In conclusion, Malbec’s story is one with ups and downs, but with a happy end. French Malbec is also now widely regarded around the world – even if not known as well as the Argentinian areas for Malbec production But that time is long gone and left in the past. There were even times when French wine producers resented Argentinian winemakers for their success. The most notable difference is in the fact that Argentina has over 100,000 acres of Malbec, while France just 10,000 acres in Cahors. Two regions and one variety, yet unequal in so many respects. The most popular regions for MalbecĮven though the variety is grown in regions worldwide, Malbec is pretty much a story of two areas, Argentina and Cahors. Zuccardi has already made a name for itself as a premium producer of Malbec-dominant wines. Then there is the Zuccardi Zeta, which is more than 80% Malbec that has strong fruit notes supported by notes of well-integrated components. The wine is rich in fruit, well structured, has a consistent plush texture, and is more than half Malbec. Clos de Los Siete is one of their premium wines that has been produced in partnership with French producers. Their upper-tier Malbecs tend earlier drinking and feature a great deal of structure and complexity.
They are nothing like the Argentinian winemakers like Trapiche and Zuccardi, which make fruit style wines for the mass market.Īt the same time, Argentina’s focus is not just on inexpensive wines. Their popularity is growing, and Canada is their top market where their wines are placed. There are more than 200 makers of Cahors that make Malbecs that are relaxed in tannins. Argentinian Malbec is regarded for its easy-drinking, fruity style, while Cahors wines feel a bit more subdued. The climate differences and the way they are produced make the Argentinian Malbec wines very distinctive from their French cousins. Set in the picturesque scenery of Argentina, we’re lucky that the wines produced are even better than the views! Mendoza is widely regarded as one of the “homes of Malbec”. On the other hand, Cahors is grown either on plateaus and modest hillsides featuring a moderate climate dictated by the river or on the many plains located in the deep valley. However, in recent years, many new vineyards planted Malbec to the foothills of the Andes, and some of them are even on very high elevations. In Mendoza, the climate is warm all year long, and most vineyards are located on the plains. What’s very intriguing about Malbec is that it thrives in very different conditions in Argentina and France. Even today, Malbec vineyards account for one-third of all red wine vineyards. Soon it became so popular that it became one of the most planted varieties in Argentina.
That’s when the variety was reborn and was determined to have a fresh start. In the mid-1880s, the variety was introduced in Argentina and planted in the Mendoza region.
BEST ARGENTINIAN MALBEC WINE HOW TO
We’ve even written a guide on pairing Malbec with cheese, so you can discover how to make the most of your Malbec! But this isn’t always how accessible the wine has been…
In the modern world, Malbec is renowned for great taste and can be paired with many foods. For a couple of centuries, the variety flourished, but there wasn’t any massive breakthrough. The restrictions were eventually removed, but the damage was already done as plantings were decreased. As a result, Cahors wines were sold at a lower price. Shipments of Cahors were always put on hold until there is no more local Bordeaux wine to be sold. The local Bordeaux winemakers didn’t allow other wines to be sold before their own isn’t sold first. The demand was huge, the British paid well, and the wine business was thriving. During the 1300s, Bordeaux was the center of the wine trade with England. The name Malbec was introduced at some point in the 1780s, most likely because Monsieur Malbeck planted it in Bordeaux.ĭuring the middle ages, the wine was produced only in Cahors and was shipped to Bordeaux where it was sold. The first records of this variety date to the 16th century when it was known as Auxerrois. Malbec’s origins are southwestern France, particularly the small Cahors region.
Its sudden rise was attributed to the fact that many wine lovers have already tried French versions labeled as Cahors or Bordeaux. Malbec was an immediate game-changer and soon started making an impact on that part of the wine market. Until then, the Australian Shiraz was the undisputed king of inexpensive, yet very popular, easy-drinking red wines. It was in the late 1990s when affordable Argentinian Malbec showed on the European and North American markets. Malbec wine wasn’t a known name until some two decades ago when Argentina introduced it to the world. However, that wasn’t the case always as the wine once had its identity crisis and suffered from anonymity. Nowadays, every wine lover in the world knows about the Argentinian Malbec.
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