Most known in France under the name Côt, Malbec has found a new revival thanks to the high quality Argentinian wines.
A native Bordeaux grape, Malbec was introduced in Argentina by the European immigrants during the nineteenth century. This dark variety grows well under a dry and warm climate. It ripens during the middle of the season and produces small berries with powerful pigments.
Malbec Caracteristics
Malbec makes a full-bodied wine with strong tannins and a beautiful dark violet color. It develops on the palate black fruits flavors of blackberry and plum, spicy notes of pepper and clove. The best wines are often matured in oak barrels.
Where to find the best Malbecs?
Argentina makes with Malbec a silky rich wine with spicy notes and plum and violet flavors. Under Mendoza's bright sun, the wine is more concentrated and alcoholic, with strong aromas of riped black fruits. The vineyards at high altitude produce the most elegant wines with their smooth tannins and refreshing floral tones.
In France, Malbec is more called Côt or Auxerrois in Cahors. In this region, the wine is famous for its rustic quality, with its meaty notes and dried grape, tobacco and plum aromas. In the past, the Cahors Côt was nicknamed the «dark wine». Thanks to its strong tannins, it has a great ageing potential. However, in France, Malbec plantations have dropped because the variety is highly vulnerable to frost. It is still growing in the South West and the Loire Valley.
Argentina produces the greatest Malbec wines with the production of renowned wine estates like Achaval Ferrer, Catana Zapata, Trapiche, Noemia de Patagonia and Altos Las Hormigas.
Cahors is still the home of Malbec thanks to the high quality wines from Château du Cèdre, Château Lamartine or Clos Triguedina.
