Malbec is a thick-skinned red wine grape that originated in France. It was primarily used for blending in the Bordeaux region but due to it's poor resistance to bad weather and pests it never truly flourished. Grown in the Cahors region of France the grape has characteristics of being a savoury wine with good tannins, and flavours of plum, and blackberry.
In the Mid 19
th Century cuttings from the French vines were planted in Argentina. This is the style of Malbec that is now most commonly known. It is Argentina’s most grown grape variety and has become hugely popular over the last 8 – 10 years as being an easy drinking wine with lots of flavour. Due to the warmer growing climate, Malbec is far happier here and produces a very different wine to that of France. The grape ripens quicker and can remain on the vine for longer producing a softer in style but still has that full Plum, Black cherry and Pomegranate flavours, and less robust tannins.
Food Pairing with Malbec
As Malbec is such a popular grape in Argentina it can be found in every style, from an easy going glass of wine to accompany dinner to the bottle you will keepand savour on a special occasion. It also works well with food - pairing perfectly with many meats. Taditionally Malbec would be partners with steak, something Argentina is well know for! But it is also great with BBQ ribs, and slow cooked pork shoulder.
Grown in the Mendoza region of Argentina, at an altitude of 4000ft in the Andes, this is a wine for drinking young. A wine full of intense ripe fruit, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and fresh plums, combined with spicy and floral hints. It has sweet round tannins which gives it beautiful balance. A wine of good intensity, concentration and a long after taste.
Aged in French oak barrels for ten to twelve months, the wine is a deep red colour with violet hues. Complex aromas of plums, ripe cherries and violets are embellished by hints of dried fruits and minty nuances. Smooth, powerful and ultimately massively satisfying. This wine is a consistent high scorer in independent tastings and competitions, and a consistent favourite in the JN store. A wonderful wine to complement a fine steak.
