Generally full-bodied with dark fruit flavours of blackberry and plum, together with spicy notes. Tannins are medium to high while the acidity is low. For more info read Joelle's Top Ten Tips below...
1. Malbec is a red grape that originally comes from southwest France.
2. It’s also called Auxerrois, Cot and Malbeck.
3. It was once popular in Bordeaux and is still the main grape in Cahors – an appellation near to Bordeaux.
4. Cahors AC wine must be made of at least 70% Malbec.
5. Argentina is the world HQ for Malbec today where it is the most planted grape.
6. Malbec declined massively in France after frost affected it badly in 1956.
7. It has grown again this century in France from 3,560 hectares to 6,208 hectares, mostly around Cahors.
8. It’s also grown in Australia, California and Chile with minor amounts in other countries, such as New Zealand.
9. Tiny amounts of Malbec grow here, mostly in Hawke’s Bay, Waiheke Island and North Canterbury.
10. Traditionally Malbec has been used to blend with Merlot, Cabernets Franc, and Sauvignon but most Argentine Malbec is a 100% varietal wine (made from one grape).
11. Malbec can make a deeply coloured red wine with firm but smooth tannins and spicy dark fruit flavours.
Joelle Thomson is a wine writer, journalist and author. She’s an avid lover of wine and currently writes for Capital magazine, Good magazine, NZ Winegrower, Drinksbiz, and her own site, www.joellethomson.com
