Trivento Amado Sur Malbec is a 750ml Argentine red blend from Mendoza bottled at 14.5% ABV, combining Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah in a three-stage aging program. The 2018 vintage earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast critic Michael Schachner, and previous vintages have collected Gold medals at both Mundus Vini and the San Diego International Wine Competition.Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5% | Origin: Mendoza, Argentina | Red Blend (70% Malbec, 20% Bonarda, 10% Syrah) | Producer: Trivento Bodegas y ViñedosProduction & HeritageTrivento Bodegas y Viñedos is based in the heart of Mendoza, Argentina's most renowned wine-producing region. The Amado Sur bottling follows a distinctive three-stage maturation: each varietal is fermented and undergoes natural malolactic fermentation separately before spending eight months in French oak barrels. After assemblage, the final blend rests for six months in stainless steel tanks, then ages an additional five months in bottle before release — a sequence that builds layered complexity rarely seen at this price tier.Tasting NotesAroma: Generous black-fruit aromas open the glass, moving from ripe blackberry and strawberry into darker tones of graphite and licorice. Underneath, baking spice, clove, and a subtle hint of chocolate emerge as the wine opens.Taste: The entry is plush and jammy, with luscious red and black berry fruit dominating the mid-palate. A medium-bodied frame carries flavors of blackberry preserves alongside slight herbal undertones, while the French oak influence contributes notes of vanilla and balsamic nuance. Acidity is modest, keeping the texture smooth and approachable.Finish: The finish stretches long with persistent fruit and dry, grippy tannins that provide satisfying structure. Traces of dark berry and spice linger well after the last sip.How to Drink Amado SurThis blend shows its full spectrum of fruit and spice when served at around 60–65°F. Pouring it into a large-bowled glass and allowing ten to fifteen minutes of air contact opens up the oak-driven aromatics. For cocktails and mixed serves, Amado Sur works well in a Kalimotxo (the Malbec's jammy fruit stands up to cola without losing identity), a Red Wine Sangria (the Bonarda and Syrah components add spice and depth to citrus-heavy sangria bases), and a New York Sour (the wine's natural dark-berry intensity floats beautifully over bourbon and lemon).Best For Weeknight steak dinners that call for a serious but accessible red Introducing friends to Argentine wine beyond single-varietal Malbec Bringing a reliable crowd-pleaser to a barbecue or asado gathering Building a case of value-driven South American reds for everyday drinking Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Amado Sur taste like? Amado Sur delivers plush, jammy blackberry and red berry fruit with supporting notes of vanilla, licorice, and baking spice from French oak aging. The tannins are dry and grippy yet balanced by the wine's medium-bodied, fruit-forward profile.How does Amado Sur compare to Alamos Malbec? Alamos Malbec from Catena Zapata is typically a 100% varietal Malbec, while Amado Sur is a three-grape blend — 70% Malbec, 20% Bonarda, and 10% Syrah — which adds layers of spice and darker fruit complexity. Amado Sur's three-stage aging process (French oak, stainless steel, then bottle) also results in a more polished, integrated texture than most single-aging-method wines at a similar level.Is Amado Sur good for sipping neat? Yes — its medium body, ripe fruit, and balanced tannins make it an enjoyable pour on its own, especially after a few minutes of breathing. A slight chill to around 60–65°F helps the aromatics express fully.Where is Amado Sur made? Amado Sur is produced by Trivento Bodegas y Viñedos in the Mendoza region of Argentina, the country's most celebrated winegrowing area at the foothills of the Andes. The grapes — Malbec, Bonarda, and Syrah — are all sourced from Mendoza vineyards.What foods pair well with Amado Sur? Grilled ribeye steak benefits from the wine's tannic grip and dark fruit. Empanadas filled with spiced beef mirror the spice notes from the oak aging. Slow-braised lamb shanks complement the wine's Bonarda-driven depth. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego contrast the fruit-forward profile. Dark chocolate desserts echo the wine's underlying cocoa and licorice tones.What sizes does Amado Sur come in? Trivento Amado Sur Malbec is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.Is Amado Sur worth the price? Amado Sur positions as an entry-to-mid-level Argentine red, and its 91-point Wine Enthusiast rating and multiple Gold medals suggest it consistently over-delivers for its value tier. The three-stage aging regimen is a production investment typically found in more expensive bottlings.Why Amado Sur?What separates this wine from the crowded field of Mendoza Malbecs is its uncommon blending strategy and elaborate aging sequence. The addition of 20% Bonarda and 10% Syrah gives Amado Sur a spice-driven backbone that pure Malbec bottlings at this level rarely achieve. Eight months in French oak followed by six months in stainless steel and five months in bottle creates a level of integration and polish that critics have recognized: 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and Gold medals at Mundus Vini speak to the consistency of the program. For drinkers looking to explore Argentine reds beyond the single-varietal norm, this blend is a well-documented starting point.
