Every once in a while you wander into Costco for batteries and a rotisserie chicken and stumble out with a legit wine find. The 2021 Marcello Pelleriti Signature Malbec is one of those cart-worthy moments: 100% Malbec from a vineyard planted in 1907, hailing from La Consulta in Argentina’s Uco Valley, clocking 14.5% ABV, vegan-friendly, and aged 12 months in French oak plus at least 6 in bottle. The Reverse Wine Snob crew snagged it for $13.89 (imported by Tri-Vin), while wine-searcher trends closer to $17. Big mountain fruit, old vines, small price—my kind of math.
Let’s talk terroir. La Consulta sits in the southern Uco Valley, where high altitude and cool nights tighten up the fruit and keep acidity lively. Old vines add depth and concentration—imagine roots like longboard fins, digging deep for balance and drive. With more than a century in the ground, this vineyard has stories and the fruit tends to deliver them with a little extra intensity.
Reverse Wine Snob’s tasting notes line up with what you’d expect from serious Uco Malbec: dark as midnight, aromatically ripe, and structurally confident. Their glass notes kick off with a short, punchy vibe:
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“smooth, lush and tannic.”
—Reverse Wine Snob
They also flag the finish’s staying power:
“It ends dry, very long and grippy.”
—Reverse Wine Snob
Translation for the Thursday night crowd: there’s fruit, sure—dark berries and a little cocoa—but the real headline is texture. Tannins bring that firm handshake, acidity keeps it fresh, and the oak feels like a supporting act rather than the headliner. Reverse Wine Snob noted the wine tasted a bit young and “slightly better on day 2,” which is your cue to give it air. A 45–60 minute decant will calm the youthful edges and let the fruit stretch out. If patience isn’t your thing, pour small, swirl often.
Food-wise, think protein with swagger. Classic Argentine playbook says asado, and I won’t argue—skirt steak with chimichurri will make this bottle sing. Stateside: smashburgers, BBQ ribs, or a ribeye with blue cheese butter. If you’re going meatless, go for mushroom bourguignon, lentil stew, or smoked tempeh tacos; the wine’s depth and grip can hang with umami and spice. Serve at 60–65°F so the alcohol stays tucked in and the fruit doesn’t go full jam band.
About that price: under $14 at Costco for old-vine Uco Valley Malbec is the definition of value. Sure, it’s not a cellar trophy, but it’s the kind of weeknight bottle that drinks above its weight when handled right. If you like your Malbec plush and modern, you’ll appreciate the lushness; if you prefer structure and bite, the tannins and acidity keep it honest. And for the label nerds, those details matter—vegan-friendly production, respectful oak regimen, and high-altitude fruit all add up to a bottle that’s thoughtfully made, not just mass-produced.
Reverse Wine Snob came in with a Taste score of 8 (that’s roughly 89–90 points), Cost at 6, Overall 7.5, and—importantly—recommended it. I’m aligned with the verdict, with one caveat: this is a small patience play. Decant, or buy two and revisit one tomorrow to see the improvement they noted. If you’re stocking up, keep an eye on Costco’s rotation; these finds don’t camp out long.
Curious how this stacks against other Malbec lanes? Compared to entry-level Mendoza blends, the La Consulta old-vine sourcing gives more gravitas and grip. Versus pricier single-vineyard Uco bottlings, you trade precision for price, but still get legit mountain fruit character. Call it a sweet spot bottle—more soul than a bargain bin, less spend than the name-brand show ponies.
Bottom line: the 2021 Marcello Pelleriti Signature Malbec is a savvy pick for Malbec fans who like their reds inky, structured, and food-friendly. It’s not trying to be Napa Cab in a gaucho hat; it’s proudly Argentine, high-altitude, and old-vine expressive—all the good stuff, none of the pretense. Grab it if you see it, give it a little air, and line up something sizzling.
Key Takeaways
- Malbec lovers should take note—this story has implications for your next pour.
- Price points mentioned range from $13.89 to $14, offering options for various budgets.
- Key themes: Malbec, Mendoza, Uco Valley—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/marcello-pelleriti-signature-malbec-costco/
