Argentina has reaffirmed its position as the spiritual home of Malbec, overwhelmingly leading the 2025 list of the best value expressions of the grape variety available on the U.S. market. Once a French staple, Malbec has found extraordinary success in the high-altitude vineyards of the Andes, delivering bold, rich wines at accessible prices.
The varietal was first introduced to Argentina over 150 years ago by French agronomist Michel Aimé Pouget. Under the direction of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento—later to become the nation’s president—Pouget established the Quinta Normal de Mendoza research center, credited with planting the seeds of what would become Argentina’s flagship wine.
Today, Argentine Malbec offers unmatched value and quality, as evidenced by this year’s ranking of the top ten Malbecs globally priced under $30 and rated at 90 points or higher by critics. The wines featured are not only critically acclaimed but also widely available to U.S. consumers, reflecting Argentina’s global reach in the wine market. Only Chile and the United States also appear on the list, with a single entry each.
Below are the ten standout Malbecs, their origins, scores, and average retail prices:
2021 Pelleriti Priore Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
A project by renowned enologist Marcelo Pelleriti and entrepreneur Miguel Priore, this wine has a 94-point critic rating and retails at an average of $26.
2020 Finca La Luz Callejón del Crimen Relatos del Callejon Malbec
Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza
From the first winery established in the Uco Valley, this wine scores 94 points and is priced at just $19.
2021 Familia Zuccardi Poligonos del Valle de Uco San Pablo Malbec
Origin: Uco Valley, Mendoza
Produced by one of Argentina’s most respected wine families, this high-altitude Malbec boasts a 94-point score and a $24 price tag.
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Terroir Valle de Uco Malbec
Origin: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
Founded by Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini and entrepreneur Antonio Morescalchi, this wine earns 92 points and is available at a budget-friendly $16.
2023 Durigutti Proyecto Las Compuertas Cinco Suelos Malbec
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Crafted from ungrafted vines by brothers Héctor and Pablo Durigutti, this sustainably made wine scores 93 points and retails at $29.
2022 Susana Balbo Signature Malbec
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
From Argentina’s first female winemaker, this 93-point wine is priced at $23 and is widely distributed in the U.S.
2019 Pelleriti Priore 1853 Old Vine Estate Heritage Malbec
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Another offering from the Pelleriti Priore collaboration, this wine has the highest score on the list at 95 points and costs $26.
2019 BenMarco Sin Limites Malbec Pedernal Valley
Origin: Pedernal Valley, Argentina
Produced by Susana Balbo Wines under the BenMarco label, this Malbec holds a 93-point rating and a $26 price point.
2020 Trapiche Gran Medalla Malbec
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
One of Argentina’s oldest and most respected wineries, Trapiche delivers a 93-point wine priced at $30.
2019 Pelleriti Priore Terroir Expressions Hostage Malbec
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
A second vintage of the Hostage Malbec from Pelleriti Priore rounds out the list with a 93-point score and a remarkable $18 price tag.
These wines can be purchased through the Wine-Searcher marketplace, ensuring accessibility for consumers seeking quality without compromising budget.
The dominance of Argentina in this year’s best value Malbec rankings underscores its continued mastery of the varietal. While Malbec’s roots are French, its heart undeniably beats in the Andean foothills.
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