I’ve always looked to M&S as a good port of call for High Street wine buys and after recently meeting Emma Dawson MW wine buyer at M&S I have explored their range further. My buy of the week is Tupungato Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 which also happens to be currently on offer with a 25% discount…a bargain £7.12.
Tupungato is a northern sub region within the Uco Valley (south of Mendoza), the vineyards are high altitudes with have a long growing season but the large diurnal range ensures grapes retain acidity and ripen more slowly than is normally the case in other Argentinian regions.
Onto the wine itself – a deep and vibrant ruby colour it exhibits lots of smoky black fruit on the nose: brambles, plum and mulberry alongside lifted floral notes and some vanilla and clove spice. On the palate this is a dry medium-full bodied red with a good vein of acidity running through it. The ripe tannins are well integrated and supple and the alcohol (13%) balanced. The fruit follows through from the nose but I also noted a flavour sensation I can only describe as sour cranberries dipped in bitter dark chocolate which I liked. This is a well made good quality wine which for the discounted price is a bit of a steal..be quick though I don’t think stocks will last long!
how long will this stay drinkable please if unopened
A lot will depend on how it has been stored. Certainly if its been kept away from radiators or the kitchen with all the temperature fluctuations that can bring, then it will be fine to drink for a year or two. This particular vintage will probably need drinking soon but for most recent vintages a good couple of years will be fine.