Argentine Wine Education
Learn More About Malbec
Malbec is Argentina's signature red wine grape and one of the five major red Bordeaux grape varieties. Malbec was first grown in Cahors in southwestern France, and was at one time the most prized wine of France (yes, even more than Bordeaux).Growers in Bordeaux did little replanting of the grape after the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century, and two disastrous frosts in Cahors during the 20th century doomed the varietal in Europe.
Malbec was brought to Argentina by French agricultural engineer Michel Pouget in 1868, and it found a home in Mendoza where the grape seemed to thrive during the long, sunny growing seasons.
Malbec now has 22 recognized clones in Argentina and they are usually planted on their own rootstocks, unlike the vineyards of California and France. Add Argentina's sunny skies, high elevation vineyards, cool air temperatures, and controlled irrigation, and you are rewarded with rich, dark, juicy fruit producing nicely balanced and integrated wines. It's tannins are normally far smoother than Cabernet Sauvignon, fruit flavors are slightly fruitier, and it can be consumed when relatively young, although many higher-quality Malbecs will also age beautifully.
Like other Argentine wines, most Malbecs were originally produced for domestic consumption. As consumption decreased and exports increased, an emerging cadre of winemakers and viticulturists began developing new viticulture and winemaking technologies to stay at the cutting edge of Argentina's quality wine revolution, starting in the early 1990's. They have a passion for growing and sourcing the finest grapes and are committed to not only making the finest wines in Argentina, but also making wines that have the style and complexity to rival the world's best.
It seems to be working. As exports took off in the late 1990s/early 2000s, the rest of the world started to fall in love with this approachable, affordable, and incredibly food-friendly wine from Argentina. In 2008, Malbec imports to the US were up a staggering 60% over the previous year, a single year record. Amazing quality and affordable prices leads us to believe there is no reason this trend won't continue. Salut!