Antigal’s Malbec is number one. Well, it does kind of say so on the label. All kidding aside, Bodega Antigal’s Uno Malbec was the first wine launched by this young Argentine producer and proudly displays the number one on its label. Its iconic numeral and name were first applied at the wine’s launch party in 2005 when a designer crafted the number from a metal barrel hoop in an effort to celebrate this new release. The design was well received, and the name stuck. Consequently, they continue to “label” the Malbec Uno with a replica of that initial metal cut out, complete with rivets. These 1s are affixed by hand, assembly-line style, by local women who work in the winery. The back label is silk-screened directly onto the bottle. They admit that this is a very expensive way to adorn their wine but recognize that the package design is the marketing and thus very important to getting their brand noticed and known.

While the winery sits on the site of an historic winery, dating to 1897, in the Mendoza region of Argentina, everything else about it is new. In this regard, the winery facilities were constructed in the early 2000s, with an emphasis on high quality, high-tech equipment. Beyond the winery, they are heavily focused on Malbec, with a range of wines produced, including several single-vineyard wines. There are three unique vineyards currently under vine, with another under development.

Antigal began exporting its wines to the United States in 2007, choosing to push the on-premise trade over the retail market, feeling that its wines would do well by-the-glass as well as on full bottle wine lists. Of course, there are some retail stores that stock their wines. Since its early stateside arrival, it has successfully negotiated distribution contracts for all 50 states, which is essentially the equivalent of negotiating with 50 different countries given the U.S.’s state-specific liquor laws.

I recently had the opportunity to taste the Uno Malbec 2014 over lunch at Brasserie Cognac on a lovely summer’s day. Despite the propensity to pair a Malbec with a meat-based dish, I was more inclined to opt for lighter fare due to the season and selected the grilled octopus salad. I was not disappointed as the Malbec was extremely elegant and well balanced with ripe fruit. It matched well with the salad and didn’t overpower it.

Antigal’s newest addition to its line-up is its Uno Sauvignon Blanc 2018, which will be making its New York debut this fall, with an SRP of $15.00. Coming soon to a wine list near you.

TASTING NOTE
Bodega Antigal Uno Malbec 2014, Mendoza, Argentina, $21.00 (retail)
Aromas of berries, smoke, slight wood greet the nose, all of which persist on the dry palate. Ripe, yet nicely balanced fruit dominates, joined by well-integrated oak, culminating in long length. Very elegant and food friendly.