Malbec’s origin is in Cahors in the south west of France, le Sud-Ouest. But it has become (almost) world famous thanks to Mendoza in Argentina that is by far the biggest producer today.
The two regions make very different wines from this same grape variety. This has of course to do with climate and perhaps clonal selection, but it has probably just as much to do with national tastes and market positioning.
At the occasion of World Malbec Day on April 17 Per had the opportunity to taste a wide range of Malbecs from Argentina at the Argentinean embassy in Paris. It gave him an occasion to compare the wines from the two Malbec regions and pick some favourites.
In Per’s latest article on Forbes he gives you an introduction to the two regions and a some suggestions for wines to try. Here’s the introduction:
Did you miss World Malbec Day? No worries, still plenty of Mendoza and Cahors Malbec wine around
It was recently Malbec Day. Every year this unusual grape variety is celebrated on April 17. But why drink it just on one day of the year? It is an interesting grape variety, comparatively little known, but that has gained in popularity in recent years. Partially due to clever marketing but mainly due to that the wines made from Malbec have become better and better.
You find Malbec grown mainly in two wine regions in the world: in Mendoza in Argentina and in Cahors in France. On the Argentine wines you will always see the grape variety prominently displayed on the label. On the French wines almost never. So let’s start from the beginning, with the grape.
Malbec is a red grape that typically gives wines with a lot of body and structure. Full-bodied, substantial wines. There is a lot of pigment in the grape skins so the wines are generally dark, even very dark. It gives wines with an intense fruit, blackberries and blueberries or even plums, and a lot of tannins. In some ways it has a lot in common with Cabernet Sauvignon. But it is also very much dependent on the winemaker choices.
Read Per’s full article on Forbes: Did you miss World Malbec Day? No worries, still plenty of Mendoza and Cahors Malbec wine around.
If you want to discover more of Argentinian Malbecs as well as all the other outstanding wines in Argentina, and Chile, come on a wine tour to Argentina and Chile with us at BKWine. You will be personally guided by us. The 2016 program is just published.
