Gascon Malbec

Gascon Malbec is a full-bodied 100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at approximately 13.8–14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. This expression earned 91 points from JamesSuckling.com, reinforcing its standing as one of Mendoza's reliably expressive Malbecs at an accessible price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.8–14.5% (varies by vintage)  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Malbec  |  Producer: Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón

Production & Heritage

Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón traces its roots to 1884, when Don Miguel Escorihuela Gascón established the winery in Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards. The grapes for this wine are hand-harvested and cold soaked for up to four days before fermentation begins in upright tanks, held at a maximum of 85°F for roughly one week. Extended skin contact of up to three weeks extracts deep color and tannin structure. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation—using Oenococcus Omni bacteria to convert sharp malic acid into softer, creamier lactic acid—followed by seven months of oak aging that contributes subtle brown spice character without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Intense blackberry and ripe plum lead the nose, followed by a distinct hint of mocha and a darker, earthier undercurrent. As the wine opens, floral blossom notes emerge alongside gentle campfire smokiness.

Taste: The entry is bold and fruit-forward, with concentrated blackberry and blueberry flavors coating the palate immediately. At mid-palate, layers of dark cherry, licorice, and baking spice develop, supported by plush, round tannins. The peak delivers a rich chocolate and cacao quality that adds depth without heaviness.

Finish: Long and velvety, with lingering vanilla and earthy undertones. The soft tannins persist without bitterness, leaving a clean, satisfying close.

How to Drink Gascon Malbec

This wine shows best at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, poured into a large-bowled glass to let the aromas fully develop. Decanting for 20–30 minutes can further smooth the tannins and open up the spice notes. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, Gascon Malbec works well in a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where its dark fruit intensity holds up against the sweetness; a Red Wine Sangria built with blackberry liqueur and citrus, which amplifies its natural berry character; and a classic Mulled Wine with cinnamon and clove, where its existing spice and chocolate notes meld seamlessly with warm aromatics.

Best For

• Weeknight steak dinners where a bold, food-friendly red is needed
• Introducing someone to Argentine Malbec without overwhelming complexity
• Hosting casual dinner parties with grilled or roasted meats
• Building a value-driven wine collection focused on New World reds

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Gascon Malbec taste like? Gascon Malbec delivers concentrated blackberry, blueberry, and dark cherry flavors layered with licorice, mocha, and subtle chocolate. The mouthfeel is plush and full-bodied with soft, round tannins and a long, velvety finish.

How does Gascon Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec? Both wines originate from Mendoza and sit in a similar price range, but Gascon tends to deliver a richer, more full-bodied profile with greater oak influence from its seven months of barrel aging. In side-by-side tastings, consumers frequently rank Gascon ahead of Alamos for depth and complexity.

Is Gascon Malbec good for sipping on its own? Yes—its fruit-forward intensity, smooth tannins, and layered spice notes make it approachable enough to enjoy without food, especially when served slightly below room temperature and given a few minutes to breathe.

Where is Gascon Malbec made? Gascon Malbec is produced by Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón in Mendoza, Argentina, one of the world's foremost regions for high-quality Malbec, situated at high elevation in the foothills of the Andes.

What foods pair well with Gascon Malbec? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's bold tannins and dark fruit. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its earthy, spiced character. Aged cheddar or Manchego cheese highlights the mocha and vanilla undertones. Slow-braised short ribs mirror the wine's richness, and dark chocolate desserts extend the cacao notes found on the finish.

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

Is Gascon Malbec worth the price? Gascon Malbec positions as a strong entry-level to mid-range Argentine Malbec, and its 91-point score from JamesSuckling.com suggests it punches above its weight within that value tier, delivering oak-aged complexity typically associated with more expensive bottlings.

Why Gascon Malbec?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of Mendoza Malbecs at a similar price point is its deliberate winemaking process: extended cold soak, controlled fermentation, up to three weeks of skin contact, and malolactic conversion that yields a noticeably creamier texture. The seven months of oak aging add spice and structure without masking the varietal's signature dark fruit. A 91-point score from JamesSuckling.com validates what the glass confirms—this is a serious, well-made Malbec backed by a winery with over 140 years of Argentine winemaking heritage. For anyone seeking a reliable, full-bodied Malbec that performs well above its price class, Gascon remains a benchmark.