It began with the potential of Malbec and two men who believed climate, soil and topography could play a crucial role in the grape’s character and potential. By selecting vineyards with optimal conditions for Malbec, they believed they could create wines that showcase the grape’s true potential.

Founded by Alfredo Merlo, winemaker, and his partner Matías Riccitelli, viniculturist, MAAL (Malbec as Alfredo Likes) Winery focuses on expressing the unique terroir of the region and crafting Malbec wines with minimal intervention, allowing the grapes’ natural characteristics to shine through. Recently I had the chance to hear the story from Alfredo.

The winery is known for its small-batch, high-quality Malbecs that reflect both tradition and innovation. MAAL emphasizes sustainability, using organic farming methods and striving for environmentally friendly practices in the vineyard and winery. The wines are often aged in concrete vats and large oak barrels, which allow for a balanced aging process, adding complexity while preserving the fruit’s freshness.

MAAL’s portfolio includes a range of Malbec wines (13), each with distinct profiles, from single-vineyard expressions to blends that highlight the diversity of Argentina’s winegrowing regions. The winery’s focus on producing wines that Alfredo Merlo personally enjoys has helped cultivate a reputation for bold, expressive, yet elegant wines that appeal to both casual drinkers and connoisseurs alike.

MAAL was born in 2010 from a friendship and a passion for wine. This led Matias and Alfredo to micro-vinify 6 barrels using grapes from a once-abandoned vineyard in the Uco Valley’s Vistaflores appellation, which is located high up along the eastern edge of the Andes Mountains. One of the values of the winery is that they only make “Malbec wines that they want to drink.”

Both have histories in the wine industry. Matías started out working in restaurants and for wineries in the Catena Family. Alfredo worked for well-known wineries such as Harlan Estate (Napa), Pulenta Estate (Argentina), Montana Gisborne (New Zealand) and Achaval Ferrer (Argentina). His father sold machinery to wineries, so he’s grown up familiar in the industry. Fun fact: In his spare time, he’s a DJ and loves music.

Alberto told me that they decided to create a winery that reflects their beliefs and value in Las Compuertas, Lujan de Cuyo that is completely created out of recycled materials.

Let’s talk about the wines:

Rebelión: This wine is created with a mix of grapes from three different vineyards located in Lujan de Cuyo, Vista Flores and Altamira. As a result, it is considered a Malbec Blend. It is easy to drink and is meant to be shared with friends.

Biutiful: With grapes coming from the vineyards of Altamira, said to be one of the best places to grow grapes in Mendoza, Biutiful is considered a “pure Malbec” or “Malbec desnudo (naked).” Being an unoaked Malbec, Biutiful replaces typical hints of oak with minerals, flowers and herbs. Think a Pinot Noir style. The name is a Spanglish translation of Inner Beauty.

Biolento: Created with the old vines at the Maal Wine vineyards (up to 60 years), Biolento tells the story of the bodega itself. The name shares two sides of the tale; “bio” symbolizes the wine’s organic tendency. “Lento” and the image of an ant on the bottle depict the winemakers’ slow battle against ants while creating the wine. This is an estate wine that shows the changing elevation and biodynamic soils combined with oak.

Imposible: The underdog of Maal wine family, Imposible was created at a vineyard in Vista Flores that many doubted would do the job. Critics said it is impossible to make wine there, and so the name was born. Imposible is known as the “desfiante” of the line, or the defiant.

Bestial: The first wine to be created by the winemakers, Bestial helped lay the foundation for Maal Wines. Created in Vista Flores, Bestial is the most “classic” of the five. The wine remains in the casks for six months and uses three types of oak: French, American and Argentinian, which is aged for 12-15 months. The named reflects it being a “Tamed Beast.”

I didn’t get to try them, but they also have a sparkling Malbec, a rosé Malbec, and a Claret Malbec.

Vineyard Brands tried some of their early offering wines and signed up immediately to help them distribute to new markets. Alfredo told me they were currently at capacity at 150,000 bottles.

 

Ironically, I also attended the “More Than Malbec Tour” by Vino del Sol, which focused on how Argentina produced several award-winning wines other than Malbec. Unfortunately, it started almost an hour late, so I could only attend the first hour. I tasted the Altocedro La Consulta Select, the Altocedro Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, the Anko Torrontés, the Zaha Cabernet Sauvignon, the La Madrid Estate Wines Cabernet Franc Reserva, the La Madrid Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva. I missed the Tapiz Sparkling Torrontés, the Tapiz Alta Chardonnay, the Zolo Sauvignon Blanc, the Wapisa Pinot Noir and the Wapisa Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

MAAL Wines’ commitment to crafting exceptional Malbecs is rooted in their belief in the power of terroir. By carefully selecting vineyards with optimal conditions for Malbec and employing sustainable farming practices, MAAL Wines produces wines that showcase the grape’s true potential. Their dedication to quality and innovation has earned them a reputation as one of the best and most diverse Malbec producers in the world.

 

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