Malbec
Malbec is a black, mellow grape variety originally grown in France, in the Loire Valley and Cahors. Long known as one of the six grapes used in the blending of red Bordeaux wine, it is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine varietal wine. It is also grown in the cooler regions of California. It has an extensive listing, currently more than fifty, of synonyms.
Called Auxerrois in Cahors, Côt in the Loire and or Pressac in other places, the grape became less popular in Bordeaux after 1956 when frost killed off 75% of the crop. However, Malbec continued to be popular in Cahors where it was mixed with Merlot and Tannat to make dark, full-bodied wines, and more recently has been made into 100% malbec wines there.
Malbec is widely planted in Argentina producing a softer, less-tannic driven variety than the wines of Cahors. The best examples of these wines come from the Argentine region of Mendoza.
Malbec is the premier grape of Argentina. It seems to have found a natural home, being used to produce very popular varietal wines. It is now thought that the variety known as Fer in that country is a clone. As a varietal it creates a rather inky red (or violet), intense wine, so it is also commonly used in blends, such as with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create the renowned red French Bordeaux ``claret`` blend. In California and other areas it is increasingly being used for the same blending purpose.
Introduced to Argentina by French agricultural engineer Michel Pouget in 1868, there were once 50,000 hectares planted with Malbec; now there are 25,000 hectares. Chile, has about 6,000 hectares planted, France 5,300 hectares and California, just 45 hectares. Malbec is also grown in Australia, British Columbia and northeastern Italy.
This article is based entirely or in part on the
Malbec wikipedia article
and is licenced under the terms of the
GNU Free Documentation Licence.
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In this categoryChacayes Malbec Mendoza 02
During the mid 1990s Lurton planted a vineyard especially for the production of exceptional wines on the high plateaus of the Andes. The location had all the qualities Lurton was looking for; poor soil made up of gravel, sand and volcanic dust, a cool climate owing to the high altitude (over 3000 feet) and pure water for irrigation. They are now starting to reap the benefits of this exceptional investment. This wine is dark bright plum colour, showing lots of glycerine extract. The nose is immediately attractive with high quality oak scents mixed with ripe fruit. The aromas of black cherries and bitter chocolate are associated with low cropped Malbec. Fresh sweet and well integarated chocolate and roasted coffee bean flavour on the palate with good lively acidity balancing the richness of fruit. Long and spicy finish, with finely integrated oak and tight rips tannins indicating a long life ahead. A truly great wine. 2003 to follow [read on...]
Vintage: 2002 Color: Country: Argentina Code: 61051
Malbec/Cabernet Franc 2005 Porteau
The grapes are selectively hand picked fermented in stainless steel tanks and the wine matured in barrique for 12 months. Four years bottle age has allowed the wine to develop fully, yet retain a delicious freshness. Complex nose with soft fruity mouth filling Morello cherry fruit. This is a perfect marriage of thse two grape varieties which compliment each other so well. Awarded Gold Medal, Paris challenge. [read on...]
A B V: 12.5% Vintage: 2005 Color: red Country: France Code: 74223
Tierra de Luna Malbec 2008
The Tierra de Luna vineyards are set on the Mendoza river 250 feet above sea level. It has soft tannins and great aromatic intensity, with delious raisiny flavour with a hint of cherry. [read on...]
A B V: 13.5% Vintage: non-vintag Color: red Country: Argentina Code: 73024
Villa Maria P B Merlot-Malbec Rose 05
This wine displays vibrant colour and aromatic floral notes. The alluring bouquet ripe raspberries, cherries and spicy cinamon note dominate the nose The palate is rich and intense finishing dry, crisp and polished. [read on...]
A B V: 14% Vintage: 2005 Color: rose Country: New Zealand Region: Marlborough Code: 68906
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