Argentinean vintners are shifting from malbec to the most popular red wine grape on the planet

In the minds of American wine drinkers, Argentina is best known for its malbec and few other exported styles. However, many in Argentina envision a wine future centering on a different red grape: cabernet sauvignon.

Cabernet sauvignon is the most widely planted red wine grape on the planet and performs exceptionally well in the foothills of the Andes mountains. Cabernet sauvignon is also disproportionately represented among the world’s most valuable and sought-after wines, providing every reason for Argentine vintners to shift their production toward a more profitable variety than malbec.

Nowadays, regardless of which variety of grapes are used, wines like this one that prominently feature the word “organic” on the label sell better than similarly priced competitors that don’t. This shift in consumer behavior provides an incentive for vintners to go beyond planting newer vine varieties and pursue organic certification for their vineyards as well.

The prestige of organic certification favors vintners whose land is sunny and dry over those located in cooler climates where vineyards see both more rainfall and higher humidity. South American winemakers like Santa Julia are blessed with an unusually grape-friendly climate that makes it possible to shift to organic farming at a very low cost. Since it is hardly ever necessary to use vineyard interventions like fertilizers, fungicides, or herbicides in the Mendoza region, it’s easier to grow healthy fruit without the prohibited synthetic products; so in this case, farming organically requires little besides completing the necessary paperwork and paying the filing fees.

This unoaked red wine bargain is made with 100% certified organic cabernet sauvignon grapes. Its vivid mix of red cherry and ripe blackberry flavors feature aromatic accents of a more savory Mediterranean stripe like roasted red peppers and black olives. Midweight and fresh-tasting, it makes a great partner for everything from burritos to pizza.

Mendoza, Argentina; 13.5% ABV

PLCB Item #8450, on sale for $11.49 through Nov. 2 (regularly $13.49)

Also available at: Hopewell Super Buy Rite in Pennington, N.J. ($11.99); buyrite.wine