Mar 2004
Malbec
March, 2004 Filed in: Wine varieties
We have recently been flooded with kits containing Malbec either on its own, such as our Selection International Argentine Malbec or in our Selection Limited Edition Carmenere-Malbec and CellarCraft Limited Release Malbec-Merlot. So what is this Malbec all about?
Prior to 1956, Malbec was grown extensively throughout the Bordeaux region of France. With some devastating vine killing frosts in 1956, French growers took the opportunity to replace Malbec with other grape types. Why? The Malbec is subject to plant diseases such as mildew and root rot.
While Malbec all but disappeared from France, it found a new home in South America, particularly Argentina. The diseases which led to Malbec’s French demise are not a problem in South America. The hot dry climate found in South America, particularly the Mendoza area of Argentina, allows the Malbec grapes to reach full ripeness. The Malbec is known as the “black wine” because of its deep rich dark colour. This intense wine is lush and fruity with heavy tannic tendency, rivaling a good Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz (Syrah) in terms of body.
A good Malbec is known to possess blackberry, plums, tar, red pepper, licorice and sometimes chocolate and espresso. Because of the full body characteristics of the Malbec it is best suited to beef dishes
Prior to 1956, Malbec was grown extensively throughout the Bordeaux region of France. With some devastating vine killing frosts in 1956, French growers took the opportunity to replace Malbec with other grape types. Why? The Malbec is subject to plant diseases such as mildew and root rot.
While Malbec all but disappeared from France, it found a new home in South America, particularly Argentina. The diseases which led to Malbec’s French demise are not a problem in South America. The hot dry climate found in South America, particularly the Mendoza area of Argentina, allows the Malbec grapes to reach full ripeness. The Malbec is known as the “black wine” because of its deep rich dark colour. This intense wine is lush and fruity with heavy tannic tendency, rivaling a good Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz (Syrah) in terms of body.
A good Malbec is known to possess blackberry, plums, tar, red pepper, licorice and sometimes chocolate and espresso. Because of the full body characteristics of the Malbec it is best suited to beef dishes