Ruta 22 Malbec is a 100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Scored 91 points by James Suckling and awarded a Gold Medal at the 2017 Los Angeles International Wine Competition, this multi-terroir blend from Bodega Piedra Negra draws from two distinct vineyard sites to deliver a wine with both depth and approachability. Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Mendoza, Argentina | Varietal: 100% Malbec | Producer: Bodega Piedra Negra (François Lurton) Production & Heritage Ruta 22 is produced by Bodega Piedra Negra under the direction of renowned French winemaker François Lurton, who has spent decades developing vineyards across Argentina's most prized wine regions. The fruit is sourced from two complementary sites: the Uco Valley at approximately 3,600 feet elevation, where stony soils yield intensely concentrated fruit, and Agrelo, where older vines in richer soils contribute softer tannins and rounded texture. Notably, the blend incorporates Côt — a singular French clone of Malbec — which brings added elegance, structure, and color intensity to the final wine. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with dark berry fruit — blackberries and black cherries — layered with plum, violets, and a subtle smoky character. Deeper inhalation reveals hints of chocolate, black olive, and warm nutmeg spice. Taste: The entry is fleshy and fruit-forward, with ripe blackcurrant and cherry flavors dominating the early palate. At mid-palate, the wine builds into medium-to-full body with a creamy texture, while firm but approachable tannins provide structure. A savory undertone and tar-like minerality emerge as the wine opens up in the glass. Finish: The finish is clean and fresh, with lingering dark fruit and a refined, linear energy that keeps it lively. Fine, chewy tannins persist alongside a subtle savory quality that invites another sip. How to Drink Ruta 22 Malbec This wine drinks well at cool room temperature, around 60–65°F, and benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time to allow its aromatics to fully develop. It's a natural fit for food-paired settings but holds its own as a standalone pour. A classic red sangria works well here, as the dark fruit intensity and moderate tannins provide a robust backbone. In a Malbec-based mulled wine, the chocolate and spice notes amplify beautifully with cinnamon and citrus peel. For a simple warm-weather option, try it in a tinto de verano, where the wine's ripe berry character pairs naturally with lemon soda. Best For Weeknight steak dinners where you want a reliable, food-friendly Malbec Introducing Argentine wine to someone exploring beyond familiar regions Casual dinner party pours that over-deliver without requiring decanting Building an Argentine Malbec tasting flight alongside single-vineyard bottlings Frequently Asked Questions What does Ruta 22 Malbec taste like? Ruta 22 Malbec delivers ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum flavors with a creamy mid-palate, firm-but-approachable tannins, and a clean, savory finish. Chocolate, black olive, and warm spice notes add complexity beyond its price tier. How does Ruta 22 Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec? Both are accessible Mendoza Malbecs, but Ruta 22 distinguishes itself by blending fruit from two distinct terroirs — high-altitude Uco Valley and the warmer Agrelo district — rather than drawing from a single area. This multi-site approach, combined with François Lurton's use of the French Côt clone, generally yields a more layered, structured wine. Is Ruta 22 Malbec good for sipping neat? Yes — its medium-to-full body, balanced tannins, and clean fruit make it an easy standalone glass, especially with 15 minutes of air. It does not require food to be enjoyable, though it rewards pairing with grilled meats and hearty dishes. Where is Ruta 22 Malbec made? Ruta 22 Malbec is produced by Bodega Piedra Negra in Mendoza, Argentina, under the direction of French winemaker François Lurton. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Uco Valley (at 3,600 feet elevation) and the Agrelo sub-region of Luján de Cuyo. What foods pair well with Ruta 22 Malbec? Grilled ribeye or skirt steak is a classic match, as the wine's tannins cut through the fat. Empanadas with beef filling echo its savory side. Aged cheddar or Gouda highlights the chocolate and spice notes. Slow-braised lamb shanks complement the wine's dark fruit depth. Grilled portobello mushrooms mirror the earthy, smoky character on the nose. What sizes does Ruta 22 Malbec come in? Ruta 22 Malbec is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Ruta 22 Malbec worth the price? Ruta 22 positions as an entry-level Mendoza Malbec that consistently punches above its weight — a 91-point James Suckling score and a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition are uncommon achievements at this value tier, making it a strong buy for everyday drinking. Why Ruta 22 Malbec? What separates Ruta 22 from the crowded field of affordable Argentine Malbecs is its dual-terroir sourcing strategy and the influence of François Lurton's French winemaking philosophy. The incorporation of the Côt clone — a distinctly French expression of the Malbec grape — introduces a structural elegance not typically found at this price point. Multiple vintages have earned 90+ scores from James Suckling, and the 2016 vintage took Gold at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, reinforcing its consistency year over year. For drinkers seeking a Malbec that balances ripe Mendoza fruit with genuine complexity, Ruta 22 is a dependable choice backed by measurable critical recognition.
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