Malbec appreciation

High quality planting of Malbec is a huge success in Argentina where over 20,000ha are now planted making it the country's leading grape. When it was first brought to Mendoza it thrived in the dry climate so much so that Malbec is now recognised as being in the vanguard of Argentina's growing premium wine reputation worldwide.

Malbec grapes are very susceptible to rot and mildew, and therefore very difficult to grow in damp conditions associated with a reasonable amount of rainfall. That includes its home in Bordeaux.

In some locations suitable frost prevention measures are now well developed and highly effective with overhead trellis system in many vineyards to protect the grapes.

A young Malbec presents a very dense and dark colour as cherry red or morello cherry red. This red colour can evolve into almost black and with time into an elegant ruby red. Morello cherry, cherry, berries, plum and raisins are the main aromas in fine Malbec. For some specialists the violet, the strawberry and the amber are its three main aromas. In the mouth, flavours like plum, plum marmalade, morello cherry and morello cherry marmalade appear. Malbec wines are warm, soft and they present pleasant sweet tannins once they start to evolve. The aroma and flavour of vanilla, chocolate, cacao and coffee arises from the oxidation of the oak wood of the barrels together with the polyphenols of the wine

Malbec pairs well with steak, roast beef, stews, pasta with tomato sauce and cheese, game meats and hard cheeses.

Malbec - most planted grape in Argentina

• Malbec 21,200ha
• Bonarda 17,200ha
• Cab Sauvignon 16,200ha
• Syrah 10,800ha
• Merlot 7,100ha
• Tempranillo 5,600ha
• Pinot Noir 1,200ha

Malbec appreciation: Malbec Society on Twitter

If there's a particular Malbec from Argentina that you're looking for, please contact us

Email: customers@southamericanwinesonline.co.uk