Costco’s Marcello Pelleriti Malbec Review: Uco Valley 2021 Tasting
Old vines, new energy—that’s the vibe of the 2021 Marcello Pelleriti Signature Malbec from La Consulta in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Sourced from a vineyard planted in 1907, aged 12 months in French oak and another six in bottle, and vegan-friendly to boot, this Costco find clocking in at 14.5% ABV promises plenty of muscle with a polished edge. The source review calls out an inky pour, big dark fruit, and grippy tannins—classic signals that this Malbec means business without losing its chill.
“The 2021 Marcello Pelleriti Signature Malbec pours dark and inky.” —Reverse Wine Snob
Style Snapshot: Malbec from Uco Valley
Malbec in Mendoza is known for plush black fruit, a deep color, and a full-bodied feel. The Uco Valley adds altitude (read: cooler nights), which often translates to fresher aromatics and brighter acidity. According to the source, this wine shows dark berry, herbal and floral notes, plus a hint of cocoa. On the palate, it’s smooth and lush with firm tannins, “good depth and plenty of acidity,” and a notably dry, long, grippy finish—very much in the Uco Valley lane.
So, style-wise: dry red, full-bodied, firmly tannic, with lively acidity to keep the fruit in check. That combo makes it a candidate for air time. The source also mentions it tasted “a bit young and off balance on day 1” and improved on day two—no surprise given the structure and oak regime. If you’re cracking it tonight, a hearty decant isn’t just helpful; it’s pretty much required.
Context: What the Region and Winemaking Tell Us
Mendoza is Malbec’s modern capital, and the Uco Valley—especially subzones like La Consulta—has become a hotbed for quality thanks to elevation and diverse soils. High-altitude vineyards tend to bring tension and freshness, which can be a beautiful counterweight to Malbec’s naturally generous fruit and body. That 1907 planting suggests seriously old roots; while “old vines” isn’t a guarantee of greatness, it often means smaller yields, concentrated flavors, and more of the vineyard’s fingerprint in the glass.
Twelve months in French oak can add polish (think subtle spice and texture), and the vegan-friendly note is a nice signal for folks who care about what happens after harvest. Costco listing this bottle at $13.89 while the average is closer to $17 (per the source) makes it one of those rare “weekday meets weekend” reds—budget-friendly without feeling basic.
What I appreciate in the source tasting is the balance between power and brightness. Malbec can slide into jammy if it’s all fruit, all the time. Here, the acidity and grippy tannins rein things in, pointing to a wine that will behave better with air or a night in the fridge than it will straight out of the bottle. In short: this reads like a solid Uco Valley profile—dark, structured, and energetic—just a touch youthful now.
Buy Intent: Who Will Love This
If you’re Malbec-curious or already Malbec-devoted, this sits squarely in that “stock up when you see it” category. The source’s note that it drinks better on day two is your cue: decant now, or plan ahead. Think high-altitude zest that cuts through the plush fruit—like a strong offshore wind cleaning up a messy swell. You’ll get dark, inky vibes without sacrificing lift. For the price, it’s a no-brainer to test-drive.
Best occasion: casual dinner with friends, backyard grilling, or that Costco haul night when you need a dependable bottle that wears both sweatpants and a blazer. Best pairing direction: lean savory—grilled steaks or burgers, smoky BBQ, lamb chops, or mushroom-forward dishes if you’re keeping it plant-based. Aged cheddar or manchego will also cozy right up to those tannins.
Closing takeaway: This 2021 Marcello Pelleriti Signature Malbec is a structured, dry, full-bodied Uco Valley expression with vivid dark fruit and serious grip. If you like your reds with backbone and a little altitude sparkle, you’ll feel right at home here. Give it air, let it stretch, and it’ll reward you with that Mendoza confidence—minus the bravado.
Source: https://www.reversewinesnob.com/marcello-pelleriti-signature-malbec-costco/
