Malbec
Malbec is a black grape variety that produces red wines. Although it is grown in several places around the world it’s famously known as the signature grape of Argentina, especially from its spiritual home, the high-altitude region of Mendoza. Malbec is native to South-West France and is especially important in a region called Cahors, east of Bordeaux. Cahors is the only wine producing region outside of Argentina that leads with this grape and champions it.
Malbec from Argentina
Malbec thrives in moderate and warm climates, and it is in the dry climate of Argentina that it really shines. Malbec wines produced in Argentina are the most internationally recognized expression of that grape and they are generally full-bodied red wines with deep color (thanks to the grape’s thick skin), high levels of tannins, that are smooth and round, as well as balanced acidity.
These wines typically have aromas of ripe black fruits like blackberry and black plum as well as chocolate and sweet spice aromas. Premium wines are often aged in new oak and can display secondary aromas of vanilla and cloves as well.
Mendoza in Argentina produces around 70% of the world’s Malbec wines that are very popular thanks to their smooth mouthfeel and fruit forward profile. The Northern and Eastern parts of Mendoza are known to produce high volume inexpensive wines. Grapes grown at higher altitudes, mostly in Central Mendoza on the foothills of the Andes, are known to produce premium and elegant wines that can age for decades, developing tertiary aromas of dried fruits and game. This is especially true for the fine wines coming from the Luján de Cuyo Department at 900-1100 m that are famous for their old malbec vines.
Malbec is mostly produced as a single varietal wine in Argentina however it can also lead blends with other Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Malbec from the Cahors region
Cahors on the other hand, with its cooler climate, produces more powerful and rustic Malbec wines. They are known locally as Côt or Auxerrois and were referred to as ‘Black Wines’ in Medieval times thanks to their inky deep color. Generally, Malbec wines produced in Cahors have dark berry aromas as well as savory aromas. They have higher tannins and acidity than the ones in Argentina but with lower alcohol. They are generally oaked and can benefit from further ageing, gaining tertiary aromas like leather and earth. Similar to those in Argentina, Malbec wines produced in Cahors are usually single varietal wines but can also have Merlot or Tannat as blending partners.
