El Philosopho Malbec 2016 Mendoza, Argentina 75cl

El Philosopho is a Malbec from Bodega Anima, a Mendoza producer, and it takes a thoughtful, food-friendly approach to Argentina’s signature grape. It sits as an approachable, everyday-plus red rather than a special-occasion bottling, the sort of wine made to be opened and enjoyed rather than saved.

The wine is built on Malbec, the grape that made Mendoza famous, grown in a region whose warm days and cool nights give ripe, dark fruit with enough freshness to keep it balanced. The style aims for structure and a little complexity alongside easy drinkability.

The 2016 vintage means the wine now has several years in bottle, and that time has softened its edges and added a gentle, developed layer to the fruit.

Expect ripe dark fruit, a firm but approachable structure and the rounder, more savoury character that comes with a little age. It is medium to full-bodied and made for the table rather than for long cellaring, so there is no need to keep it waiting.

This is a dependable, versatile red for everyday meals: steak, burgers, pasta with a rich sauce or a midweek roast. If you enjoy honest, food-friendly Mendoza Malbec without a big price tag, El Philosopho is an easy one to keep on hand, and a reliable midweek choice. Serve it at a cool room temperature and there is no need to decant, though a short time open does no harm. It is the kind of unfussy, well-priced Malbec that earns a regular place on the everyday table.