Malbec Wine

Malbec has become the emblematic grape of Argentina. Known as Auxerrois in Cahors and Cot in the Loire, this grape has undergone a mini-renaissance in the last decade, largely fuelled by its success in South America. The Malbec grape is widely grown in Argentina and produces deep coloured wines with generous black fruit characteristics, balanced acidity and smooth tannins. It is either bottled on its own or as part of a Bordeaux blend.

Argentina is the fifth largest wine producer in the world and the sixth ranked per capita, even though consumption has dropped from 90 litres per capita in the 70s to 38 litres today (that’s per year, of course). This drop is attributed to the aggressive marketing of beer, which is becoming increasingly popular in Argentina. Argentina had three wines in Wine Spectator’s Top 100, 2004, all with 91 points: Bodegas Terrazas de Los Andes’ Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2002, (53rd), Bodega Catena Zapata’s Malbec Mendoza 2002 (67th) and Valentín Bianchi’s Cabernet Sauvignon San Rafael Famiglia 2002, (which contains 7% Malbec) finished 78th. The price of Malbec varies considerably, from US$7 to US$85 and this price range covers 12 Malbecs, all with 89 points or more from Wine Spectator’s list.

Not even Cahors, Malbec’s motherland, in the South of France, produces wines as exciting as those made in Argentina. Notable areas of Argentine production are Luján de Cuyo and Tupungato in the Province of Mendoza. Wines made with 100% Malbec are richest in personality: they also have very exuberant aromas, with ripe, fruity overtones and a full body, which in the best wines can almost be chewed.

Argentina grows over 42,000 acres of Malbec. One advantage of the Malbec business in this region is lack of competition with other countries. While California must contend with Bordeaux, Argentina pretty much stands alone in its field. Unfettered by the standards or recognizable flavours set by other regions, Argentina and its Malbecs are making quite an impact.

Outstanding vintages include Angélica Zapata Malbec Alta (1995, 1997), Achával Ferrer Gran Malbec Finca Altamira (1999, 2000), la Celia Malbec Reserva 2000 and Terrazas Gran Malbec 1999.

Wines from Argentina received a huge boost in 1995, when their exports skyrocketed, thanks mainly to Mother Nature. Frost and droughts devastated the top European wine-producing countries that year and consequently there was a shortage of wines from the regular producers. Since then Argentine wine is making inroads into the international wine market (albeit slowly).

Besides its budding wine industry, Argentine also produces some of the best beef in the world and for steak lovers, what could be more appetizing than a well-cooked Argentine steak served with a glass or two—maybe even three—of Malbec wine?

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