Definitely a food wine – this offering is more restrained than your typical Malbec at this price point.  Perhaps not austere, but there’s a lively acidity that held up well to the grilled Matambre which I attacked for dinner.  Lean, balanced, linear, it all came together to produce a solid value wine with a complex bouquet and decent finish.  Incidentally, if you’re a Malbec fan and seeking a great cookbook for inspiring dishes to pair with your wine, I can highly recommend Lourdes Castro’s “Latin Grilling” (Ten Speed Press, Berkeley).  Ms. Castro’s approach is easy going and rings with authenticity.

($30 from Trialto Wine Group through Marquis Wine Cellars) Good