Malbec is Argentina’s flagship variety, and the country has the largest Malbec acreage in the world. This variety originally comes from South West France, where it is called Cot and features a hard, tannic style. Due to its intense colour and dark hues, wines obtained from this variety were once called “the black wines of Cahors.” These wines consolidated their prestige in the Middle Ages and gained full recognition in modern times.
Malbec by numbers:
- In Argentina 3,948,716.512 hectares of vineyard are Malbec
- 86% of all Malbec vineyards in Argentina are in Mendoza
- In 1852, Malbec was brought to Argentina by Michel A. Pouget
To celebrate, here’s a couple to choose from our portfolio to choose from.
Doña Paula ‘Selección de Bodega’, Uco Valley, Malbec 2015
Region – Mendoza
Sub-region – Uco Valley
Grape Varieties – Malbec 100%
“A sumptuous and opulent wine showing rich black fruit flavours, a well textured palate with dark chocolate and earthy notes and an elegant finish.”
Andeluna ‘Altitud’, Uco Valley, Malbec 2015
Region – Mendoza
Sub-region – Uco Valley
Grape Varieties – Malbec 100%
“A full flavoured Malbec with intense aromas red fruits and violets combined with delicate hints of vanilla, coffee and chocolate. Sweet fruit on the palate is backed by soft, but high volume tannins which give the wine a long and exquisite finish.”
Matias Riccitelli ‘The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree’, Lujan de Cuyo, Malbec 2015
Region – Mendoza
Sub-region – Lujan de Cuyo
Grape Varieties – Malbec 100%
“Deep purple in colour, with beautiful aromas of wild dark fruits, vanilla and chocolate on the nose. This is a complex and rich Malbec with smooth ripe tannins and a long finish.”
Zorzal ‘Eggo Tinto de Tiza’, Tupungato, Malbec 2015
Region – Mendoza
Sub-region – Tupungato
Grape Varieties – Malbec 88%, Cabernet Franc 12%
“A deep, intense and complex example of a Gualtallary Malbec, with the typical aromas of chalk, flint, and mineral tones. Structured and voluminous on the palate with a silky texture, this is poised and direct, with a refreshing quality.”
Piattelli Vineyards, Trinità Grand Reserve, Lujan de Cuyo 2015
Region – Mendoza
Sub-region – Lujan de Cuyo
Grape Varieties – Malbec 72%, Cabernet Sauvignon 22%, Merlot 6%
“A complex, elegant wine with a deep ruby hue, Trinità tantalizes the senses with an aromatic bouquet of plum and raspberry with hints of coffee and spice, which unfolds across the palate with sweetness and a hint of chocolate. A balanced wine with ripe tannins, full body and a long finish.”
What would the experts recommend…
Doña Paula, Estate, Mendoza, Blue Edition 2016
Region – Mendoza
Grape Varieties – Malbec 60%, Pinot Noir 30%, Bonarda 10%
Terry Kirby, The Independent; “This gorgeously attractive and sumptous wine, where the fresh cherry fruits of pinot noir, as well as bonarda, are added to the mix. The slightly sweeter touch makes it a good match for a leg of lamb.”
Matias Riccitelli, Hey Malbec! 2016
Region – Mendoza
Sub-region – Lujan de Cuyo
Grape Varieties – Malbec 100%
David Williams, The Observer; “Not only has malbec from Argentina established itself as one of the UK’s favourite red grape varieties since 2001, it’s also vastly improved, with, in this case, young gun Matias Riccitelli bringing real purity of black fruit and perfumed succulence.”
Or something original…
Clos Troteligotte ‘K-nom’, Cahors 2016
Region – Cahors
Grape Varieties – Malbec 85%, Merlot 15%
“A modern styled Cahors with concentrated blackcurrant, menthol nuances and intriguing undertones of crystallised pineapple. Supple with soft, fine tannins, the aromas of fresh black fruits persist on the palate. Full bodied, but approachable with a textured finish.”