"Argentinian wine" news and stories

Malbecs are inky, concentrated and exploding with fruit, yet are not as aggressive as Zinfandels or Petite Sirah due to its additional layer of softness. Considered Argentina's national grape, and an exploding segment of the wine market, we thought it would be fun to open up some Argentinian Malbecs and see how they rate.

Great to open on a cool night in front of the fireplace -- or pair with backyard barbecue or grilled foods -- Malbec is a very food-friendly red wine. Matched with a Manchego or blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola, the nuances are even more pronounced.

After the jump, find our six favorites from a recent tasting of Malbecs – they're all great buys.

• Argentina, a rising star in the global wine community, is still defining itself -- large commercial producers, or small, artisanal vintners?
• When takeout involves shipping in dry ice, you expect something fabulous. The "Cranky Consumer" compares the mail-order options.
• One entrepreneur is trying to make vodka the new Texas tea.
• Last year people planted recession gardens -- and made some rookie mistakes. This year will be totally different.
• Speaking of the recession, there's a trend toward ditching bottled water for tap. But it still needs to taste good.

• There seems to be confusion and mislabeling, but the Argentinian bonarda is "a killer pizza-and-nachos wine," that happens to be really affordable too.
• Recipes ripe for summer days: Sorrel and Green Pea Soup, Grilled Whole Fish, Grilled Peppers, Grilled Rapini, No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Tartlets
• The failures of Steve Lee, and the successes of Jamie Kennedy and his new lunch spot -- Gilead Cafe.