World Malbec Day was April 17th.
Malbec is a grape typically associated with Argentina, though it has its roots in southwestern France where it is often a small component of some Bordeaux wines known as Pressac or Cot. It is also the featured variety just to the east in the Cahors region, called Auxerois. It can also be found in the Loire Valley also under the name of Cot.
In Bordeaux, Malbec can have some trouble ripening properly when conditions are damp and mild. In contrast, Argentina’s warm, dry climate allows the grape to fully ripen, and it flourished. As a result, these wines tend to be fruitier and more full-bodied than their earthy and tannic French counterparts. Today, Argentina is the largest producer of Malbec in the world.
Malbec came to Argentina in the mid-1800s and now makes up about 75% of the world’s Malbec. It is chiefly found in Mendoza and the best are grown at higher elevations of the Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyo sub-regions where it grows in smaller tighter bunches and with smaller berries.
In addition to France and Argentina, Malbec can also be found in Chile, the US (primarily California and Washington) South Africa, Italy, and even a little in BC’s Okanagan Valley.
Malbec is known for its inky dark colour, fruity nose – black fruit, black currant, blackberry, black cherry, boysenberry, prune, red plum, blueberry, chocolate, licorice, earth, smoke, and tobacco, full velvety body, depth, and concentration.
I know many people who say that Malbec is their favourite red as it is big and bold and tends to have lower acidity and tannins.
It is a versatile food wine and a necessity at Argentinian ‘asados’, or barbecues, which usually feature a variety of beef, other meats, and grilled or roasted vegetables.
I went to the cellar to look through my collection and decided to select based on seniority. But of course, one wasn’t enough so I opened two (it’s always better when you can compare side by side). And one mustn’t forget the benefit of comparing regions, so three were tasted over two days.
2016 Malbec
Deep Roots
Naramata, BC
$26.00
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Bright berries, red and black fruit, perfume, black cherry, and white pepper on the nose. Very good balance. Juicy fruit on the palate that reflects the nose followed by a medium-plus finish. Yummy!
92 Points
2016 Malbec (Rattlesnake Vineyard)
Second Chapter
Oliver, BC
$40.00
Garnet/black in colour with deep intensity. Rich and layered aromas of earth, red fruit and dark berries, roses, dust, chocolate, spice, and savoury notes. Well balanced with firm velvety ripe tannins. The flavours mirror the nose followed by a very smooth medium-long finish. Elegant.
94 Points
2010 Malbec
CarinaE
Argentina
$NA
Garnet/black with deep intensity. The nose shows aromas of black pepper, chocolate, gravel, plum, spice, coconut, and earth. Good balance with smooth, ripe tannins. The flavours follow the nose. A medium-long finish.
90 Points
(All photos – Sam Hauck)
