Notro Malbec

Notro Malbec is a 100% Malbec red wine from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2009 vintage earned an 89/100 score from Wine Enthusiast, and the label has maintained a consistent presence as a budget-friendly Argentine red across multiple reviewed vintages.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  Varietal: 100% Malbec  |  Style: Still Red Wine

Production & Heritage

Notro Malbec is sourced from vineyards in Mendoza, the heartland of Argentine Malbec production. Mendoza's high-altitude desert climate — with wide diurnal temperature shifts and intense sunlight — concentrates color, fruit character, and acidity in Malbec grapes. While specific winemaking details for Notro are not widely documented, the wine is produced as an unoaked or lightly oaked expression designed to highlight the primary fruit characteristics of Mendoza Malbec at an accessible price point.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with jammy red and dark berry aromas, followed by hints of mint and spice. Some vintages show a brighter, more lifted fruit profile, while others lean toward deeper, darker berry notes.

Taste: On entry, the palate delivers ripe plum and cassis flavors with noticeable fullness. The mid-palate can show saucy, candied berry character and moderate tannin structure. Certain vintages, particularly the 2009, presented a rounder, more integrated palate described by Wine Enthusiast critics as "full, not too tannic and tasty," while others skew more herbaceous with tomato-leaf notes.

Finish: The finish is moderate in length and generally easygoing, with residual berry and plum flavors tapering off. Some vintages carry a peppery or tangy quality on the close.

How to Drink Notro Malbec

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) to balance fruit expression and structure. A brief 15–20 minute decant can soften tannins in younger vintages, though this is not a wine that demands extended aeration.

Sangria: The jammy berry core and approachable tannins make Notro a natural base for red sangria with citrus and stone fruit. Kalimotxo: Its straightforward fruit profile pairs surprisingly well with cola in this classic Basque combination — an easy summer drink. Red Wine Spritzer: Mixed with sparkling water and a squeeze of lime, the wine's ripe fruit stands up to dilution without losing character.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners when you want a reliable Malbec without overthinking the selection
• Casual backyard grilling sessions with red meat or sausages
• Introducing someone new to Argentine Malbec at an approachable entry point
• Building a house-pour rotation for everyday red wine drinking

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Notro Malbec taste like? Notro Malbec delivers ripe plum, cassis, and jammy berry flavors with moderate tannins and an easygoing finish. Depending on the vintage, herbal and peppery notes may also appear.

How does Notro Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec? Both are value-tier Mendoza Malbecs built around ripe dark fruit, though Alamos Malbec (also around 13.5% ABV) tends to receive slightly more consistent critical scores across vintages and is more widely distributed. Notro generally occupies a similar or slightly lower price bracket.

Is Notro Malbec good for beginners? Yes — its fruit-forward profile, moderate tannins, and uncomplicated structure make it a straightforward introduction to Mendoza Malbec without the intensity of more premium expressions.

Where is Notro Malbec made? Notro Malbec is produced in Mendoza, Argentina, the country's largest and most celebrated wine region, located in the rain shadow of the Andes Mountains at elevations that can exceed 3,000 feet.

What foods pair well with Notro Malbec? Grilled flank steak benefits from the wine's berry fruit cutting through charred, savory flavors. Empanadas — especially beef — mirror the wine's South American roots. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego complement its moderate tannins. Roasted red pepper dishes echo the wine's ripe, slightly spicy character. Pizza with red sauce and cured meats also pairs naturally.

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

Is Notro Malbec worth the price? Notro Malbec positions squarely as an entry-level, everyday Argentine Malbec, and within that value tier it delivers expected varietal character. It is best appreciated as a reliable daily pour rather than a cellar-worthy investment.

Why Notro Malbec?

Notro Malbec earns its place as a dependable entry point to Mendoza's defining varietal. Its best vintages — notably the 2009, which scored 89/100 from Wine Enthusiast — demonstrate that the label can produce genuinely enjoyable wine at an accessible tier. The straightforward, fruit-driven style works both on its own and alongside grilled foods, making it a practical bottle to keep on hand. For drinkers exploring Argentine Malbec before committing to higher-priced labels, Notro provides a no-fuss starting line.