Finca Sophenia Sophenia Altosur Malbec Review

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Sophenia Altosur Malbec: What I think

As a general rule, I’m okay with Malbec. I don’t like the cloying and flabby version we typically see in the under $10 price range here in the US, but that’s what makes this (now $14.99 at K&L Wines) sample pretty impressive. In fact, I can compare it to pretty much all red wine at this price point and be impressed — this is a wine worth drinking.

I found this Malbec to be food-friendly, not oaky or sweet, it was very bright, slightly dusty but with smooth tannins, and well balanced. The 2021 Sophenia was not especially fruity, but somewhere in the middle between New World style and Old World style, kind of like Washington State wines. Side note: Malbec is a Bordeaux grape! In France it is typically only used for blending, but it found a home in Argentina where it is most often bottled as a single varietal.

A high-altitude Malbec (farmed more than 3000 feet above sea level), it is 100% estate grown fruit grown at the highest point in Uco Valley. At this elevation, viticulture is key to producing an enjoyable wine — the fruit has to struggle so the winemaker needs to keep a tight eye on the development of the vines and the grapes throughout the season.

Last updated: August 2, 2023