Argentinian Flavor Admittedly, Argentina’s most famous export is probably football, with household names such as Maradona and Messi. But you shouldn’t overlook the joys of its second most famous export–wine. Argentina is the largest wine producer in South America and currently ranks fifth in the world.

Full-bodied Malbecs Wine production is concentrated in the province of Mendoza, east of the Andes, where the best vineyards are planted at a high altitude–3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. Though many different wines are produced here, the most important and iconic one is Malbec. Plantings of the Malbec grape were brought over from Europe back in the 19th century. Malbecs from this region exhibit pleasant blackberry and plum aromas with hints of spice–they’re soft, full bodied and generously fruity in your mouth.

Recommendations For a typical Malbec, I’d recommend the Catena Malbec 2006 from The Wine Way (¥279, Tel: 6090-7075); Terrezas Reserva Malbec 2007 from Cheese & Fizz (¥310, Tel: 6336-5823); and Bodegas Weinert Malbec 2004 from EMW Fine Wines (¥274, Tel: 6282-4966).