Malbec Madness: Falling Star and Astica from Argentina

This month, many of my friends are obsessed with March Madness. Nothing against the hoops, but while they are watching college players dribble basketballs down the court, I'll be filling my glass with delicious Malbec from Argentina.

Argentine wines are the fastest growing category among all fine wine growing countries and much of this growth can be attributed to wine lovers' thirst and desire for Malbec - the luscious grape that dominates its vineyards. I will be posting reviews on several Malbecs over the next few weeks. Although each wine shares a common grape, the flavor profiles and price points will vary.  Let the Malbec Madness begin!

Falling Star Malbec 2009
$5.99
Easy on the wallet and smooth to the taste, Falling Star is a tasty everyday wine from the Cuyo region of Argentina. A blend of 100% Malbec, this wine has a pleasing profile of juicy red berries with hints of peppery spice. I enjoyed a glass of Falling Star with a meal of Louisiana style red beans and rice but, like most Malbecs, this wine would be perfect with grilled meats. I would even pair it with pasta or sip it solo just because it tastes so good. Muy delicioso!

Astica Malbec 2010
$5.99
Juicy with voluptuous big berry flavors, Astica is a full bodied wine that could fool even the biggest wine snob - it tastes much more expensive than its humble price  tag. Astica is an indigenous word for flower and, like flowers, the grapes for this lovely libation are all handpicked from the Cuyo region. The aromas hint at violets and raspberries. Sweet but not cloying, Astica would be a great match with spicy food.  It is also dangerously delicious all by itself.