Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Malbec
Ok Karl, here you go, the quick and dirty on malbec:
Malbec is a grape varietal most commonly associated with Argentina in the modern world of wine. The grape does very well in the climate there and produces deep, rich wines that offer complexity, bold flavor and a somewhat unique element to the Argentine wine industry.
Malbec, however was originally a grape best known for fickleness in the Bourdeaux region of France. Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and petit verdot, it was one of the grape types used in the typical red wine blends of the region. It was a difficult grape for the climate however and normally didn't get enough sun and heat to fully ripen, limiting its use in blends. When the phyloxera blight struck the wineyards of Europe, Malbec, along with everything else, suffered. During the recovery however, it wasn't really replanted since most growers were aware of it's limits. There is still some malbec in bourdeaux but it is rare and the success of the regions wines without it means it isn't missed.
Argentina imported the variety before the blight and was mostly unaffected by it. The Malbec grown here has done very well, benefitting from a more favorable climate and found a home where it is appreciated. As the industry there grows, drinkers are becoming more aware of the wines made from Malbec and are taking notice of the full flavors and exceptional values. I usually think geographically when it comes to food pairings so how about grilled flank steak with a hearty mole marinade?
Malbec is a grape varietal most commonly associated with Argentina in the modern world of wine. The grape does very well in the climate there and produces deep, rich wines that offer complexity, bold flavor and a somewhat unique element to the Argentine wine industry.
Malbec, however was originally a grape best known for fickleness in the Bourdeaux region of France. Along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and petit verdot, it was one of the grape types used in the typical red wine blends of the region. It was a difficult grape for the climate however and normally didn't get enough sun and heat to fully ripen, limiting its use in blends. When the phyloxera blight struck the wineyards of Europe, Malbec, along with everything else, suffered. During the recovery however, it wasn't really replanted since most growers were aware of it's limits. There is still some malbec in bourdeaux but it is rare and the success of the regions wines without it means it isn't missed.
Argentina imported the variety before the blight and was mostly unaffected by it. The Malbec grown here has done very well, benefitting from a more favorable climate and found a home where it is appreciated. As the industry there grows, drinkers are becoming more aware of the wines made from Malbec and are taking notice of the full flavors and exceptional values. I usually think geographically when it comes to food pairings so how about grilled flank steak with a hearty mole marinade?
# posted by Yossie @ 7:54 PM 
