INSIDER'S PICK: 2021 BODEGAS CATENA CABERNET FRANC SAN CARLOS (Wine Advocate 93points)-$24.99

Malbec is the dominant grape variety across the Mendoza region of Argentina, but it isn't the only game in town. Nor should it be, with the subtle diversity of soils and climates available among the more obvious and dramatic changes in elevation along the Andes Mountains. One of our favorite producers, Bodegas Catena, has been at the forefront of exploring this diversity, most prominently in their 'Maps' label series. Each wine showcases one of the many subregions with a variety that benefits the most from that terroir, which does include a couple Malbecs, of course, but also explores the likes of Chardonnay, Bonarda, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In the case of San Carlos, they focus on the mix of clay and sandy soils that tend to aid in giving wines a brighter and more floral character, a perfect setting for Cabernet Franc. Vibrant red in the glass and a bit of a modern aroma of darker raspberry fruit and a touch of oak at first, but quickly gets more floral and savory with spice and hints of cut green peppers. The palate is impressively bright and vibrant with plenty of complexity and staying power, surprisingly also light on its feet and allowing the fruit to be pretty without trying to saturate your taste buds. Definitely a New World version of Cabernet Franc, but it learned some important lessons from the great regions of the Loire and has some great food pairing capabilities. ​

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