Terrazas Altos del Plata Malbec

Terrazas Altos del Plata Malbec is a 100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from the Cordón del Plata vineyard terrace at 1,067 meters above sea level, this wine channels the intensity and freshness that high-altitude Malbec is known for, with eight months of oak barrel aging adding structure to a fruit-forward core.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  8 Months Oak Aged  |  Winery: Terrazas de los Andes

Production & Heritage

Terrazas de los Andes was founded in 1999 and operates under the Moët Hennessy portfolio within LVMH. The winery's philosophy centers on altitude-driven viticulture — matching each grape variety to its ideal elevation in the Andean foothills. For the Altos del Plata Malbec, grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards at 1,067 meters, irrigated by pristine glacial meltwater that flows down from the Andes during Mendoza's dry summers. After harvest, the fruit undergoes a five-day cold soak before a 15-day fermentation, followed by eight months of aging in oak barrels. The winery also follows regenerative viticulture practices, reflecting an increasing commitment to sustainability in the region.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with ripe blackberry and plum, quickly joined by fresh violet and lavender. Beneath the primary fruit sits a layer of white pepper and subtle toasted oak.

Taste: The entry is pure and fruit-driven, with ripe black cherry and dark berry flavors flooding the mid-palate. A medium body keeps things accessible rather than heavy, while spicy peppery notes and gentle tannins from the oak aging emerge toward the peak, adding dimension without overwhelming the fruit.

Finish: Medium in length, with lingering traces of plum and a clean, slightly floral sign-off. The tannins remain soft and integrated, leaving a fresh, balanced impression.

How to Drink Altos del Plata Malbec

This Malbec drinks well at cellar temperature, around 16–18°C (60–64°F), and benefits from a few minutes in the glass to let the floral and fruit aromas open up. It also works naturally in wine-based cocktails and food-forward settings. A Malbec Sangria built with dark stone fruits and a cinnamon stick plays directly into the wine's plum and berry character. In a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), the fruit density holds its own against the sweetness. For a lighter warm-weather option, a Tinto de Verano with lemon soda highlights the wine's fresh violet and berry notes.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled steak or roasted vegetables
• Introducing someone to Argentine Malbec for the first time
• Casual dinner party pours that over-deliver on quality
• Building a foundational understanding of high-altitude Mendoza wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Altos del Plata Malbec taste like? It delivers ripe black cherry, plum, and blackberry flavors with a fresh violet lift and soft peppery spice, all wrapped in a medium-bodied frame with gentle oak influence from eight months in barrel.

How does Altos del Plata Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec? Both are entry-level Mendoza Malbecs, but Terrazas places specific emphasis on altitude-designated vineyards at 1,067 meters, while Alamos by Catena draws from a broader range of Mendoza sites. The Altos del Plata tends to show more pronounced floral and violet aromatics, a hallmark of its high-elevation sourcing.

Is Altos del Plata Malbec good for beginners? Absolutely — its ripe fruit character, soft tannins, and medium body make it one of the more approachable introductions to Argentine Malbec without sacrificing varietal typicity.

Where is Altos del Plata Malbec made? It is produced by Terrazas de los Andes in the Mendoza wine region of Argentina, with fruit sourced specifically from the Cordón del Plata vineyard terrace at 1,067 meters elevation in the Andean foothills.

What foods pair well with Altos del Plata Malbec? Grilled Argentine-style steak (asado) is the classic match, with the wine's tannins cutting through the char and fat. Lamb empanadas work well with the peppery spice notes. Roasted portobello mushrooms complement the wine's earthy undertones. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego echo the toasted oak character. Dark chocolate with 70% cacao or higher mirrors the ripe berry depth without clashing.

What sizes does Altos del Plata Malbec come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Altos del Plata Malbec worth the price? It positions as an entry-level expression within the Terrazas de los Andes range, sitting below the Reserva and Grand lines. For a high-altitude, oak-aged Malbec from a Moët Hennessy estate, it represents strong value in the everyday Argentine Malbec category.

Why Altos del Plata Malbec?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of entry-level Mendoza Malbecs is its single-terrace altitude sourcing. At 1,067 meters, the Cordón del Plata vineyards experience wide diurnal temperature swings — warm days that build sugar and phenolic ripeness, cold nights that preserve acidity and aromatic freshness. That combination delivers the violet and lavender notes that define this wine's personality. The glacial meltwater irrigation adds another layer of terroir specificity rarely found at this price tier. Backed by Terrazas de los Andes' two-decade commitment to altitude-matched viticulture, this Malbec consistently demonstrates that elevation is more than a marketing story — it shapes what ends up in the glass.