Initially from south-west France, the place it’s referred to as côt, malbec is used to make the well-known ‘black wine’ of the Cahors area – so referred to as due to its dense, inky color. It’s been an everyday import to the UK for the reason that thirteenth century. Historically robust and really tannic when drunk younger, these wines are finest left to age for a number of years to melt up however lately there are many French malbecs made in lighter, extra approachable types.
Nevertheless, Argentina is the actual star of the fashionable malbec story – significantly excessive up within the Andes mountains within the province of Mendoza, the place the local weather actually fits this tough grape. That is the place most malbecs on our cabinets come from and so they are inclined to have a brighter, extra exuberant high quality than conventional Cahors côts, in addition to extra supple tannins and a lovely, velvety mouthfeel. Though they’re typically weighty in alcohol – 14% ABV or thereabouts – their typically excessive acidity offers steadiness and freshness.
Steak, virtually Argentina’s nationwide dish, is often the go-to meals match, though any strong, meaty meals is a protected guess – suppose pulled pork with a sticky sauce, or a maybe a sausage casserole – and so they’re one in all my favorite issues to drink with lasagne or a spag bol. With regards to veggie selections, aubergines have a pure affinity with malbec, significantly when baked with a tomato-based sauce, or strive earthy lentils with roasted root veg.
Extra like this
Malbec wines to purchase
Tesco Best The Trilogy Malbec
That is made by Bodega Catena Zapata, the oldest vineyard nonetheless in household fingers in Argentina, now headed by the inspirational fourth-generation vintner Laura Catena. From high-altitude vineyards within the Mendoza area, it’s concentrated however elegant, with layers of ripe black fruit, chocolate, pepper and a little bit vanilla from its light ageing in oak barrels.
Touraine Côt-Malbec Domaine Guénault 2022
Though Cahors is malbec’s religious house in France, the Loire valley additionally grows it very effectively, significantly within the Touraine area, higher recognized for its zingy sauvignon blancs. This contemporary, unoaked malbec is prettily aromatic and really juicy, with mushy, pure fruit and a beautiful silky texture.
M&S Assortment Tradición Susana Balbo Malbec
Susana Balbo is one other of Argentina’s pioneering ladies of wine. She was the nation’s first feminine winemaker and now runs her vineyard alongside together with her two youngsters. This weighs in at a punchy 14.5% ABV however wears it with aplomb – plush plum and damson fruit with some warming spice, lifted with a lick of mineral freshness on the end. Nice worth for this class of wine.
Speedy serve
Winter sangria
It is a smart way to make use of up any port left over after Christmas, and it additionally works with crimson wine. It’s a riff on the deeply retro port and lemon, a drink hardly ever seen for the reason that Nineteen Seventies. Simply pour 75ml of port over ice in a tall glass, high up with ginger beer and squeeze in a slice of orange. A touch of brandy will add a warming hit.
