When it comes to the world's finest Malbecs, the grape variety's original homeland doesn't get a look in.
Malbec originally came from Cahors in the South West of France where it still makes famously inky black expressions of the grape. Malbec also plays a key role in several Bordeaux blends, proving it has not yet been completely abandoned by its motherland.
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However, it is across the vast Atlantic where Malbec has truly set up shop, finding its true calling in Argentina.
Part of the grape variety's easy assimilation to the South American country is down to the climate. Argentina is consistently warm and sunny, with a range of altitudes and terroirs.
Although it is unclear when Malbec first arrived on Argentine soils but it's likely to be around 1865 when some vines were planted in near Mendoza city. This was in tandem with the 1853 appointment of French viticulturist, Michel Aimé Pouget who emigrated to run Quinta Normal de Agricultura, the country's first agricultural school.
However, despite Malbec's seemingly seamless adaptation, it hasn't always been plain sailing even in Argentina.
During the 1980s, there was a rising demand for white wine like Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc and not a lot of love for Malbec, which was seen as too rustic at the time.
As a result, Malbec vines got pulled up. However, in the 1990s, the arrival of American winemaker, Paul Hobbs along with Jorge Catena – younger brother of Nicolás Catena of acclaimed Catena Zapata – decided to give Malbec a go.
By adapting various technologies and exploring workarounds, the problems plaguing the wines were solved.
The 1990s then saw the rise of Argentina's new red star which captured global attention, and hasn't really let up since.
So, unsurprisingly, when it comes to the world's best Malbec, not only are they all from Argentina, but most are the handiwork of a few key producers.
Before we get stuck in, it's worth noting that all prices are in US dollars and represent the global average retail price. The critic scores are also aggregated from our pool of critics, with some given more weight than others.
Number one is the Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal by Familia Zuccardi. Familia Zuccardi is one of the great powerhouses of Mendoza, with several top brands falling under its umbrella.
The estate was founded by Alberto Zuccardi in the 1940s. Zuccardi, himself, was originally of Italian origin, his grandparents having emigrated some time before.
Mendoza is famously a desert, and Zuccardi had to experiment with various irrigation systems before planting his vineyard in Maipu, an important sub-zone of Mendoza. Those early days ultimately paving the way to the success for the Zuccardi estate which is now run by Alberto's grandson, Sebastián Zuccardi.
The Finca Piedra Infinita is made from grapes grown at an altitude of 1100 metres, and consistently scores well with the critics. With a critic rating of 97 points, it currently comes in at $248 which – for the top of the top – is still relatively reasonable.
Number two is another from Familia Zuccardi, but this time the Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal. This powerful, fruit-driven wine has a critic score of 97 points and a price-point of $275.
Three is an entry from that other great Mendoza behemoth, Bodegas Catena Zapata and the Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec. Bodegas Catena Zapata was founded in 1902 and remains today Argentina's oldest continually family-owned winery.
Currently run by fourth-generation winemaker Dr Laura Catena, the estate is deeply committed to promoting Argentina's wines on the world stage
The Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec is named after the tiny but powerful bacteria that live and enrich the Adrianna Vineyard soils, directly translating as "elegant microbes of the earth". The Adrianna Vineyard itself is named after Nicolás's youngest daughter.
The resulting wine has a critic score of 96 points, and a price point of $259.
Fourth is the Finca Piedra Infinita from Zuccardi, coming in at $156 and 96 points.
Number five is another from Catena Zapata's Adrianna Vineyard, this time the River Stones Malbec, which is named after the ancient river that once flowed through the vineyard. The distinctive white stones absorb heat during the day, helping keep the vines warm on cold nights and, conversely, chill during the night and help keep the vines cool during hot days. Making this an important vineyard site.
As a result, the River Stones has a critic score of 95 points, and a price point of $185.
Number six is the As Bravas Malbec by El Enemigo. The brand is the joint venture between the aforementioned Adrianna Catena and Alejandro Vigil, chief winemaker at Catena Zapata.
El Enemigo has since gone on to achieve cult status, unsurprising given the caliber of people involved. The As Bravas Malbec has a critic score of 96 points and comes in at $100.
Seven is the Finca Cerrilladas by Familia Zuccardi. The high-altitude Cerilladas vineyards boast both gravel and limestone soils, which is reflected in the wine. The result of which has a critic score of 96 points, while coming in at $115.
Eight is the only entry to venture outside of Mendoza with Bodega Noemia in Patagonia's Rio Negro region. Rio Negro is a desert, the result of glacial activity, with the first vines planted around the 1930s.
It was the discovery of an old plot of Malbec vines that prompted Italian wine producer Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and Danish winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers to team up and make some of the country's finest wines.
Their flagship Bodega Noemia is made from pre-phylloxera cuttings, and is then ages in new French barrique. The resulting wine has a critic score of 95 points and comes in at $168.
Nine sees a return to Mendoza with the Cobos Malbec. Viña Cobos was founded by the aforementioned Paul Hobbs, with the singular goal of elevating Argentinian Malbec to emblematic status.
To that end, it has undoubtedly succeeded, with the Cobos Malbec have a critic score of 95 points, and a price-point of $229.
Lastly is the Fortuna Terrae from Catena Zapata's Adrianna Vineyard coming in at $125 with 95 points.
In summary, then, two estates are responsible for seven out of 10 of the world's best Malbecs. If Mendoza is the heart of all things Malbec, it would appear Familia Zuccardi and Catena Zapata are its twin heartbeats.
