Andeluna Malbec

Andeluna Malbec is a 100% Malbec wine from Gualtallary in Argentina's Uco Valley, bottled at approximately 14% ABV in a 750ml format. Scored 92 points by James Suckling and produced from one of Mendoza's most exclusive sub-regions — home to fewer than eight wineries — this bottling delivers concentration and freshness well beyond its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~14%  |  Origin: Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Malbec  |  Winery: Andeluna Cellars

Production & Heritage

Andeluna is a family-owned winery situated in the rocky, calcareous soils of Gualtallary, Tupungato, at the base of the Andes mountains. The naturally low-yielding vines in this high-altitude terroir produce grapes of greater concentration and intensity. Fermentation takes place with natural and selected yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks held around 26°C, followed by three months of aging in French oak barrels and a further three months of bottle rest before release. The winery emphasizes sustainable viticulture practices, and its location in Gualtallary — representing less than 1% of all Mendoza wineries — gives the wine a mineral signature that distinguishes it from Malbecs grown on the valley floor.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Floral violet notes emerge first, followed by layers of blue and dark berries — blueberry, blackberry, and red plum. Subtle hints of mint, graphite, and white pepper add complexity behind the fruit.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with fresh raspberry and ripe dark berries filling the mid-palate. A subtle mineral texture from the calcareous Gualtallary soils threads through the wine, while silky, well-integrated tannins provide structure without weight. The overall impression is fresh, smooth, and balanced.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering notes of walnut, cedar, and a peppery spice that recalls the wine's high-altitude origins. The tannins remain supple through the close, leaving a clean, fruit-tinged farewell.

How to Drink Andeluna Malbec

This Malbec shows its best character slightly below room temperature, around 16–18°C (61–64°F), poured into a large-bowled glass that allows the violet aromatics to open up. It drinks well on its own but also performs in wine-friendly mixed drinks. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well with the wine's ripe fruit. A New York Sour benefits from the Malbec's dark berry intensity layered over bourbon. A classic Sangria built around this wine gains depth from its violet and plum notes without needing excessive added sweetness.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled steak or roasted vegetables
• Introducing friends to high-altitude Argentine Malbec
• Building a case of everyday South American reds
• Bringing a reliable bottle to a casual dinner party

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Andeluna Malbec taste like? Andeluna Malbec leads with juicy blue and dark berry fruit — blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry — layered with floral violet, white pepper, and a mineral undertone from its Gualtallary terroir. The tannins are silky and the overall profile is fresh, smooth, and balanced.

How does Andeluna Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec? Both are widely available Argentine Malbecs, but Andeluna sources its fruit from the more prestigious Gualtallary sub-region of the Uco Valley, while Alamos draws from broader Mendoza vineyards. Andeluna tends to show more minerality and floral lift, whereas Alamos leans into ripe, approachable fruit at a similar entry-level position.

Is Andeluna Malbec good for beginners? Yes — its soft tannins, bright fruit, and approachable balance make it an excellent starting point for anyone exploring Argentine Malbec. The wine is food-friendly and does not require decanting or extended aging to enjoy.

Where is Andeluna Malbec made? Andeluna Malbec is produced at the Andeluna winery in Gualtallary, within the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina. Gualtallary sits at high altitude in the foothills of the Andes, where rocky calcareous soils and wide day-night temperature swings shape the wine's character.

What foods pair well with Andeluna Malbec? Grilled beef or lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and structure. Empanadas with spiced meat fillings echo its peppery notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego or Gouda match the wine's smooth tannins. Roasted eggplant or portobello mushrooms bridge well with its earthy minerality. Dark chocolate desserts with moderate sweetness highlight the berry and cedar tones on the finish.

What sizes does Andeluna Malbec come in? Andeluna Malbec is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Andeluna Malbec worth the price? Andeluna Malbec positions as an entry-level expression from one of Mendoza's most exclusive sub-regions, delivering terroir-driven complexity — including minerality and floral aromatics — that many wines at this value tier simply do not offer. Its 92-point rating from James Suckling reinforces its standing as a strong value pick.

Why Andeluna Malbec?

Gualtallary is one of Argentina's most coveted vineyard areas, and Andeluna is among the handful of wineries with direct access to its rocky, mineral-rich soils. Where many entry-level Malbecs rely on ripe fruit alone, this bottling layers in violet florals, peppery spice, and a genuine mineral texture that reflects its high-altitude origin. The 92-point score from James Suckling and a Silver medal from the Decanter World Wine Awards confirm that independent critics recognize the quality here. For anyone seeking an Argentine Malbec that punches above its weight class with real terroir identity, Andeluna is a compelling choice.