Toast the Argentine pope with a glass of Malbec

This being Beer-adelphia, there are naturally more than a half-dozen new local brews that have been crafted and themed in honor of Pope Francis' visit, from Holy Wooder (Philadelphia Brewing Co.) to White Smoke Saison (Forest & Main).

But the South American pontiff apparently prefers wine. So what better time to salute the Argentine-born Jorge Mario Bergoglio than to tip back a glass of deep purple malbec?

Pennsylvania has a couple of great examples from Mendoza priced well enough to suit the ever-humble People's Pope.

This 2012 Primus is a fantastic value at $12.99 that, once it opens after about 30 minutes, brings deep red and black berry fruits framed by some earthy tobacco tannins and nice acidity.

For just four dollars more, the 2010 Manos Negras Stone Soil (the name a nod to winemakers' hands stained from working the dark purple fruit), is deeper, lusher, and more intense, with an almost blueberry mocha core that finishes with a pleasing licorice linger.

- Craig LaBan

Primus Malbec Mendoza 2012, $12.99 (code 33819); Manos Negras Malbec Stone Soil Select Argentina 2010, $16.99 (code 72499) in Pennsylvania.