Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec

Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec is a 100% Malbec wine from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2021 vintage earned the #30 spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2023 and received 94 points from James Suckling, placing this high-altitude Argentine red among the most recognized Malbecs in its price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Mendoza, Argentina  |  100% Malbec, French Oak Aged  |  Producer: Terrazas de los Andes (Chandon Argentina / Moët Hennessy)

Production & Heritage

Terrazas de los Andes is owned by Chandon Argentina, itself a subsidiary of Moët Hennessy within the LVMH group. The winery sources fruit from vineyards planted at approximately 1,070 meters elevation, blending mountain-grown grapes from the Uco Valley with parcels from Las Compuertas in the Luján de Cuyo sub-region. Vine age ranges from 20 to 80 years old, contributing depth and concentration to the final blend. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts, the wine matures in French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months — long enough to build structure and spice complexity without overwhelming the varietal character Malbec is known for at altitude.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with intense floral perfume — violets and hibiscus — followed by layers of ripe black cherry, plum, and blueberry. Subtle undertones of wild herbs, cassis, and orange blossom develop with time in the glass.

Taste: The entry is plush and juicy, immediately delivering a pure beam of raspberry and dark cherry fruit. At mid-palate, toasty French oak surfaces alongside black pepper and dark chocolate notes, while balanced acidity keeps everything taut and focused. The mouthfeel is silky, with the kind of weight that fills the palate without heaviness.

Finish: Medium to long, with soft tannins framing lingering flavors of baking spice and black fruit. A savory, slightly earthy quality emerges at the very end, adding a layer of complexity beyond the fruit.

How to Drink Terrazas Reserva Malbec

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (around 60–65°F) with no decanting strictly necessary, though 20–30 minutes of air opens up the floral aromatics considerably. Its balanced structure also makes it versatile in wine-based drinks. A Kalimotxo works surprisingly well with the Reserva's fruit intensity, softened by cola's sweetness. In a Red Wine Sangria, the dark berry core and spice notes hold up against citrus and brandy additions without losing identity. For a simple warm-weather serve, a Tinto de Verano highlights the wine's juicy cherry character with lemon soda and ice.

Best For

• Introducing a serious wine drinker to high-altitude Argentine Malbec
• Pairing with a weekend asado or charcoal-grilled steak dinner
• Gifting to someone who appreciates critically acclaimed wines without ultra-premium pricing
• Building a collection of benchmark New World reds from recognized appellations

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Terrazas Reserva Malbec taste like? It delivers a core of ripe black cherry, plum, and blueberry fruit wrapped in silky tannins, with supporting notes of dark chocolate, black pepper, and baking spice from 12–14 months of French oak aging. The overall impression is juicy and floral, with enough acidity and structure to keep it balanced rather than jammy.

How does Terrazas Reserva Malbec compare to Catena Zapata Malbec? Both are benchmark Mendoza Malbecs sourced from high-altitude vineyards, but Terrazas Reserva leans toward a more floral, fruit-forward profile with pronounced violet and cherry notes, while Catena's standard Malbec tends toward darker, more structured tannins. Terrazas also benefits from the backing of Moët Hennessy's winemaking resources, whereas Catena Zapata is a family-owned estate with a distinct terroir-driven philosophy.

Is Terrazas Reserva Malbec good for sipping on its own? Yes — its silky tannins, balanced acidity, and layered fruit make it an excellent standalone sipper, especially when served slightly below room temperature. James Suckling's 94-point score for the 2021 vintage confirms it stands up well as a contemplative glass.

Where is Terrazas Reserva Malbec made? It is produced by Terrazas de los Andes in Mendoza, Argentina, using grapes grown at around 1,070 meters elevation in the Uco Valley and Las Compuertas within the Luján de Cuyo sub-region. The winery is part of Chandon Argentina, a subsidiary of the LVMH-owned Moët Hennessy group.

What foods pair well with Terrazas Reserva Malbec? Grilled ribeye steak mirrors the wine's smoky oak and dark fruit beautifully. Lamb empanadas match its peppery spice notes. Aged gouda or manchego cheese complements the toasty, nutty undertones from French oak. Dark chocolate desserts echo the cocoa character on the mid-palate. Roasted root vegetables like beets and sweet potatoes work well with the wine's earthy finish.

What sizes does Terrazas Reserva Malbec come in? The standard bottling is 750ml, which is the most widely available format.

Is Terrazas Reserva Malbec worth the price? It positions as a strong mid-range Argentine Malbec, sitting above everyday table wines but well below Mendoza's single-vineyard and icon-tier bottlings. With multiple 90+ point scores from major critics and a Wine Spectator Top 100 placement, it consistently over-delivers relative to its price tier.

Why Terrazas Reserva Malbec?

Few Argentine Malbecs at this price point carry a Wine Spectator Top 100 distinction — the 2021 vintage's #30 ranking put it alongside wines costing several times more. The combination of old vines (up to 80 years) planted above 1,000 meters and 12–14 months in French oak produces a level of aromatic complexity and structural finesse uncommon in the category. Backed by Moët Hennessy's viticultural expertise and decades of high-altitude winemaking experience in Mendoza, Terrazas Reserva represents one of the most reliable entry points into serious Argentine Malbec. Its consistency across vintages — evidenced by strong scores from James Suckling, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, and Sakura Double Gold medals — reinforces its standing as a benchmark rather than a one-vintage wonder.