Alambrado Malbec 2021
Classic Movie Pairing
The Big Country (1958)Head out west with the infinitely appealing Gregory Peck in The Big Country while sipping on this subtly spicy, smooth-finishing Malbec. While filming locations like California’s arid Red Rock Canyon State Park may be a world away from the Andean foothills of Mendoza, they provide an equally stunning backdrop for this epic Western tale of rival ranching families. Old World wine tradition meets Classic Hollywood tradition.
THE WINE
Led by José (below), “Familia Zuccardi were one of the pioneers” of Argentine wine, “pursuing quality when others were satisfied with quantity,” writes Wine Advocate. Their reds consistently win international accolades, and their popular Alambrado Malbec continues the trend. This 2021 release earned a 95-point gold medal from Decanter, whose judges loved its “inviting nose, with hints of red cherry and lifted floral notes, then on to a palate of supple, textured tannins and focused, pristine fresh fruit.”
THE METHOD
Originally from Italy, the Zuccardis are keeping Old World traditions alive in the New World. Borrowed from their wine-growing ancestors, their parral trellising method (aka tendone in Italy) is a technique that trains vines in a canopy about six feet off the ground. It’s labor intensive and very expensive to manage, but the Zuccardis feel all the extra sunlight and TLC give their Malbec an added ripeness that pays off in the glass. (The name Alambrado is actually a reference to the wires used in the parral system.)
THE COUNTRY
Argentina is winemaking paradise. It’s not hard to see why. Vines are irrigated with fresh Andean snowmelt. Endless sunshine ripens grapes to perfection, producing richly concentrated flavors. Land is available (for now!) at prices Napa and Bordeaux can only dream about—which means you enjoy full flavors and incredible value. While Malbec leads the way, native Bonarda and Cabernet also thrive here.
WITH FOOD
Malbec may be the classic match for steak—try a chimichurri-marinated, char-grilled skirt steak or peppery delmonico cut. Smooth, easy- going Alambrado will also play well with others. Try pairing this fruity red with chicken drumsticks in a mildly spicy Asian barbecue sauce. Or stay true to the Zuccardi family’s Italian roots and serve alongside tomato-based pasta dishes.
What's Not to Love?
TCM Wine Club brings the magic of movies and wine together - all delivered right to your door. Your first case includes 12 delicious wines from around the world expertly paired with the classic films you love on TCM. Plus, enjoy our 3 BONUS CLASSIC MOVIE WINES!