Wine 101 The Fascinating Malbec

Malbec, a captivating dry red wine, entices with affordability and approachable, juicy fruit flavors. Explore its French roots, Argentine evolution, and discover the distinct characteristics that make it a global favorite.

Malbec: A Tale of Two Worlds

Malbec in France:

• Indigenous to France, Malbec served as a blending grape in Bordeaux, rarely exceeding 2 percent in the red blend.
• Cahors, in the southwest, is the sole French region crafting varietal Malbec, known for its deeply colored, tannic wines with dark berry flavors.
• The severe frost of 1956 reduced Malbec plantings; Cahors today allows blends with up to 30 percent Merlot or Tannat.

Malbec in Argentina:

• French agronomist Michel Pouget recommended Malbec to Argentine winemakers in the 19th century.
• Thriving in Argentina’s high-altitude regions, Malbec gained popularity for its intense fruit flavors, velvety texture, and adaptability.
• While consumed locally for nearly a century, global recognition surged only in the early 2000s, driven by its affordability and approachable profile.

Divergence in Flavors: Argentina vs. Cahors

Argentina’s Malbec

• High-altitude sub-regions like Mendoza offer a distinctive flavor profile with intense fruit flavors, velvety texture, and herbal notes.
• Blueberry, red plum, and cocoa take the spotlight, supported by high acidity and tannins.

Cahors’ Malbec

• Plusher texture, less tannic, and significantly earthier, Cahors Malbec presents red and black currant notes with hints of tobacco, coffee, and licorice.

Perfect Pairings: Malbec and Food Harmony

• Malbec’s easy-drinking nature and versatility make it an ideal pairing with various cuisines, from appetizers to desserts.
• Firm structure and moderate alcohol complement smoky or spice-rubbed red meats, while herbs and spices intensify the wine’s fruitiness.
• Argentine barbecue (asado), roasted mushrooms, and rich, spicy bean burgers offer diverse vegetarian options.
• For dessert, opt for nutty manchego, sharp cheddar, or cheesecake to complement Malbec’s dry red wine characteristics.

A Safe Bet for Every Occasion

• Malbec’s crowd-pleasing charm and adaptability make it a go-to choice, fitting any occasion or group preference.

10 Facts about Malbec

1. Originating in France, Malbec has been a blending grape in Bordeaux for over a century.
2. Cahors, in southwest France, is the sole region producing varietal Malbec wines.
3. The severe frost of 1956 significantly reduced Malbec plantings in France.
4. Michel Pouget’s recommendation led to Malbec thriving in Argentina’s high-altitude regions.
5. Malbec remained a local wine in Argentina for nearly 100 years before gaining global recognition.
6. Argentine Malbec became popular in the early 2000s for its affordability and approachable profile.
7. Argentina’s Malbec from Mendoza showcases intense fruit flavors, velvety texture, and herbal notes.
8. Cahors Malbec offers a plusher texture, less tannic, and significantly earthier character.
9. Cahors allows blends with up to 30 percent Merlot or Tannat in its Malbec wines.
10. Malbec’s versatility extends to pairing with various foods, making it a crowd-pleasing choice.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

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