Coen Classic Malbec ($24.99) is a wine that expresses the best of both the Old and New World. Italian winemaker Attilio Pagli is the craftsman behind some of Italy’s best wines, including Caprai’s Sagrantino di Montefalco 25 Anni and Salvioni’s Brunello di Montalcino. He has taken his expertise to Mendoza, Argentina, to create wines made from that country’s flagship grape, Malbec, that reflect both his signature style and his expertise.
Coen Classic Malbec is a New World wine that is informed by winemaker Pagli’s Old World knowledge.
First, this wine is scrumptious. It is meant to go with food.
Argentine wines are meant to go with summer. In fact, the watchword for cuisine in Argentina is the word “Asado,” which basically means “BBQ Everything!”
Food in Argentina is barbecue in the extreme. In a country that has more cattle than people living in it, Asado is not only a way of cooking; it is a way of life. It is not a stretch to say that barbecue is the national dish of Argentina.
Almost everything makes its way to fire and a grill; beef, pork, chicken, sausages and the famous Churrasco (marinated beef sirloin).
That’s where Coen Classic Malbec comes in. The bright, fruity flavors are a burst of dark fruit berry jam in your mouth. It’s a virtual fruit bomb that explodes with dark cherries, ripe plums, and a little bit of licorice. It’s hard not to keep filling your glass, especially when you pair it with a nicely charred skirt steak or some meaty Baby Back Ribs. Try a burger slathered with some melted Gouda or strong, earthy Blue Cheese. Sides of grilled Asparagus or Romaine slathered with garlic infused olive oil or some roasted multi-colored peppers make for colorful and flavorful sides that will make your garden party rock.
Made with 100% Malbec, this is an elegant medium-bodied wine with a beautiful ruby red color and violet undertones. Its intense aroma of fresh, ripe mixed red and black berries and hints of balsamic and fresh mint give it a long, velvety, smooth finish. It also pairs well with pizza, spaghetti, tapas, and Mexican food.
The story of Coen Classic Malbec 2019 is one steeped in the land and its traditions. The story of the wine starts in a pristine area of Mendoza Province, Argentina, 3 thousand feet above sea level near the snow-covered Andes Mountains.
Underground water supplies feed the vineyards. This clean, secluded area is free from any environmental contamination, making it the ideal location to produce world-class grapes.
Two beautiful vineyards, Poloc and Finca la Victoria, which has been in the same family for generations, was chosen as the source for Coen wines. The name, a registered trademark in the US, was created from the initials of the grandchildren of the vineyards’ owners.
That’s where Attilo Pagli of Italy, one of the foremost winemakers in the world enters the picture. With assistant winemaker Ana Musso, who is from Argentina, the two dedicated themselves to creating the highest quality wine from world-class grapes grown in the best terroir, the wine’s sense of place. That ‘sense of place’ is what makes Coen Classic Malbec so special.
Pagli is considered a major force behind some of Italy’s best-known wines. He is known as that country’s biggest expert on the wines of Ciliegiolo. He is credited with resurrecting the Malbec grape in Argentina.
The story behind that discovery is now the stuff of legend. In 1992, Pagli was hired by Nicolas Catena to consult on a Sangiovese project in Mendoza. Once there, he realized the vines were not those of Sangiovese grapes, but old Malbec vines. “Back then, nobody had much faith in Malbec, but I was fascinated by its potential.” The rest, as they say, is history.
Coen Classic Malbec is perfect with Argentina’s most popular street food, the Empanada, a crispy bread pastry wrapped around spicy meat or vegetable mixtures (or a combination of both!). You can buy them pre-made or make them yourself. They’re quite easy.
My advice is to pick up a bottle of Coen Classic Malbec to have the party of your life. Make it two bottles. It’s just that good. Drink responsibly