Malbec
from S.W France to Argentina
Considered the flagship grape variety of Argentina, this black grape variety is used to produce full bodied, deep coloured red wines with high levels of soft tannins and wonderful spiced dark fruit character. Often displaying signature notes of blackberry, black plum, clove and pepper, Malbec is a variety that shows great affinity with oak aging. Used to produce both single varietal wines as well as beautiful red blends (together with varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Bonarda and Syrah). Malbec has made its home in the key Argentine region of Mendoza (with beautiful examples also to be found in Patagonia and Salta), where leading producers the likes of Bodega Catena Zapata, Achaval Ferrer and Zuccardi are producing fabulous expressions of high altitude Malbec.
The region of Cahors in South West France has a long-standing history of producing excellent reds from Malbec, known locally as ‘Cot’, with prominent producers including the soft and elegant reds of Château de Haute-Serre or the generous and rich wines of Château de Chambert. Internationally popular, this powerful black variety is being used to create exciting reds the world over: discover the exciting South African Malbec red blends from Vilafonté, limited release Italian expressions, cassis-led Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec Australian reds and many more!