+ 1/2 (Because giving a wine five glasses feels a little desperate)
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner. The 2022 Amayan Malbec from Mendoza is a smooth operator. Not too dry, not too sweet — just hanging out in that perfect middle zone, like a guest at a party who knows how to hold a conversation and leave before it gets awkward. Not so dry that you get chalk mouth. Semi-Bold and not overly sweet, and dangerously easy to drink “Wow, this is good” followed by a “Wait, where did it all go?” situation. . So easy, in fact, that this bottle never even saw a second night. Pour one out for the concept of self-control.
Apparently, it’s from a single vineyard which I assume means the grapes had plenty of alone time to think about their life choices. And it was hand-harvested — none of that machine nonsense. Big applause to the grape-picking squad. Plus, the vinification was done with native yeast in concrete tanks, which sounds very artisanal and also like something I’d pretend to understand at a dinner party.
Paired it with a burger fresh off the grill because I’m a sophisticated connoisseur who believes in the power of charred meat and red wine. Honestly, it was a perfect match. The smoky burger brought out the wine’s “I’m from Argentina, and I know I’m good-looking” energy. I may have whispered “Amayan, you handsome devil” at the last sip. No regrets.
At $7 (down from $20?!), I’m basically committing a victimless crime. Another favorite added to my “buy it again and pretend I’m cultured” list. Bravo, Amayan. You nailed it.
Types of Grapes: 100% Malbec
ABV %/ Fun Juice Level: 13.5%
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Grocery Outlet Price: $7.99
