Crios Rose

Crios Rosé is a dry 100% Malbec rosé from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Susana Balbo — widely recognized as Argentina's first female enologist — this expression has earned 90 points from James Suckling across multiple vintages, confirming its consistency and quality within the Argentine rosé category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Malbec Rosé  |  Producer: Crios de Susana Balbo

Production & Heritage

Susana Balbo founded her eponymous winery in Mendoza's Luján de Cuyo district, and the Crios line represents a more approachable tier within her portfolio. The grapes undergo gentle pressing followed by cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks using specially selected yeasts at 12–14°C (54–57°F), a technique designed to preserve delicate aromatics and fresh fruit character. This controlled, reductive winemaking approach keeps the wine bright and expressive, channeling Malbec into a lighter, more delicate style than the varietal's typically bold red wine expressions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe strawberry leads, followed by watermelon rind and faint red raspberry. Subtle hints of wet stone and citrus zest emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is fresh and dry, with crushed strawberry and nectarine across the front palate. Mid-palate, gentle notes of tangerine, kiwi, and mild red cherry develop alongside a faint white pepper spice. The overall impression is balanced and fruit-forward without sweetness.

Finish: Medium in length with a vibrant, clean acidity that lingers alongside crushed stone minerality. Tart berry and a whisper of lime keep the close refreshing and precise.

How to Drink Crios Rosé

Serve well chilled at 8–10°C (46–50°F) to highlight its bright acidity and delicate aromatics. This rosé also works as a versatile base for warm-weather cocktails: a Frosé takes advantage of the ripe strawberry and watermelon notes for a frozen summer staple; a Rosé Spritz with elderflower liqueur and sparkling water amplifies the floral citrus character; and a Rosé Sangria with fresh stone fruit and a splash of brandy complements the nectarine and berry profile.

Best For

• Outdoor summer entertaining — barbecues, patios, and pool-side gatherings
• Introducing Argentine Malbec drinkers to a lighter expression of the grape
• Weeknight pairing with light Mediterranean or Latin American cuisine
• Gifting someone who appreciates dry, fruit-driven rosé wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Crios Rosé taste like? Crios Rosé is a dry, fruit-forward wine dominated by fresh strawberry, watermelon, and nectarine flavors balanced by crisp acidity and a subtle mineral finish. It avoids residual sweetness, landing firmly in the dry rosé category.

How does Crios Rosé compare to Alamos Malbec Rosé? Both are 100% Malbec rosés from Mendoza at similar price points, but Crios Rosé tends toward more pronounced minerality and citrus complexity from its Luján de Cuyo fruit and cool-fermentation technique. Alamos Malbec Rosé typically presents a slightly fruitier, more straightforward profile.

Is Crios Rosé good for sipping on its own? Yes — its balanced acidity, dry profile, and layered fruit aromatics make it a satisfying standalone pour, especially when served well chilled in warm weather.

Where is Crios Rosé made? Crios Rosé is produced by the Susana Balbo winery in the Luján de Cuyo sub-region of Mendoza, Argentina, one of the country's most respected zones for high-altitude Malbec cultivation.

What foods pair well with Crios Rosé? Grilled shrimp or fish tacos complement its citrus and berry notes. Caprese salad mirrors the wine's fresh acidity. Chicken empanadas echo the subtle spice on the mid-palate. Charcuterie boards with prosciutto and mild cheeses match its dry, fruit-driven character. Watermelon and feta salad is a natural seasonal pairing given the wine's melon undertones.

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

Is Crios Rosé worth the price? Crios Rosé positions as an accessible, everyday rosé that consistently punches above its weight — multiple vintages have scored 90 points from James Suckling, which is uncommon at this value tier for Argentine rosé.

Why Crios Rosé?

Consistency is what separates Crios Rosé from much of the Argentine rosé field. Scoring 90 points from James Suckling across the 2018, 2020, and 2021 vintages — and earning Gold at the Sakura Awards for the 2020 vintage — signals a wine that delivers reliably year after year. The decision to use 100% Malbec, Argentina's flagship grape, in a delicate rosé format gives drinkers a genuinely distinctive alternative to Provençal blends or domestic white Zinfandel-style pinks. Backed by the winemaking authority of Susana Balbo, one of Argentina's most influential producers, this is a rosé with substance and pedigree behind its approachable price point.