Crios Malbec

Crios Malbec is a 100% Malbec from Mendoza's Uco Valley, Argentina, bottled at approximately 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scored 91 points by James Suckling for the 2023 vintage, this wine has also been recognized by Decanter magazine as one of the Top 3 Value Malbecs from Argentina — a distinction that underscores its consistent quality across vintages.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Malbec  |  Producer: Susana Balbo / Dominio del Plata

Production & Heritage

Crios is produced by Susana Balbo, Argentina's first female enologist and founder of Dominio del Plata winery in Mendoza. The grapes are sourced from high-altitude Andean vineyards averaging 3,700 feet in elevation, drawn from sub-regions including Los Chacayes, Vista Flores, Los Árboles, and Gualtallary Sur. Fermentation occurs at 28–31°C with selected yeasts, followed by a 15- to 20-day maceration period using both open and closed pump-overs with délestage. Roughly 40% of the wine spends eight months in third- and fourth-use French oak barrels, preserving fruit purity while adding subtle structure. This restrained oak treatment distinguishes Crios from more heavily oaked Malbecs at a similar level.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe black cherry and blackberry lead, followed by violet and mocha. A subtle graphite note adds complexity alongside hints of cinnamon and leather.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward, with dark cherry and black raspberry flavors filling the mid-palate. As it develops, cocoa and plum emerge alongside fine-grained, ripe tannins balanced by fresh acidity. The mouthfeel is medium- to full-bodied without heaviness.

Finish: Moderate in length with lingering mulberry, a whisper of oak spice, and a clean, slightly mineral close. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving no bitter edge.

How to Drink Crios Malbec

This Malbec drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with fifteen to twenty minutes of air to open the aromatics. It is equally enjoyable on its own or alongside food. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, consider a Malbec Sangria — the ripe berry core stands up to citrus and stone fruit additions; a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the wine's natural sweetness and acidity create a surprisingly balanced mix; or a simple Red Wine Spritzer for warm-weather sipping, where soda water lifts the fruit without drowning it.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled steak or roasted vegetables
• Introducing someone to Argentine Malbec without overwhelming their palate
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual dinner party
• Building a value-driven Argentine wine collection

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Crios Malbec taste like? Crios Malbec delivers ripe black cherry, blackberry, and plum flavors with undertones of mocha, violet, and a touch of graphite. Fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced rather than jammy.

How does Crios Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec? Both are value-tier 100% Malbecs from Mendoza, but Crios sources exclusively from the higher-altitude Uco Valley, which generally yields more aromatic complexity and brighter acidity. Alamos, produced by Catena Zapata, tends toward a slightly softer, rounder profile with less pronounced mineral character.

Is Crios Malbec good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit intensity, smooth tannins, and moderate body make it an excellent entry point into Argentine Malbec without sacrificing depth or character.

Where is Crios Malbec made? Crios Malbec is produced by Susana Balbo's Dominio del Plata winery in Mendoza, Argentina, using grapes from multiple high-altitude sites across the Uco Valley at an average elevation of 3,700 feet.

What foods pair well with Crios Malbec? Grilled Argentine-style short ribs complement its smoky undertones. Empanadas with spiced beef mirror the wine's cinnamon and spice notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego echo its structure. Roasted portobello mushrooms bring out earthy complexity. Dark chocolate desserts resonate with the mocha and cocoa finish.

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

Is Crios Malbec worth the price? Crios positions as a value-tier Malbec that consistently punches above its weight — a 91-point James Suckling score and Gold medals at both Decanter World Wine Awards and Sakura Awards place it among the strongest performers in its price range.

Why Crios Malbec?

What sets Crios apart is the combination of high-altitude Uco Valley sourcing and a deliberately restrained approach to oak — only 40% of the blend sees barrel time, and only in well-used French oak. The result is a Malbec that foregrounds fruit purity and site character over winemaking artifice. Susana Balbo's reputation as a pioneering Argentine winemaker lends credibility, and the wine's track record — including a Decanter Gold medal and recognition as one of Argentina's top value Malbecs — confirms that this is not simply a brand exercise. For anyone seeking an honest, well-made expression of Mendoza Malbec at an accessible level, Crios remains one of the most reliable options in the category.