Gascon Malbec Reserva 750ML is a 100% Malbec reserve wine from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2018 vintage earned Gold Medals at both the San Diego International Wine Competition and the TEXSOM International Wine Awards, confirming its standing among Argentina's most dependable oak-aged Malbecs at the reserve level.Quick Facts: ABV: 14% | Origin: Mendoza, Argentina (Luján de Cuyo) | Reserva — Minimum 12 Months Oak | Winery: Bodegas Escorihuela GasconProduction & HeritageBodegas Escorihuela Gascon, part of the Catena family's portfolio of Argentine wineries, sources fruit from high-elevation vineyards in Altamira, Agrelo, and Tupungato — three of Mendoza's most respected sub-regions for Malbec. Grapes are hand-harvested during the cool early morning hours in mid-to-late April, then crushed and cold-soaked for 72 to 96 hours before fermentation begins. Skin contact extends up to three weeks through the end of fermentation, extracting deep color and tannin structure. The wine then ages a minimum of 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, adding layers of vanilla, spice, and a subtle smoky character that distinguishes the Reserva from the winery's entry-level bottling.Tasting NotesAroma: Ripe blackberry and plum dominate the opening, followed by delicate violet florals. Beneath the fruit, French oak contributes vanilla and milk chocolate, while a wisp of toasted almond emerges as the wine opens in the glass.Taste: Full-bodied and mouth-coating from the first sip, with lush dark fruit — blackberry, dried plum, and cherry — layered across the entry. Mid-palate, mocha and brown spice notes weave through well-structured, round tannins. Dates, hazelnut, and a subtle nuttiness add complexity as the wine builds toward a concentrated peak.Finish: Long and warm, with dark chocolate and baking spice lingering alongside a gentle smokiness from the oak regimen. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a clean, dry close with no bitterness.How to Drink Gascon ReservaThis is a wine built for the dinner table. Serve at 60–65°F and allow 20–30 minutes of air after opening, or decant to accelerate the release of its layered aromatics. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) makes surprisingly good use of the wine's bold fruit and spice. A classic Sangria benefits from the Reserva's concentrated dark-berry character and structured tannins. For a simpler warm-weather option, a Tinto de Verano (red wine with lemon soda) lets the blackberry and plum notes shine in a lighter format.Best For Pairing with an Argentine-style asado or weekend grilled steak dinner Stocking a home wine collection with a reliable, oak-aged Malbec under $20 Gifting a red wine drinker who appreciates full-bodied South American wines Hosting a blind tasting comparing reserve-level Mendoza Malbecs Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Gascon Reserva taste like? Gascon Malbec Reserva is a full-bodied red wine dominated by ripe blackberry, plum, and cherry, with secondary notes of mocha, dark chocolate, and brown spice from 12 months of oak aging. Round, well-structured tannins give it a smooth, mouth-coating texture.How does Gascon Reserva compare to Alamos Malbec? Both wines come from the Catena family's Mendoza operations, but the Gascon Reserva sees significantly more oak aging and is sourced from select high-altitude vineyard sites in Altamira, Agrelo, and Tupungato. Alamos Malbec is typically lighter-bodied and more fruit-forward, while the Gascon Reserva delivers greater tannin structure, complexity, and a longer finish.Is Gascon Reserva good for sipping on its own? Yes — the extended oak aging and concentrated fruit profile make it well-suited to drinking neat, especially after 20–30 minutes of breathing time or a brief decanting.Where is Gascon Reserva made? Gascon Malbec Reserva is produced by Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon in the Luján de Cuyo appellation of Mendoza, Argentina, using hand-harvested grapes from vineyards in the Altamira, Agrelo, and Tupungato sub-regions.What foods pair well with Gascon Reserva? Grilled ribeye or skirt steak plays off the wine's smoky oak and bold tannins. Lamb chops with rosemary echo its spice notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego or aged Gouda complement the nutty, chocolate undertones. Braised short ribs mirror the wine's dark fruit concentration. Dark chocolate desserts align naturally with the mocha finish.What sizes does Gascon Reserva come in? Gascon Malbec Reserva is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.Is Gascon Reserva worth the price? Gascon Reserva positions as a mid-range Argentine Malbec that punches above its weight class, delivering 12 months of oak aging and hand-harvested, high-altitude fruit at a price point typically associated with simpler, unoaked wines. Its gold medal pedigree and Wine Enthusiast recognition (88 points for the 2012 vintage) reinforce strong value in the category.Why Gascon Reserva?What separates this bottling from the crowded field of Argentine Malbecs is a production regimen that many wineries reserve for bottles at twice the price: hand-harvesting at dawn, an extended cold soak of up to 96 hours, three weeks of skin contact, and a full year in French and American oak. The fruit sourcing from Altamira, Agrelo, and Tupungato — three of Mendoza's highest-regarded terroirs — adds genuine site specificity rather than generic regional blending. Gold medals at both the San Diego International Wine Competition and TEXSOM validate the consistency across vintages. For anyone building a weeknight-to-dinner-party rotation of dependable reds, this Reserva earns a permanent spot.
