Get to know: Kaiken Malbec Clasico

Tasting Note

Kaiken Malbec Clsico 2022 is a textbook Mendoza Malbec – bursting with ripe blackberries, juicy plums, and a lick of dark chocolate and spice from a gentle touch of oak. Its smooth, full-bodied, and velvety, with soft tannins that make it dangerously easy to drink. Theres a little coffee and mocha in there too, adding richness without ever getting heavy. Think silky fruit, a savoury edge, and a fresh finish that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfect food pairings:

• Mushroom bourguignon (rich, earthy, and spot on with Malbecs plush fruit)
• Mature cheddar or smoked vegan cheese
• Sunday roast beef with all the trimmings

Its a proper crowd-pleaser – bold enough for a steak, but balanced enough to work with veggie dishes, too. Great for when you want a smooth, full-bodied red wine from Argentina that ticks all the boxes.

Kate Says

“Kaiken Malbec is a staple in our range, it always stands out in blind tastings because it’s smooth and velvety and just a really pleasing style of wine. Malbec is still super popular and it’s down to wines like this.”

Producer Info

Kaiken takes its name from the wild geese that cross the Andes between Chile and Argentina a journey mirrored by founder Aurelio Montes when he established the winery in Mendoza in 2002. With estate vineyards in Agrelo and the Uco Valley, Kaiken has become one of Argentinas most respected producers, known for Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and pioneering Cabernet Franc. In 2024, Kaiken was named New World Producer of the Year by the Sommelier Wine Awards and proudly achieved B-Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and responsible winemaking.

How its made:

• Variety: 100% Malbec
• Grapes sourced from Agrelo vineyards at 950m altitude
• Hand-harvested and berry-selected before fermentation
• Fermented in small tanks, with 20 days total maceration
• 40% aged for 6 months in French oak barrels
• Soils: silt, clay, sand, with stony subsoils from Andes erosion

Good to know:

• Region: Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina
• Style: Red, still, full-bodied
• Closure: Cork
• Vegan:Yes
• ABV: 14%
• Vintage: 2022
• Residual sugar: 2.96 g/l

Why we love it:

This Mendoza Malbec offers superb value for its quality ripe, plush fruit, a touch of oak, and a silky mouthfeel. Its a versatile choice for grilled meats, hearty stews, or simply enjoying with friends over good conversation.