Trapiche Estacion 1883 Cabernet Franc 2018 Mendoza, Argentina 75cl

Trapiche is one of Argentina’s oldest and best-known wineries, with a huge range that runs from everyday bottles to fine, single-vineyard wines. Estacion 1883 is one of its varietal lines, named for the year the winery was founded.

This Cabernet Franc comes from Mendoza, where the grape has found a natural home away from its Bordeaux origins. It is made in a modern, cleanly fruited style that keeps the variety’s savoury, herbal character while staying easy to enjoy, a good example of how well Argentina now handles this grape.

The 2018 is a ripe, balanced vintage. The wine is drinking well now, with fresh fruit and settled structure, and there is no need to hold it, though it has the balance to sit for a year or two more.

Expect red fruit aromas with a herbal, peppery lift, following through to an elegant, well-defined palate. The tannins are fine and the structure is neat rather than heavy, giving a fresh, food-friendly finish that keeps the wine lively. Serve at cool room temperature.

This is a versatile everyday-plus red and a good introduction to Argentine Cabernet Franc for anyone who usually reaches for Malbec. It pairs happily with roast lamb, pork, grilled vegetables, charcuterie or a mushroom risotto, and offers a lot of character and interest for the money. It is a smart choice for anyone looking to move beyond Malbec without leaving Argentina behind, and its fresh, savoury style keeps it flexible at the table. Open it for a midweek roast or a relaxed dinner and it will not let you down.