12 Best Malbec Wines Under $20: Quality on a Budget (2023)
Last Updated on November 25, 2023 by Lydia Martin
I’ve always been drawn to Malbecs for their luscious purple hue and rich, full-bodied taste. These Malbec wines, crafted from dark grapes, bring an exotic flavor profile to the table.
They are a bit rare in the West, often hailing from the Malbec mecca of Argentina or the intense sunlight regions of Southern Europe.
So, if you want to savor the potent kick of alcohol and robust aromas of Malbec Wines without breaking the bank, check out below the best Malbec wine under $20.
Top 12 Malbec Wines Under $20
1. The Fableist 437 Malbec
Average Price: Approx. $19.99 per 750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 14.3% ABV
Nose: Oak and red fruits
Palate: Balanced Malbec taste with herbaceous notes
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The Fableist 437 delivers a well-balanced profile with an aromatic nose and herbal palate. It’s a wine that pairs with more than just food; it pairs with moments and memories.
The temperature and vineyard grapes grown within the Paso Robles greatly contribute to the pleasant tasting notes of this Malbec.
Malbec, the signature wine of Argentina, offers a fascinating symphony of wild berries and structured tannins, proving itself as a serious contender on the world stage of fine wines.” – Robert M. Parker Jr., American Wine Critic
It can compete with the native Malbec wines from Argentina, which makes it my top choice.
2. Catena Malbec
Average Price: Roughly $17.97 per 750ml (Total Wine)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Dark fruits and sweet spice
Palate: Black cherries, mineral, and black pepper
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Catena Malbec, a Mendoza Malbec, is a testament to quality and flavor. It has a velvety texture with robust blackberry notes, making it one of the best Malbec wines.
Besides, Catena Malbec respects its roots as it delivers a transcendent experience, ensuring that each sip is worthy of being savored.
Fun Fact: This Malbec is sourced from grapes that flourished in the high-altitude vineyards of the Catena family in Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo, Tupungato, and San Carlos within the foot of the Andes mountains.
3. La Linda Malbec
Average Price: Around $19.99 per 750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Blackberry and vanilla scents
Palate: Soft Malbec taste with oak notes
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: La Linda Malbec is a charming wine with a vivid violet-hued exuding the signature Malbec scents intertwined with spice and subtle floral touches.
Tasting notes reveal a fruit-forward profile and smooth texture. I like the mature tannins and harmonious acidity, showcasing a refined and robustly constructed Malbec. But is Malbec sweet?
4. Alberti Malbec
Average Price: Approx. $15.91 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Black plum and chocolate
Palate: Chocolate and black cherry
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: Alberti, from Mendoza, Argentina (also known for their Cabernet Sauvignon wines), captures the essence of the Malbec grape with its luscious dark fruit flavors.
Given its tasting notes, it’s a crowd-pleaser – perfect for any occasion. The way the chocolate notes play with the essence of dark fruits is impressive.
It delivers a richness usually found in more expensive Malbec wines in South West France.
5. Vinalba Reserve Malbec
Average Price: Around $15.75 per 750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Earthy with leather aromas
Palate: Bold with fruit notes
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: From the Uco Valley, Vinalba Reserve Malbec is a good Malbec, delivering a bold taste with a fruit-forward profile grounded by its earthy undertones.
It’s one of the robust red wines with a pleasantly surprising complexity. Its bold character is an ode to the adventurous spirit of wine lovers.
6. 90+ Cellars Old Vine Malbec (Lot 23)
Average Price: Around $12.49 per 750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Nose: Blackberry, plum, spice, and blueberry
Palate: Smooth and spicy
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: This Old Vine Malbec wine is a steal for its price. Thanks to the quality Malbec grapes grown on the foothills of the Andes mountains, it brings an unexpected depth with its juicy fruit flavors.
I like the balance between fruity and spicy, which I find exceptional, providing a sipping experience that’s both robust and smooth.
7. Areo Malbec
Average Price: Roughly $11.24 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.6% ABV
Nose: Violet and mineral notes
Palate: Smooth with a raspberry flavor
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Areo’s Malbec is a delightful find with its floral scent and smooth raspberry palate. It’s a versatile wine that’s easy to enjoy, embodying the spirit of vineyard Malbec wines from juicy grapes.
I like the richness of this wine, complemented by the lush flavors of berries. This bold Malbec has a firm finish that confidently lingers on the palate.
8. Bodega Benegas Juan Benegas Malbec
Average Price: $12.49 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 14.8% ABV
Nose: Berries with floral scents
Palate: Complex with chocolate notes
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This wine impresses with its complex palate and berry-driven nose. The subtle chocolate hints make it a refined choice for discerning palates at a budget-friendly price.
This approachable Malbec packs a punch in terms of flavor for its price. It provides pleasant scents alongside the signature Mlabec spice and mineral tones of Uco Valley wines.
9. Menage a Trois California Malbec
Average Price: Approx. $12.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
Nose: Jammy, berries, and spice
Palate: Bold with dark cherry notes
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: It’s a playful wine and a great conversation starter. This Napa Valley Malbec sweeps over the taste buds with a compelling mix of berries and dark cherry flavors laced with subtle spices.
It boasts a luxurious feel, with smooth, sweet tannins and a sumptuous, lingering finish that embodies the very essence of passion in a dry red wine.
10. Alamos – Malbec 2021
Average Price: Approx. $11 per 750ml (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Black cherry, truffle, and spice
Palate: Vibrant with dark plum bites
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Alamos Malbec is a vibrant wine with exceptional value. With a fragrant nose, dominant black cherry, and a lively plum palate, it’s a solid choice for any day of the week.
Complemented by a smooth texture and well-structured tannins, it boasts a creamy texture and a broad finish, delivering a sophisticated twist on the traditional red wine experience.
11. Aballero de la Cepa Malbec (Finca Flinchman)
Average Price: Approx. $10.66 per 750ml (Vivino)
Alcohol Content: 12.5% ABV
Nose: Spice and tobacco
Palate: Full-bodied with a silky texture
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This signature Malbec stands out for its full-bodied character and spicy overtones, complemented by flavors of ripe red fruits.
The vineyards where Malbec grapes flourished allow this wine to cultivate its deep, fine tannins [1]. I find it a classic choice for a hearty meal or dishes with red meats and lamb chops.
12. Condor Peak Malbec
Average Price: Around $9.99 per 750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 13% ABV
Nose: Dark fruit and cocoa
Palate: Silky with black fruit and mocha
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: Condor Peak Malbec provides a silky mouthfeel with mocha notes that complement its dark fruit aroma. It is one of the inviting Malbec wines that pairs well with tomato-based pasta dishes.
“Every Malbec bears the hallmark of its home, a blend of tradition and the winemaker’s craft.” – Liquor Laboratory
This luscious red boasts ripe, smooth flavors of black fruit. The tasting experience reveals gentle tannins and vibrant dark fruit notes.
FAQs
What is a good year for Malbec wine?
A good Malbec vintage is from the year 2018. Most Malbec 2018 vintages are celebrated for their excellent quality.
Some of the best samples include Viña Cobos Chañares Estate 2018 Malbec Uco Valley, 2018 Bodega Catena Zapata, 2018 Vinyes Ocults Malbec, Finca Decero Remolinos Vineyard Malbec 2018, and 2018 Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec.
Is Malbec a good wine for beginners?
Yes. Malbec is a suitable wine for beginners for its smooth profile, making it a perfect start. Malbec can be a medium-bodied wine with tasting notes ranging from red fruit to dark fruit, depending on the grapes and vineyards it’s from.
Where are the best Malbecs from?
Excellent Malbec wines can be from Argentina [3], its native country, especially the Mendoza region.
What is the best age for Malbec?
The best age for a Malbec is around 3 to 5 years, when it’s young and vibrant, which is the best flavor. But with added aging, the tasting notes can be complex.
Final Thoughts
Looking into Malbecs under $20, it’s clear that quality and unique tasting notes aren’t sacrificed for affordability.
From the balanced The Fableist 437 to the vibrant Alamos to the pocket-friendly Condor Peak, there’s a Malbec to suit any palate.
But considering the overall characteristics and affordability, the winner for this roundup is The Fableist 437 Malbec, which stands out for its exceptional balance.
It captures the spirit of Malbec [4] with finesse at a price that allows for everyday indulgence.
References:
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2021/07/16/what-are-tannins-wine/
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/wine
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/karlsson/2022/02/24/malbec-the-french-grape-that-conquered-argentina/
- https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/what-is-malbec-wine
