Price: $16
Maker: Vinalia SA, Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Malbec
Packaging: 3 liter box, pushbutton spigot
Alcohol: 13.5%
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Vaca Morada Malbec is the first new boxed red wine we’ve found in a while, and we’re glad we did. This non-vintage wine (termed a 2006 by the importer) from Argentina has a leathery nose backed up with raspberries and spice. The flavor is juicy and well balanced, with dark berry notes combining with chocolate and light pepper. Light acidity perks up the finish and balances the fruit. Vaca Morada Malbec is a pleasant and accessible wine that will please a variety of red wine drinkers.
“Vaca Morada” is Spanish for “purple cow” – an apt name for this reddish purple wine. Oddly for a “critter” name, there’s no cow image on the American import box – that would seem to limit its marketing impact when stacked against competition like Funky Llama, Yellow Tail, and the rest of the critter crew. The Vinalia website seems to be mostly under construction. One thing we find encouraging about this wine is that it’s the first boxed wine not from the U.S. or Australia that we’ve seen in our local market (which is admittedly limited). It’s great to see both a less common varietal like Malbec as well as a less common wine exporter like Argentina showing up on the neighborhood shelves, and even better to have it be a fine wine for parties or glass-a-day dinner companion.
“as well as a less common wine exporter like Australia…”
You mean Argentina, right?
Whoops, good catch, thanks…
Where did you find it for sale? Doesn’t look like its online anywhere? Been looking for a South American box wine for a while now.
I found it at a local gourmet/high end supermarket that carries a big selection of affordable wines. My suggestion would be to call around to bigger outlets in your area – this Malbec would likely show up only at a shop with a fairly large selection of better-quality boxed wines. Or, contact the importer, Chateau Diana – they can tell you if it’s available in your area.
I just saw this 3L box on sale at the local Meijer’s store, for those of you outside the midwest, Meijer’s is a large super store similiar to a Super Wal-Mart.
They have the 3 liter box on salefor $17.99. I recoginized the name so I’ll give it a try. Been looking forward to trying Malbec.
I love this wine. I buy them at Meijer’s also. The current price is 20.99, no longer on sale.
Does anyone know if this is available anywhere in Boston area? Or even any other boxed Malbec ?
I don’t think it is not sold in Boston yet. But if you are ever in NYC, I think you can find it easily.