Today's recommended wine
Gascon, 2008 Mendoza Malbec (Argentina), $14
Malbec -- the affordable, assertive, delicious dry wine that is earning the moniker "recession red" -- is a blender in Bordeaux. In Argentina, it's a single-varietal wine, which is that country's flagship wine. This one is rich and ripe, packed with flavor. I tried to think what sets Malbec apart from Caberent Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and decided it's the prunelike character, married with raspberry and blackberry. This one has great acidity for backbone, and lovely vanilla from the oak. It's line priced at $14 from a top producer.
