Malbec is red wine, a powerful wine that has a devoted following all over the globe. This wine type has its origins in France but is most commonly linked with Argentina, where it is primarily grown. This guide will acquaint you with the important details about Malbec wines and how best to serve these wines.
Malbec grapes are originally vine grown in the southern parts of France, specifically in Cahors. In France the grape is known as the “Côt” or the “Auxerrois” grape, When exported, they are known as the “Cot” grape. It might be planted in France today, but it is much better known today after arriving in Argentina in the middle of the 19th century. Argentina’s warm climate as well as vineyards at even higher altitude translated to one of the country’s most famous wines: Malbec.
This variety is grown in other countries other than Argentina, for instance in the United States, Chile, Australia and South Africa. But Argentina continues to be the market leader, while the Malbec wines are known for their rich flavors and smooth texture.
There are two distinct tastes and aromas associated with wine and that is because of; Malbec comes with a dark rich color with complex-bodied tastes. It is said to be fully bodied and what this means is that when you actually have the wine in your mouth it feels thick. The main flavours you’ll find in Malbec wines include:
- Fruits: Blackberries, plums, cherries, and blueberries.
- Spices: Black pepper and cloves.
- Other Notes: Dark chocolate, coffee, etc..,
Argentine Malbec shows rich fruity features alongside its deep flavors. Argentina produces Malbec wine which contains gentle tannins alongside a rounded taste finish. Blackberries together with plums and hints of chocolate or vanilla provide strong tastes in Argentine Malbec wines. High-altitude Mendoza wine regions have earned themselves worldwide recognition for producing superior quality wines with a smoother finish.
It has some complex or intense tastes including black berries, plums, notes of chocolate or vanilla. Wines of especially high altitude ; this is more evident with wines produced in Mendoza.
Thanks to its flexible qualities Malbec wine works brilliantly with multiple culinary options. Here are some simple ideas:
Red Meat: Malbec creates an ideal wine pairing for grilled steak and beef burgers and lamb chops. Our bold tastes simultaneously enhance the luxurious feel of dinner meats.
Cheese: Serving your aged Cheddar or Gouda cheeses with a glass of Malbec will create a perfect combination. Blue cheese also works wonderfully.
Vegetarian Dishes: Roasted veggies pair incredibly well with Malbec while mushroom dishes and lentil soups pair perfectly.
Spicy Foods: Malbec along with its fruity notes provides a balance to fight the hot flavor intensity in eating Indian and Mexican cuisine.
Detecting Malbec wines at temperatures between 15-18°C lets you experience its flavor profile to its fullest extent.
Look for Mendoza: Among all Argentine wine-producing regions Mendoza stands out as the home of the finest wines. As for them, there are few sub-regions such as the Uco Valley as well as Luján de Cuyo that also comprise the production of excellent wines.
Check the Label: You will find labeling that indicates when the wine spent time in oak barrels. Drinking Malbec from oak barrels will create new and rich tastes including notes of vanilla coffee and spice.
Try French Malbec: The Malbec wine of Cahors France offers lighter structured wines compared to other varieties so it is worth investigation by wine enthusiasts.
Malbec wine achieved worldwide popularity after its success in Argentina led to its becoming a best-selling variety globally. Wine enthusiasts celebrate the exceptional wine known as Malbec through World Malbec Day celebrations which occur on April 17th annually.
Argentine Malbec represents the centerpiece of modern world appreciation yet its neighboring wine countries Chile and the United States also produce noteworthy Malbec varietals. Different regions of wine production give their signature touch to the drink without changing the signature Malbec balance between fruitiness and richness.