Wines of Argentina

Malbec & Torrontés

• Malbec
• Torrontés

Malbec: Argentina’s Flagship

Though originally from France, Malbec never found in its native land the ideal soil conditions that are present in Argentina at the foot of the Andes or in the desert oases of Rio Negro, in Patagonia. In fact, this variety was only used in France to enhance the color of red wines. It is called “the black grape” in many parts of the world because the bright purple color of its youth turns almost black as it ripens.

Malbec has a leading role in Argentina. To begin with, it is the red wine variety that has become best adapted to our soil as it has found in it the ideal ecological conditions for its development, producing exceptional wines. Argentina is known as the producer of the finest Malbec and Mendoza’s Malbec is considered to be the best in the world. It has been awarded many well-deserved medals in wine contests.

Mendoza’s Malbec is intense, complex and dark-colored. It may develop clearly distinct characteristics depending on the climate and soil where it is grown. Wine tasters may discover different characters in Malbec from Lujan, Tupungato, San Martin or La Consulta, as this variety responds differently to each type of soil. Higher altitude terroirs, such as Vistalba or the Uco Valley, produce wines with perfect acidity, intense color and sweet and abundant tannins which are suitable for oak aging. In lower regions, concentration decreases and ripening is faster.

Malbec wines have Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC) in some Argentine regions, which helps to protect the name of the area and forces wine makers to maintain the high quality of their wines. Lujan de Cuyo was the first region in the Americas to gain the regulatory Denomination of Origin designation for Malbec. Malbec Lujan de Cuyo has an intense and dark cherry red color, which may look almost black. Lujan has deep stony soils, controlled irrigation, good exposure to sunlight and an excellent altitude for vineyards. San Rafael became the second Denomination of Origin.

There are 22 recognized clones of Malbec in Argentina.

Its consumption is growing steadily all over the world. Four hundred and eighty two wineries are exporting Malbec to 124 different markets. In 2009 there are more than 1900 different Malbec labels.

Clusters

Argentine Malbec clusters are smaller, with thinner-skinned berries and sweeter tannins than those from Cahors.

Berries

Berries are spherical, small or medium-sized, bluish black, thin-skinned and soft-fleshed.

Appearance

Intensely deep ruby red color, with violet or blue to almost black overtones. Cherry red is its characteristic color during the first two years, and then burgundy hues stand out.

Aroma

In the nose Malbec wines are floral and fruity (wild fruit and nuts). Morello cherries, plums, coffee, chocolate, leather, truffle, vanilla, raisins are some of the aromas that stand out. Vanilla aromas result from aging in oak barrels.

Flavors

Malbec wines are warm, soft, and have very pleasant sweet tannins. In the mouth Malbec tastes of plum jam, morello cherry jam, chocolate, nuts, vanilla and has balsamic tones. Herbaceous notes appear when Malbec is not harvested at the time of optimum ripeness, which may give way to some bitter flavors. Tobacco, pepper, cinnamon or leather notes appear as a result of bottle aging.

Maturation

Malbec is an intensely fruity red wine when it is young, and becomes very complex after aging in new oak. Special care must be taken so as not to conceal its natural maturity with oak. One may have a young Malbec, without oak, ready for consumption today, or a Malbec aged in oak for 8 to 10 months that may be aged in the bottle for 2 to 3 years.

Pairings

With its intense ruby red color and sensual violet overtones, Malbec first captivates the eye. Its plum, ripe cherry, raisins and black pepper hints are simply bewitching from the first encounter. It has a silky mouthfeel and it is easy to drink. It pairs well with red meat, grilled meat, hard cheese and pasta with tomato sauce. When it is aged in oak, it develops coffee, vanilla and chocolate aromas.

Want to know more? Here are some experts' opinions:

-“Malbec is Argentina’s passport to the United States.” Jay Miller, Robert Parker’s palate in South America.

- “Malbec, disappointing as it is elsewhere, is now the acknowledged king in the Argentine wine scene.” Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine.

- "Argentine Malbec is one of the best bets on the liquor store shelves these days." Natalie MacLean, wine writer.

- “The U.S. wine market has fallen in love with Malbec, and Argentina is by far the best source of Malbec.” Lyn Farmer, wine educator and writer on wine and food.

- "Malbec is charming and has become Argentina’s flagship." Élyse Lambert, Canadian Sommelier.

The information included in this text was obtained from:

http://www.vinovida.net/malbec.htm
http://www.lsf.com.ar/libros/64/GRAN-LIBRO-DEL-MALBEC-ARGENTINO-EL/
http://friendlywineclub.com/lecturas.php?id=23