Ascencion Malbec 2017

Direct from Argentina’s oldest estate (which was named the New York International Wine Competition’s 2013 Winery of the Year), Ascencion has quite the award pedigree, including a past gold medal from the International Wine Challenge. “Attractive blackberry and plum fruits on the nose, with a supple palate and fine tannins,” praised the judges. We think the 2017 brings just as much class and flavor intensity (maybe even more). You be the judge …

Winemaker Francisco Puga hand-harvests his premium Malbec grapes at staggering heights (at over 10,000 feet high, Salta, Argentina boasts some of the highest vineyards in the world). Way up here, sunlight is more intense and the nights get even cooler, producing grapes with thicker skins. This translates to deeper colors and richer flavors in the glass. Light aging in French oak barrels imparts subtle notes of spices and vanilla – this is really lovely stuff.

It’s also a wine tailor-made for hearty meats, confirmed by top UK critics The Wine Gang, who once raved that this was “a full-on Malbec to get the BBQ party started … this wine handles itself with juicy fruit, smoke and spice aplomb. Rich and tight on the palate. It’s your sure-fire match with steak.”

Country	Argentina
Varietal	Malbec
Region	Salta
Alcohol	14.0%
Volume	750ML
Vintage	2017