Nov 8

Written by: John Gerum
11/8/2010 11:07 AM 

Malbec originates from France and was popular in Bordeaux as one of the six varietals used to blend their wines until a killer frost knocked out over 75% of the vines about 150 years ago.  Today Malbec is mainly planted in Cahors, a region in the south west of France. These wines are big monsters with heavy tannins and great structure, but typically not what consumers are looking for these days.

Consumer friendly Malbec hails from Argentina where the climate, soils and winemaking skills are ideal for this grape. This frost sensitive vine is planted to over 50,000 acres so supply is rarely a problem. Malbec was introduced to Argentina in 1868 and it was virtually ignored until Argentina adjusted plantings for more premium wine production in the 1980's. The clone of Malbec that was imported grows smaller berries and clusters which results in a less tannic style of wine.

Malbec from Argentina is known for its deep color, intense black fruit, plum and violet notes and a smooth, velvety structure. Mendoza, La Rioja and Salta are the main production areas as these regions are known to have more heat units and sunlight hours, which the thin skinned Malbec thrives on.

I have recently tasted a number of Malbec wines and reviewed some of my favorites. These wines are all well under the $20 mark and are widely available.

The 1884 Malbec is an intensely fruity wine showing blackberry, dark plum and a streak of rich, sweet oak and vanilla. It is round in the mouth with a smooth and pleasing medium long finish. Well crafted and balanced this wine is maximum bang for the buck.

Circus Malbec is a drier version of this style of wine, but still shows smooth tannins and an easy drinking charm. On the nose it reveals black plum, a touch of spice, leather and dark chocolate. It is less full bodied than the 1884 but this wine is better suited to a meal matching opportunity. Try it with red meats and perhaps a hearty beef stew.

Graffigna Malbec is aged in French and American oak and this brings out a black pepper, coffee and toasted oak flavor. Combined with a generous amount of cassis and blackberry fruit this wine is well balanced and concentrated with a medium finish. This wine is sure to be a crowd pleasure for the holiday season as it will match to a variety of seasonal menu ideas.

A slightly different style of Malbec is the La Puerta Malbec, with a slightly minty, spice and plum nose. It is velvety and well balanced with just a hint of tannin which brings the wine into focus.

A world of new flavors await you, so the next time you are wine shopping try one of these well crafted wines to share with friends and family.