If you’re a wine lover on a budget, then exploring wines from Argentina could make you very happy.  Vintage after vintage, there are quality bottles at great prices.  They do tend to be earthier and less fruit forward than domestic offerings, but if you like a drier style, then there’s much to love. Here are three really good values our panel tasted recently:

Santa Julia 2015 Mountain Blend

Grape(s): Malbec & Cab Franc

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

Dark berries and plums mingle with suggestions of vanilla and flowers on the nose. Blueberry, dark cherry, and blackberry flavors take shape on the palate, accented by earth, anise, and violets. Plush tannins and a supple mouth-feel make this a good wine to match up with chicken soft tacos. Great buy!

Rating: 90

Trapiche “Broquel” 2016 Malbec

Grape(s):  100% Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of violets, earth, and dark berries rises up from a glass. The palate brings together ripe blueberry and blackberry flavors, with earthy and floral tones. Cocoa tannins frame a good balance of fruit and non-fruit flavors, making this a wine to pair with you’re favorite Mexican dish.

Rating: 89

Alamos 2016 Malbec

Grape(s): 100% Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Price: 5-10

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of blueberries, blackberries, earth, and anise greet the senses.  Blackberry and black cherry flavors along with highlights of toasty vanilla, floral earth, and cocoa are carried by polished tannins on the palate. Fairly supple and layered for a wine that’s under $10, making it a great value.

Rating: 89