Malbec is a red wine grape that was originally grown in France in Bordeaux. It has been known as one of 6 grape varieties that are blended to make Brodeaux wine. Malbec was introduced to Argentina by French agricultural engineer Michel Pouget in 1868, and is now the premier grape of Argentina. The climate and soil of the Mendoza region of Argentina offers perfect growing conditions for this grape. I first had a glass of Argentinian Malbec at a restaurant. It was by Pascual Toso.I loved it so much, that I ran out and found a bottle at my local wine shop and have been obsessed with it ever since. Recently, I puchased several bottles from different vinters, so this is the first recommendation of many.
This Astica 2005 Malbec, is a budget value. It will give you a basic idea of what the Malbec grape is all about. It is a good introduction to the characteristics of the wine… and won’t blow your budget. I found mine on sale at my local wine shop for an unbelievable $4.99!! Great for everyday wine drinking. You will, of course, find excellent, more complex examples in the $12-$16 range; And I will be letting you know about a few of these in future posts. Malbecs are rich, smooth and velvety. They offer an almost thick, syrupy consistency. This one smells like grape and florals right out of the bottle. It is full of grape, jammy fruit, violet, and is sweeter, not spicey. This would make a good sipping wine, with or without food. Chocolate might be nice!
Salut!