Variety:Â 50% Cabernet Sauvignon; 50% Malbec
Region: Â Mendoza, Argentina
Cost: Â $11 (SRP)
Winemaker’s Notes: Â Deep ruby red in color, with powerful plum and red fruit aromas upfront which combine harmoniously with hints of vanilla from the oak aging. Well-structured on the palate, with fleshy tannins and a pleasant, persistent finish. Pair with grilled and roasted meats, especially tenderloin, spicy sauces, and savory pasta dishes.
My Review: Been sitting on this post for way too long – funny how life gets in the way of doing the things we enjoy. But I digress. The 2014 Trivento Cabernet-Malbec Reserve. I actually received both this bottle and the single variety Malbec at the same time – I’ve only opened this one yet, mostly because I wanted to try the blend before trying the single to see how I thought they compared. But before I can compare, I have to share my thoughts on this one.
The wine was a nice ruby red color in the glass, and on the nose I picked up red fruit – raspberry mostly. In the mouth the wine was balanced, with the raspberry from the nose being joined by a touch of vanilla that rounded out into a nice long finish.
I paired this wine with pulled pork that my wife and I had been slow cooking for about 8 hours, which the wine actually paired well with. I was worried that it might overpower the meat, even with a nice Carolina-style sauce on it, but the food had enough flavor, and the wine softened as it opened up, to make it a fairly good pairing. That being said, I think grilled meats or some big pasta dishes are a perfect pairing for the wine.
At $11 a bottle it’s a good value – it certainly doesn’t drink like a $40 bottle of wine, but neither does it drink like a $5 bottle. I’d say around $15-20, which means you’re getting your money’s worth, and that’s what really matters.
Editor’s Note: I received this bottle as a free sample for review.
