Wines Malbec - prices, opinions | Winezja.pl

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Malbec is a grape variety native to France, more precisely to its southwest, where the main growing areas are in the Cahors region. The grapes have a thick skin, which means they need a bit more sun and heat to ripen than other popular varietals like Merlot or Cabernet Savignon. Their harvest is usually in the middle of the season, when the grapes are ripe enough. The flavor and aromatic qualities of the wines it produces vary depending on which country it comes from. However, this grape has several distinctive qualities that set it apart - it is characterized by a very dark color with distinct purple accents. Some compare this color to ink. It is for this reason that wines of the Malbec variety were once called black (vin noir). As for the aromas of Malbec wines, the most often mentioned as characteristic are black currant, plum, licorice, dark fruits, tobacco, smoke, chocolate. Accents of herbs also appear.

Malbec in France

Although it has gained popularity in Argentina, the home of quality malbec wine is France. Formerly quite popular in Bordeaux, the strain is now grown mainly in Cahor, in the southwest of the country. Due to its dark, intense color, it used to be called black wine (vin noir) in this region. It is characteristic of wines from Cahor that they are long-lived. Rather, they should be opened for more than five years, and some can wait up to a dozen or more.

Today, however, Malbec in France is not very popular. Outside of Cahor, it is mainly used for coupage in Bordeaux, for example. It is not frost resistant, and after a very cold winter in 1956, malbec plantings in France were severely reduced and replaced by other varietals. Malbec in France may also be called Côt or Auxerrois.

Malbec in Argentina

Malbec was not brought to Argentina until the 19th century. However, it is in this country that it has gained the most popularity and is now the most widely grown variety there. It occupies an area of more than 31,000 hectares, compared to only 6,000 hectares in France, where it originated. It is believed that in Argentina it yields wines that are a bit more "friendly" to consumers, whose tasting is more enjoyable. This is because the French versions are quite tart, while Malbec from Argentina has far less tannins compared to French Malbec and offers juicy, fruity wines with an almost velvety structure. It is quite distinctive with aromas of plum, black currant, cherry, and sometimes herbs, tobacco, chocolate and smoke. In Argentina, it is grown mainly in Mendoza. There are fairly stable temperatures and higher-lying terrain, ideal for this variety. The conditions there are good enough to attract winemakers from all over the world, such as the Italian Boscaini family, mainly associated with Venice. Every producer here, by the way, has more than one version of Malbec. This does not mean that they are all the same. They differ, and they all remain extremely interesting.

When to reach for malbec?

This wine can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions. The most common answer to the question of what occasion Malbec suits, the easiest answer is: for dinner. Ideally, when its main ingredient is meat. Here beef is most often mentioned, especially that from Argentina, but this dark wine also tastes great with pork or dishes based on potatoes, beans or pumpkin. In addition, it can be successfully drunk solo. After all, Argentine Malbec is mild, fruity and devoid of acidity. Such wines do not require the company of food. In addition, they are a great option for those who are just beginning their adventure with dry wine. Therefore, it is also a good gift. Wines of this variety can cost differently.

Malbec Day

Every year malbec has its own holiday, always on the same day - April 17. Malbec World Day has been celebrated since 2010. The Wines of Argentina association is responsible for its organization and promotion.

Malbec, wine, price

Malbec wines have a full price range depending on the quality of the wine and where it comes from. Everyday wines from this varietal with an extremely pleasant appeal can be found at around PLN 30-40, but those coming from the best plots, being the pride of local winemakers, can cost from PLN 100-200, with outstanding bottles reaching even several hundred zlotys more. Therefore, when choosing the perfect bottle, it is worth adjusting it to the occasion on which the wine will have to fulfill its purpose.