This luscious red comes from Zuccardi - an outstanding, third generation family cellar founded in the 1960s by Don Alberto Zuccardi. A decade before, he'd started an irrigation company, then planted a vineyard to demonstrate to other producers how his system could benefit grape quality. The rest, as they say, is history, and Zuccardi have become one of the leading cellars in Mendoza. Today his grandson Sebastián is winemaker, assisted by Rubén Ruffo. This is a silky, elegant red, with Syrah adding spicy red fruits and structure to Malbec's darker velvety berry notes. Recommended with chilli, a beef stir-fry or on its own.

‘Inveniam Viam’ means ‘I Shall Find a Way’ in Latin. MMXIX is the Roman Numerals for the vintage 2019. The story on the back label: “ Never has a phrase better embodied Bleasdale’s founder, Frank Potts. A man who joined the navy at age nine, emigrated to South Australia at age 21 with naught but a carpentry set to his name, who then proceeded to establish a vineyard and winery that would carry on his legacy for more than 170 years and counting.” The story on the inside of the presentation box: “Inveniam Viam perfectly captures the spirit of Bleasdale’s founder, Frank Potts, and his unwavering determination to overcome challenges and pursue innovation. In 1836 at the age of 21, Frank Potts emigrated to South Australia with nothing but a carpentry set to his name. He built a sailing boat to trade salt, which led to a commission to build a ferry. During his work on the ferry, Frank passed through Langhorne Creek, where he would later purchase the first sections of land and establish Bleasdale in 1850. Frank planted vineyards and developed an innovative system of levees and floodgates to take advantage of the natural flooding from the Bremer River, which still benefits the region today. In addition to his winery and house, Frank built a forge and became a skilled blacksmith to craft his own metal tools and equipment. Upon his retirement, he returned to his passion for boat-building and created several more river vessels.

If you thought that Argentina was the only place to find fine Malbec, think again! Zonte's Footstep have triumphed with this luscious Langhorne Creek example boastinga berryfest of flavour, FIVE Gold medals and 93 points from Halliday: "Violets, boysenberries, redcurrant and leather. Bright and characterful at once. Sweet and vibrant through the mouth, dry and firm through the finish. Mid-weight. In lovely form...93pts" (Halliday).

Sevenhill was originally set up in 1851 when the Jesuits who settled in the area planted the Clare Valley’s first vines to produce sacramental wine. The estate’s wines, along with its old stone winery, stately St Aloysius’ Church, College building and spacious gardens has made the Sevenhill name famous. So much so that they have recently won the Gourmet Traveller Award for best Large Cellar Door in the Clare Valley! Ray Jordan gives their 2021 Malbec a solid 92pts, "Malbec is a variety that does rather well in Clare, especially as a major blending component with cabernet. Still this one does it solo, and it does it well. Lots of the distinctive red floral fruits on the nose have that stamp of malbec. Bright and alive on a high energy palate with plenty of ripe red fruit characters with chalky tannins and understated oak in support."

Mmm Malbec. This delicious, dark-fruited, smoky gem is a natural match with barbecued fare. (And we all know that both Australia and South America do amazing barbecues!) Taste examples from Australia, Argentina and Chile here and see why this wonderful grape is SO popular.