Celebrate Malbec with Affordable Finds from Argentina

Malbec World Day 2018 is April 17, but I’m sure we’re in agreement that Malbec should be honored (and sipped) any day of the year! Throughout the globe, this day is set aside for not only enjoying a lovely bottle of Malbec but for learning more about this beautiful, expressive variety. Following is a bit about Malbec as well as reviews of four delicious wines, sent to me as samples, from Argentina.

Ahhh, Malbec!

Malbec, known as Côt (as well as other names) in France, is an old variety thought to have originated in the Cahors appellation in southwest France. In 1868, Malbec was introduced in Argentina by a French agricultural engineer, Michel Pouget, who wanted to improve the quality of Argentine wines; now, it’s the predominant varietal of that country. Malbec is cultivated in Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Israel, Canada, Mexico, and of course, Washington State and California, where it’s used to add color, acidity, and softness to Meritage blends.

 

Malbec, a purple variety, is a thick-skinned grape that, in general, needs more sun and heat than Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot in order to mature. Malbec from Cahors leans towards rustic flavors of tobacco, raisin, game meat, and black fruits; there is a range of style throughout the region, all with bright acidity and layered tannic structure. Malbec found in Argentina boasts floral aromas, intense and precise dark fruit flavors, lively acidity, and a velvet-like texture. A delicious Malbec is a more than satisfying pairing with meats such as prime rib, roast beef, a juicy steak, a lamb. It also complements a hearty pizza or pasta dish laden with rich, tomato-based sauce.

But let’s return to those Argentine Malbecs that the world knows so well…

Affordable Malbecs to Love Right Now

As an homage to Malbec World Day, I more than willingly tasted the following four wines, sent as samples, from Argentina. Each is budget-friendly and will be exceptional choices to pair with a savory dinner tonight.

Colomé Estate Malbec 2015 ($25) – Colomé, based in the Calchaqui Valley, high in the Salta region of northwestern Argentina, is one of the oldest working wineries in that country. Established in 1831, vineyards were planted at high elevations on original rootstock imported from Bordeaux – these vines still bear fruit today. This delicious wine is from four estate vineyards that grow the highest elevation Malbec in the world. These elevations offer more sun and produce a thicker-skinned grape with vibrant acidity and robust flavors. On the nose I craved each whiff of spice, dark plums, blueberries, and floral notes. The palate burst with broad, intense flavors of ripe blackberries, blueberries, plums, red berries, vanilla, and pepper that were framed with mouthwatering acidity and velvet-like tannins. Pair this luscious wine with a recipe for Seared Lamb, Fresh Corn, and Quinoa Soup.

Amalaya Malbec 2016 ($16) – The word “Amalaya” translates in the local language as “a bountiful harvest”. Founded in 2010 on land that had never been planted to vine, the wines result from an experiment by those at Bodega Colomé; they desired to locate alternative sourcing and varieties for their Malbec and Torrontes blends. The winery itself is located in Salta, Argentina at 1800 meters above sea level in the Calchaqui Valley, a region characterized by a dry climate, abundant sunshine, and rocky and sandy soil. This wine is a blend of 85% Malbec, 10% Tannat, and 5% Petit Verdot; 25% of the wine was aged for 8 months in French oak barrels. Bold and intense aromas of dark purple and red fruit, earth notes, and vanilla led to tastes of succulent red fruit, spice, more vanilla and pepper, enveloped with bright acidity and gentle tannic structure. The finish of the Amalaya Malbec was gentle and persistent.  Consider pairing a glass or two with Grilled Tomahawk Steak with Squash and Zesty Watercress Salad.

Domaine Bousquet Gaia Red Blend 2015 ($20) – Named “Gaia” for the earth goddess of Greek mythology, the wine is from fully organic estate vineyards of gravel and sandy soil. Located at an altitude of 4000 feet in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary in Mendoza and by the foothills of the Andes Mountains, the high altitude and cool nights contribute to the fresh fruit flavors and acidity of the grapes in the blend. And that blend! 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon create a delicious wine that offered intense aromas of spice, red fruit, blueberries, blackberries, earth, and notes of vanilla. Flavors of juicy red and black fruit and more tangy spice as well as mouthwatering acidity and structured tannins helped bring a fresh, elegant wine to the glass. Enjoy a glass of the Domaine Bousquet Red Blend with meat still sizzling from the grill, hard cheeses, or luscious chocolate anything!

Trivento Cabernet-Malbec Reserve 2016 ($11) – Grapes cultivated in vineyards of alluvial soil in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza, this blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Malbec delivers more than just a budget-friendly price point. Optimal ripening is attributed to the region’s dry, continental climate and consistent sunshine – fresh, flavorful notes were discovered in my glass. On the nose, I found aromas of dried red berries, tobacco, black pepper, and a touch of smoke and vanilla. Elements of juicy red fruit, blackberries, ripe plums, and baking spice, surrounded with bright acidity and smooth tannins, led to a lingering finish. The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 6 months, then aged in the bottle for an additional 6 months before release. Pour a glass of the Trivento Cabernet-Malbec Reserve and pair with bacon-wrapped tenderloin, garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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