kelly Mitchell, “Wine from Argentina may currently be undervalued in the retail market but you have to realize that consumer demand and awareness often drives the price point of a product. While Argentina is currently flying under the radar, those who are in the know are benefiting by getting excellent wine for a fraction of the price.”

How to be in the know? Here are few producers to start with:

Achaval-Ferrer

The winemaking at Achaval Ferrer focuses on elevation, heritage vines, and single vineyard expressions. Entry level selections such as the Achaval Ferrer Mendoza Malbec 2018, $24 are classically styled options. This Malbec is made with a selection of high-elevation fruit from the Andes’ foothills. It bursts with succulent blue-black fruits and pretty violet aromas. The tannins are firm but approachable—a great choice for barbecue or a hefty pork chop.

For a world-class, optimum expression of Malbec their Finca bottlings are wines are made from fruit grown at 3200 feet of elevation on vines that date back to 1908. Elevation and heritage together conspire to create wines of intense complexity such as their single vineyard Malbec offering: Finca Bella Vista 2013, $129.99.

The Catena Zapata family is credited with bringing Argentinean wine to the world stage. Founded in 1902, the winery was just named World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2020 by Drinks International. They know a thing or two about wine, and the family legacy of exploration and continuous improvement is embodied in projects such Laura Catena’s Domanie Nico. (Laura is Managing Director of Catena Zapata and Domaine Nico is her own personal estate)

The Domaine Nico Grand Père Pinot Noir 2018, comes from Argentina’s Uco Valley. This exquisite wine is the world’s first extreme high-altitude single parcel Pinot Noir. Catena and her winemaking team spent decades of study and research on the region’s soils and uncovered sites that were clearly suited to Pinot Noir cultivation. Years and years of practice, mistakes and trials later have yielded a set of truly extraordinary pinot noirs (there are five unique Domaine Nico bottlings) grown on single parcels and exalted for their individual characteristics. Grand Père is juicy and savory with seductive notes of cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry and an earthy sub-layer. This wine just shines with elegance and fabulous depth. Drinking it is like sinking into a brilliant novel with intriguing plot twists. If you love pinot noir, you must try this wine. $29.99 on Wine.com

Domaine Bousquet

Domaine Bousquet Gaia Red Blend, 2018: Domaine Bousquet is Argentina’s largest exporter of organically grown wines, and appropriately Gaia is named for the earth goddess of ancient Greek mythology. Founded by third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet (who hails from Carcassonne France), the winery focuses on organic viticulture. This blend is made from organic grapes grown in cooler climate growing sites in the Andes’ foothills. Aged in French oak for ten months, the final wine is an exuberant expression of dense blue-black fruits, with some plum and cocoa notes as well. Rich and full-bodied, a fabulous value at $20

Terrazas de los Andes

This winery officially opened in 1996, but its heritage dates back a century as evidenced by a series of high altitude terraced vineyards from the late 1800’s. The vineyard history led the way and now, with projects such The Parcel Los Castaños which is produced in very limited quantities from the oldest parcels at some of the highest elevations, the winery is taking expressions to a world class level. ($90 on winesearcher.com)

They recently launched Grand Malbec and Grand Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings, both of which blend premium fruit from select high-altitude plots. And, their mainstay Reserva Torrontés is always a stunner with notes of orange peel, pineapple and melon wrapped in a fresh, zesty structure. $19.99 on wine.com.