From: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Malbec
Taste: This wine opens with bold, dark fruit—boysenberry and blackberry leading the charge—but what sets it apart is how it manages to stay grounded. The texture is plush without being heavy, and there's a surprising sense of control beneath all that fruit. Notes of tobacco and leather come in mid-palate, adding depth without overshadowing the brightness. Thanks to high-altitude vineyards, the acidity keeps everything focused, letting the finish stretch out without losing energy. It's a wine that punches well above its weight, especially at under $25.
Pairing: The 2019 Familia Furlotti Malbec is a pleasure to drink on its own, but it shines at the table. Its depth and structure make it a natural partner for grilled meats—flank steak with chimichurri, lamb chops, sausages, or even game like venison and duck. The wine’s balance of dark fruit and acidity complements rich sauces, whether it’s a red wine reduction, mushroom cream, or something with a spicy kick like mole. It also holds its own alongside hearty stews like cassoulet or beef ragu. For cheese lovers, aged options like Gouda, sharp cheddar, or blue cheese make for a bold, satisfying pairing. Whether you’re serving a roast, a cheeseburger, or a plate of empanadas, this Malbec has the range to meet the moment without overpowering the food.
About. Many thanks to Brazos Wine for the following information. In 1888, Angel Furlotti left his small village outside Parma to establish new roots—both figuratively and literally—in Argentina. After working in established vineyards and purchasing land, Angel achieved his dream of building his own winery in 1914. By the 1950s, the Furlotti family owned one of Argentina’s largest vineyard portfolios, with ten separate properties totaling over 2,000 hectares. Over time, many of these were sold off, around the time his great-granddaughter Gabriela was born in 1968.
Though Gabriela wasn’t initially captivated by the scale of wine production she grew up around, one parcel, Finca Adalgisa—originally her maternal grandmother’s—captured her interest. She turned it into a charming bed & breakfast in 2000, and soon after revived a small, historic Furlotti winery in Luján de Cuyo. From these storied parcels, Gabriela produces a rustic, unfiltered malbec that embodies her family’s legacy with the help of local winemaking legend Carmelo Patti.
