Corazon Del Sol 2020 Gran Reserva Malbec. I recently paired this beauty with a grilled ribeye and sautéed mushrooms and let me tell you - it's a match made in heaven, that quickly became one of my favorite Malbecs. I let it decant for about 30 minutes while I prepared the meat for the grill.
Sip
Moderate Acidity: Balanced, providing enough acidity to offer freshness and structure without being overly tart.
Full-Bodied: Rich, heavy, and robust on the palate, often with higher alcohol content and greater viscosity.
Medium Tannin: Wines with medium tannin levels have a balanced structure, providing some astringency and grip without being overpowering.
Long Finish: The flavors and sensations persist for a long time, typically over 30 seconds after swallowing.
Aroma: Dark fruits, chocolate, spice
Tastes Like: Blackberries, plums, spices, subtle hints of vanilla.
Savor
Beef Empanadas: The savory pastry brings out the wine's fruit-forward character
Grill Favorites
Grilled Ribeye: The wine's structure and dark fruit complement the meat's marbling while the tannins cut through the richness
Lamb with Mint: The wine's spice notes and fruit-forward profile create harmony with lamb's gamey flavors, while mint surprisingly brings out more complexity in the Malbec
Smoked Brisket: The wine's full body stands up to the meat's intensity while its fruit softens the smoke
Blue Cheese/Burger: The wine's acidity cuts through richness while dark fruit balances the cheese's punch
BBQ Pulled Pork: Sweet-spicy sauce harmonizes with the wine's fruit and spice notes
Wild Mushroom Dishes: The earthy, umami notes of mushrooms complement the wine's savory characteristics and bring out its subtle spice notes.
Cheese Selections
Aged Gouda: The cheese's salt crystals enhance the wine's fruit notes while its nuttiness complements the baking spice and chocolate characteristics.
Blue Cheese: One of few bold reds that consistently pairs well with strong cheeses, as its fruit balances the sharp flavors.
For Dessert
Dark Chocolate (70%+): The bittersweet nature of dark chocolate complements the wine's fruit forward profile without creating metallic notes that sweeter chocolates might produce
By exploring these pairings, you'll unlock the full potential of the Corazon Del Sol 2020 Gran Reserva Malbec, creating memorable dining experiences that celebrate the wine's bold character and the rich culinary traditions of Argentina and beyond.
Simplify
Vintage: 2020
Varietal: Malbec
Region: Uco Valley, Mendoza
Country: Argentina
ABV: 14.5%
Price & Store: $79.00 Vivino Website/ Alexana website
Occasion: Versatile - Wines that can fit into multiple occasions, from casual to more formal settings.
Conclusion:
I discovered this gem while visiting its sister winery, Alexana, in Oregon's Willamette Valley. This Malbec earns a solid 94 points for its exceptional balance, complexity, and versatility. It's a wine that elevates any meal from good to memorable, whether paired with traditional Argentine cuisine or American favorites.
The Corazon Del Sol 2020 Gran Reserva Malbec proves that sometimes the best discoveries come from unexpected connections. It's a wine that deserves a place in your collection for those moments when ordinary just won't do.