Red wine enthusiasts, welcome to the fascinating world of Malbec! Originally from the Southwest of France where it is still firmly established, this grape variety is also very present in many other international vineyards, including Argentina where it has become the wine emblem.
Today,
The fascinating history of Malbec
Also known as Côt or Auxerrois, Malbec finds its roots in Quercy, an ancient province of the Southwest corresponding to the current department of Lot, whose capital is Cahors.
According to research by INRA in Montpellier and the University of California at Davis, Malbec is the result of a cross between Magdeleine Noire des Charentes and Prunelard Noir, making it a close relative of Tannat but also of Négrette, another key grape variety of the Southwest region.
From a historical perspective, Malbec experienced significant expansion during the Renaissance, a period when it was exported to the Loire Valley vineyards.
In Bordeaux, the variety also had its moment of glory. Present in the Aquitaine vineyards since the 17th century, it reached its peak there during the 19th century, when it represented nearly 80% of the vineyards of Bourg and Blaye... before phylloxera almost entirely destroyed them.
Also in the 19th century, in 1853 to be very precise, Malbec was also exported to Argentina by agronomist Michel Aimé Pouget to develop the local vineyard at the request of the governor of Mendoza.
Today, it has become the flagship grape of Argentina and remains firmly established in France as well as in many other vineyards worldwide. Despite its ups and downs, Malbec is far from having said its last word !
Mendoza Vineyard in Argentina: the kingdom of Malbec
Where is Malbec grown?
In France, Malbec is primarily associated with the vineyard of the AOC Cahors in the Southwest, where it must represent at least 70% of the blend of the produced cuvées. It is also very regularly vinified as a single varietal.
Although the cultivated areas have generally decreased in France over the past decades, Malbec is still well present in the Loire (mainly in Touraine), Bordeaux, Languedoc-Roussillon and of course throughout the Southwest.
However, it is in Argentina that Malbec has found a second home. As previously explained, it was introduced there in 1863 and quickly established itself in the Latin American vineyard thanks to favorable climatic conditions andthe suitable soils of the Mendoza region.
With 26 000 hectares planted (representing three-quarters of the world's vineyard), Argentina is now the leading producer of Malbec.The variety is also cultivated in many other countries such as Chile, the United States, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The characteristics of the Malbec grape variety
The Malbec is a black grape variety with a thin but resilient skin. It produces medium-sized clusters, generally pyramid-shaped. At full maturity, the berries take on a black plum color. Its leaves are fuzzy at a young age, then turn green with bronzed areas.
In autumn, the foliage partially turns red, offering a magnificent visual spectacle in the vineyards.
If it is a vigorous and resistant grape variety, Malbec is nevertheless susceptible to several diseases such as gray rot, downy mildew, and leafhoppers. It also requires a lot of sunlight and warmth to reach its full potential.
Clay-limestone, clay-gravel, and limestone soils are the most suitable for its cultivation.
The flavors and aromas of Malbec
Malbec is a grape variety offering a rich palette of flavors in tasting. Its fruity profile is indeed particularly appealing with notes reminiscent of plum, blackberry, or even black cherry.
In addition to this fruity aspect, Malbec can also exhibit spicy flavors such as pepper, graphite, or even licorice.
Generally, Malbec wines feature a nice acidity, moderately powerful tannins, and an intense aroma. However, when grown in vineyards with a cool climate like those in the Loire, Malbec can then produce wines with lighter profiles possessing slightly herbaceous flavors.
Many winemakers today choose to vinify the variety with more softness and elegance than in the past.The wine profiles of Cahors have, for example, significantly changed over the past decade, offering less extraction and structure in favor of elegance.
Furthermore, if aged in wood (as is often the case), Malbec-based wines can then be marked by enticing notes of oak, vanilla, cinnamon, mocha, or vanilla.
You will have understood, therefore, that Malbec is capable of producing very diverse wines, depending primarily on the terroirs and the winemaker's choices. Some will be focused on fruit and thus intended to be consumed in their youth, while others will be great powerful wines offering a tremendous aging potential.
Grapes and glass of 100% Malbec wine
What to eat with Malbec?
Malbec being a versatile grape variety, it therefore adapts to a myriad of dishes. Let's explore some possibilities together...
Malbec and red meat dishes
Imagine yourself savoring a roasted duck, its tender and juicy flesh enhanced by the aromatic intensity of Malbec. Another possibility: enjoy a succulent piece of beef, perfectly seared, whose flavors blend harmoniously with those of the wine.The wedding is simply divine!
Malbec and saucy dishes: a perfect match
Are you a fan of saucy dishes? Malbec is particularly interesting with stews and casseroles. Think, for example, of a beef bourguignon or a coq au vin ! The robust flavors of the wine will perfectly complement the richness of the sauces.
Malbec and grilled meats: an essential pleasure
Finally, for barbecue enthusiasts, how about a grilled rib of beef? The tannic structure of Malbec pairs wonderfully with the smoky and caramelized notes of grilled meats like beef, but also lamb or pork.
Grilled meats and Malbec: the perfect pairing for a summer evening!
Finally, from a serving temperature perspective, we recommend a range between 16-18°C for your Malbec wines.This fork will indeed be ideal for fully appreciating the aromas and structure of your cuvées. For Malbecs focused solely on fruit with very light tannins, it will also be possible to consider serving them slightly cooler.
With these suggestions, you are now assured of enhancing your meals and honoring this magnificent variety that is Malbec!
The best Malbec
At
The Malbec is indeed carefully vinified, offering pleasurable cuvées but also and above all wines with great aromatic complexity offering excellent aging potential.
To discover these wonders, we invite you to explore our selection on lacave-eclairee.fr. Cheers !
