Why I Love Malbec

Malbec is a purple grape variety used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine.

While the grape and wine find both their origins in the Cahors region of Southwest France, New-World Malbec has arguably been met with equal acclaim and it is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine wine where both grape and technique have been perfected.

Unlike in France, where Malbec was never an easy grape to grow, it simply thrives in Argentina. Today, Argentina leads with over 75% of all the acres of Malbec in the world. In a way, Argentina reinvigorated Malbec as one of the top 18 noble grapes. Now it grows in seven countries and continues to grow in popularity.

The Malbec grape is a thin-skinned grape and needs more sun and heat than either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to mature. It ripens mid-season and can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum and berry-like flavour component to add complexity to claret blends. The finished product is consistently described as rich, dark and juicy and intense.

To say that Malbec is food friendly is an understatement. We find that it goes particularly well with pizza and almost any hearty Italian meal. Malbec goes well with all kinds of grilled red meats as well as roasts, barbecue and strong, aged cheeses. French Malbecs are great with roasted or grilled lamb, sausages and strong cheeses. Be sure to try it with Indian food!