Novus Ordo Malbec

Novus Ordo Malbec is a 100% Malbec wine from the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina, available in a standard 750ml bottle. Grown on distinctive ancient volcanic soil at 950 meters elevation in Luján, Mendoza, this wine draws mineral-rich complexity directly from its terroir, earning a 4.1 Vivino rating for its Reserva Serie expression.

Quick Facts: Varietal: 100% Malbec  |  Origin: Luján, Mendoza, Argentina  |  Elevation: 950 meters  |  Soil: Ancient volcanic (black/brown molten)

Production & Heritage

Novus Ordo sources its Malbec grapes from vineyards situated at 950 meters above sea level in the Luján district of Mendoza, within the broader Valle de Uco wine region. The ancient molten black and brown volcanic soil at this altitude imparts a distinctive mineral character that separates these vines from lower-elevation plantings. High-altitude viticulture in Mendoza produces grapes with greater diurnal temperature variation, which helps preserve natural acidity while developing concentrated fruit flavors during the growing season.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens fresh and inviting with luscious blackberry leading into vibrant cherry and subtle plum. An underlying mineral thread connects the fruit notes, hinting at the volcanic terroir beneath.

Taste: The entry is wide and vibrant across the palate, immediately signaling a wine with real presence. Sweet, polished tannins frame the mid-palate, where dark berry flavors intensify. Excellent acidity keeps the structure lively and balanced, preventing the ripe fruit from overwhelming the palate.

Finish: The finish is notably persistent, with that mineral-driven complexity lingering alongside traces of dark cherry and plum skin. The tannin texture remains smooth through the close, leaving a clean, dry impression.

How to Drink Novus Ordo Malbec

Pour at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, in a large-bowled red wine glass to allow the aromatic complexity to develop fully. A brief 20-minute decant can further open the wine's fruit and soften its tannin structure. For a Malbec Sangria, the bold berry profile holds its own against citrus and brandy. In a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), the wine's acidity and fruit punch cut through the sweetness for a refreshing warm-weather drink. A simple red wine spritzer with sparkling water highlights the mineral backbone while keeping things light.

Best For

• Introducing someone to high-altitude Argentine Malbec
• Pairing with a weekend asado or charcoal-grilled steak dinner
• Building an approachable South American wine collection
• A weeknight red that rewards attention without demanding decanting

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Novus Ordo Malbec taste like? Novus Ordo Malbec delivers ripe blackberry and cherry flavors supported by sweet tannins, bright acidity, and a mineral complexity that comes from its volcanic vineyard soils. The finish is persistent and clean.

How does Novus Ordo Malbec compare to Catena Malbec? Both wines are 100% Malbec expressions from high-altitude Mendoza vineyards, but Novus Ordo emphasizes volcanic soil-driven minerality from its Luján site at 950 meters. Catena Malbec, produced by the well-established Bodega Catena Zapata, tends to be more widely distributed and draws from multiple high-altitude vineyard parcels across Mendoza.

Is Novus Ordo Malbec good for sipping on its own? Yes, it works well on its own thanks to balanced acidity, polished tannins, and enough fruit concentration to hold interest across an entire glass without food.

Where is Novus Ordo Malbec made? Novus Ordo Malbec is produced in the Luján district of Mendoza, Argentina, within the Valle de Uco wine region, at an elevation of approximately 950 meters above sea level on ancient volcanic soils.

What foods pair well with Novus Ordo Malbec? Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's dark fruit and tannin structure. Lamb chops with rosemary echo the herbal undertones. Empanadas with spiced beef match the wine's weight and acidity. Aged Gouda or Manchego highlight the mineral finish. Grilled portobello mushrooms provide an earthy counterpoint to the fruit-forward profile.

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

Is Novus Ordo Malbec worth the price? Novus Ordo Malbec positions as an accessible entry into high-altitude Mendoza Malbec, delivering volcanic-soil terroir character and genuine complexity that punches above many wines in its value tier.

Why Novus Ordo Malbec?

The defining characteristic of this wine is its vineyard source: ancient volcanic soil at 950 meters in Luján, Mendoza. That specific terroir produces a Malbec with a mineral backbone that many fruit-forward Argentine reds in the same price tier simply lack. The combination of high-altitude acidity and sweet, integrated tannins gives the wine structure without harshness, making it genuinely versatile at the table. For anyone exploring what Mendoza's volcanic soils can do with Malbec, this bottle makes a direct and convincing case.