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. In France, plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in South West France. It is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine varietal wine and is being grown around the world.

History

Called Auxerrois or Côt Noir in Cahors, called Malbec in Bordeaux, and Pressac in other places, the grape became less popular in Bordeaux after 1956 when frost killed off 75% of the crop. Despite the fact that the grape was in France for many centuries, it is not grown there very much anymore. Malbec (Côt) is the dominant red varietal in Cahors where the Appellation Controlée regulations for Cahors require a minimum content of 70%.

Argentine Malbec

The grape cluster of Argentine Malbec is different from its French relatives; it has smaller berries in tighter, smaller clusters. This suggests that the cuttings brought over by Pouget and later French immigrants were a unique clone that may have gone extinct in France due to frost and the phylloxera epidemic.

Argentine Malbec wine is characterized by its deep color and intense fruity flavors with a velvety texture. While it doesn't have the tannin structure of a French Malbec, being more plush in texture, an Argentine Malbec is meant to be drunk young.

Food pairing

Malbec does not have a long finish and can be enjoyed on its own. It is also being paired with meat-based meals, including smoked, grilled or roasted, dishes. Cheeses such as Gouda, Cheddar and Roquefort also pair well with Malbec.

See also

• Cahors (AOC)
• French wine
• Argentine wine