When you think of Malbec, you probably think of Argentina, but did you know, Malbec actually originated in France and is one of the 6 allowed wines to grow in Bordeaux. Do you know the other 5 grapes?
Malbec is a thin-skinned grape that needs more sun and heat to mature than other varietals. It ripensmid-season, and can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to blends. You’ll find Malbec added with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create the red French Bordeaux blend. The grape is blended with Cabernet Francand Gamayin some regions, such as the Loire Valley. Sometimes, especially in its traditional growing regions, it is not trellisedand cultivated as bush vines. The vines tend to be kept to a relatively low yield of about 6 tons per hectare. Finished wines are rich, dark, and juicy.
Chateau Haut-Monplausir 2016 Famille Fournie Cahors Tradition Malbec– Cahors, France ($40 bottle). Haut Monplaisir is a leading domain in the Cahors appellation, the ancestral home of Malbec. This is truly where Malbec was born. Located just east of Bordeaux, you will find the Fournie family diligently farming 74 acres of vines on the prestigious third terrace of the Lot Valley. Not fined or filtered, you’ll find this wine smooth, flavorful, and a true example of the Malbec wine grape. Expect a robust and rich wine, laden with meaty fruit and a deliciously long finish. These vineyards are organic, with cover growth between the vines and no herbicides. You’ll quickly feel the commitment to the quality of their grapes in the way the fruit is allowed to mold the finished wine.
Durigutti 2016 Reserva Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina ($40 bottle) Two brothers, Hector and Paulo, were raised on the vineyards and established their family label in 2002. They purchased a working winery facility, built in 1959, and brought it up to speed with modern viticulture and wine making techniques and technologies. Many of their wines use natural yeasts, to better reflect the terrior of the region. This reserve Malbec is hand-harvested from vineyards in Uca Valley, planted in 1940, and Lujan de Cuyo, planted in 1928. To best preserve its richness, the wine has not been filtered, fined or stabilized. The result is a deep, racy wine that is elegant and can benefit from decanting. Enjoy a bottle now, or cellar for 8 to 10 years.
Hilmy Cellars 2016 Malbec– Texas High Plains ($40 bottle) This silky Malbec was fermented on the skins for about two weeks, pressed into barrels, and aged 16 months in barrels of 67% neutral and 33% new French oak. The result is an inky, well-rounded, full-bodied red wine. You’ll taste dark berries such as blackberry, mulberry, and loganberry. There is an undercurrent of licorice, as well as a suggestion of tobacco and leather. With balanced tannins and a compliment of acidity, this Malbec drinks well now, but will continue to improve in the bottle for the next 5 to 10 years.