This one’s for you, World Malbec Day! After a long day at work, there’s nothing like putting your feet up on the (artsy) coffee table and having a nice glass of wine. That’s what I did with a bottle of Bodegas Salentein Portillo Malbec 2017. I had Bodegas Salentein’s Killka Collection Malbec not too long ago, so I was excited to try this one.

Portillo wine takes its name from the historic mountain passage that connects the Andes with the Uco Valley, traversed by San Martín in its liberating deed, and then by the scientist Charles Darwin. The winery is located in the heart of the Mendoza province, in its vineyards located in the Uco Valley.

Portillo is a young and distinguished wine, which expresses in each one of its fresh varietals the color, the aromas, and a special flavor given by Bodegas Salentein’s tradition. This line belongs to the third production ring of the Bodega. The estate’s winemaking team, led by the legendary José Galante, is one of the most revered in Argentina. Together, they strive to combine artistry, creativity and passion to craft wines that capture the finest terroirs of the Uco Valley in the famed Mendoza region.

Upon pouring it in the glass, I could see that the wine has an intense purplish red color. A thin layer sticks onto the glass as I swirl it around. It has deep, fruit aromas on the nose with dark fruit and plum. It’s smooth on the mouth and is very drinkable. It has a natural acidity, it is ripe fruit on the palate, has some tannins, and a hint of sweetness. I drank it without any food, because I just needed a DRANKKKKK. I found it online for about $10. Cheers, World Malbec Day!