Exclusive
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Argentina
Mendoza - Malbec
- ABV 14.5%
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Drink now / lay down
2020 - 2029
Exclusive
-
Argentina
Mendoza - Malbec Blend
- ABV 14.5%
-
Drink now / lay down
2020 - 2029
Exclusive
-
Argentina
Mendoza - Malbec Blend
- ABV 14.0%
-
Drink now / lay down
2021 - 2030
Malbec
This small, black grape variety is loved for its silky-smooth tannins, opulent fruit, and generous savoury finish. Originally from the French region of Cahors, Malbec has seen somewhat of a renaissance in recent decades. This full-bodied wine has found recognition as a fruit-forward crowd pleaser and is today's the most synonymous Argentinian wine on any wine list.
Characteristics of Malbec
When it comes to Malbec wine characteristics, the grape variety is known for its deep purple hue, especially when young. Malbec wines are medium to full-bodied on the palate with firm tannins and flavours of ripe plum notes with dark fruits such as blackberries and black cherry. There is also a characteristic peppery quality to Malbec wines, often described as green and can range from mild to intense. Malbec wine is versatile and can stand up to hearty and rich meats when paired with food.
Alcohol levels in Malbec wines are typically high, often above 14%, so be sure to enjoy this robust red wine in moderation.
The tannins in Malbec wines give the wine its characteristic astringent, dry quality. Tannins are a type of polyphenol found in the skins, seeds and stems of grapes and oak barrels. Tannins add structure and stability to wine, helping it to age gracefully. They also contribute to a wine's perceived body or weight on your palate. Malbec wines are known for their firm tannins, making the wine seem harsh when young but soften and round out with age.
Tasting notes of Malbec
Fruit flavours are more prominent than other characteristics, such as oak or tannins in Malbec. Flavours of ripe plum and dark fruit such as blackberry and black cherry are typical in Malbec wines. French and Argentine Malbec taste somewhat different, they do share some common tasting notes, such as opulent fruit flavours paired with savoury notes, including black pepper, coffee and leather.
Warm-climate Malbecs, such as those produced in Argentina, South Africa, or Australia, offer rich, dark fruit flavours such as blackberry and plum. Cool-climate Malbecs, typically found in France, have a black cherry quality with hints of sharp raspberry. However, all are celebrated for their smooth and chocolatey taste on the tongue with bold structure and low acidity.
The Malbec revival
Malbec grapes require more niche conditions to grow than other popular varieties such as Merlot. So much so that Malbec's fall from grace in the southwest of France, particularly the Bordeaux region, was due to the traditional tannic structure of expressions that made the wines unapproachable, and growers believed that Malbec was too susceptible to disease. Malbec can still be found in France, mainly in the Loire Valley and some in Bordeaux, however, it is known to struggle with this European cooler climate.
Enter the revival of Malbec in South America. Even though the Argentinian winemakers had used Malbec from the 18th century, it was only considered good for blending. Today, it's viewed as Argentina's most important grape. The climate in Argentina is ideal for growing Malbec grapes as it is dry and hot with high altitude vineyards that help the grape to ripen slowly and evenly. This results in intensely flavoured wines but still retain freshness and acidity.
Some of the most renowned Malbec wines come from the Mendoza region, nestled in the foothills of the Andes mountains. These vineyards benefit from the cool breezes and high altitudes and the nutrient-rich soils.
Our thoughts on Malbec
Despite its rich history, this powerful and full-bodied red is often overlooked. We highly recommend a Malbec paired with red meats or dishes with lashings of peppery vegetables. However, if you're looking for some of Malbec's characteristics without strong alcohol content, a lighter alternative blended Bordeaux wine would be terrific. Whichever you choose, all wine lovers can't help but be fascinated with this little grape's tale of survival.
Bordeaux Whites & Entre-deux-mers
While synonymous with reds, the Bordeaux wine region also houses some fine white wines, including sparkling, dry and famous golden-coloured sweet wines from Sauternes & Barzac. The appellation of Entre-deux-mers, located between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers, is the largest in the Bordeaux region. The wines from Entre-deux-mers are usually white, with a small percentage of reds and rosés. White Bordeaux wines are typically blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The wines are generally medium-bodied with aromas of citrus fruits, gooseberry and tropical fruits.
Bordeaux Appellations
There are four main categories of Bordeaux appellations: AOC Bordeaux, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur, Crémant de Bordeaux and Vin de Pays.
AOC Bordeaux
AOC Bordeaux wines must be made from a minimum of 90% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with the remaining 10% made up of any other permitted grape variety. The wines must also be aged for a minimum of 12 months in oak barrels before being released for sale.
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur
AOC Bordeaux Supérieur wines must be made from a minimum of 80% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with the remaining 20% made up of any other permitted grape variety. The wines must also be aged for a minimum of 14 months in oak barrels before being released for sale.
Crémant de Bordeaux
Crémant de Bordeaux is a sparkling wine made using the traditional method of second fermentation in the bottle. The wines must be made from a minimum of 60% Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, with the remaining 40% made up of any other permitted grape variety.
Vin de Pays
Vin de Pays wines are made from any grape variety and do not have to be aged before release.
Bordeaux Classification of Quality Control
Bordeaux wines are classified into two categories: Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) and Vins Délimités de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS). The AOC classification is the highest level of quality control, and VDQS wines are of a slightly lower quality.
AOC Bordeaux wines must be made from grapes grown in a specified area and must meet strict quality control standards. The AOC system was established in 1936, and there are currently 57 AOCs in Bordeaux.
VDQS wines must also meet strict quality control standards, but the specified area of the region is larger, and the requirements are not as stringent as for AOC wines. The VDQS system was established in 1947, and there are currently 17 VDQSs in Bordeaux.
Our take on Bordeaux Wines
Today's Bordeaux wines retain a certain stoical classicism whilst meeting more modern expectations of accessibility. Bordeaux is a region that was a true source of inspiration for many of the world's most popular wines. For anyone who prefers a red wine blend, we encourage you to sample both a Left and Right Bank Bordeaux. The Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot dominant grapes provide unique characteristics that only subjectively one can genuinely decide their preference.