2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Malbec is a red wine grape variety that originates in the southwestern parts of France. The birthplace of the variety is the region of Cahors, where to this day is the most widespread variety. In the early 20th century, malbec was one of the most common grape varieties in Europe, especially in France.
After the very cold winter of 1956 in Bordeaux, more than 75% of the vines died and today malbec is found in larger areas in Cahors and the Loire Valley. It is interesting to note here that before 1956 malbec was not highly respected among French winemakers.
This is due to the fact that it is highly vulnerable to frost, disease and rot. It was the freezing of the vineyards in 1956 that enabled the French to get rid of the variety. It manages to maintain its position in Cahors, where it is blended with tanat and merlot, and in recent years has even made up 100% of local wines.
The variety is mainly in Argentina, where it was introduced by a French agronomist in 1968. The warm climate of the country has a very good effect on the variety and it spreads quickly. Ironically, the variety with which the whole world today identifies Argentina, was placed in the program of eradication in the early 90s of last century. Then out of 50,000 hectares only 10,000 remain. Today it is planted about 25,000 hectares in Argentina and 75% of the plantations with malbec worldwide located in Argentina.
It is this country that is pushing malbec to become one of the top 18 grape varieties grown in seven countries and whose popularity continues to grow. Malbec plantations are also found in Chile, Bolivia, USA, Australia, Mexico, Portugal, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa.
Growing malbec
Malbec is a living grape variety and has a creeping way of growth. Its leaves are medium-sized, dark green and coarse, usually three-parted, and in some cases whole or five-parted. They tend to curl outwards towards the tips. The shape of an open V is very characteristic for the sine of the leaf stalk. The stalks of malbec are medium-sized and, if planted in the right place, give small and rounded fruits.
Malbec it has the potential to give a very good harvest and tolerates rains well at harvest, but in certain seasons it can give a very poor harvest. Malbec grows high, because at low altitudes it is difficult to reach the necessary acidity to obtain the appropriate taste of the wine. In higher areas, where there are large temperature amplitudes, the grapes accumulate more acidity.
The problem with poor yields is related to the use of nitrogen-containing fertilizers and substrates that easily absorb nitrites from the soil. Malbec is pruned, and when the bunches are not firmly attached, their mechanical collection can take place almost without damaging the fruit.
Malbec features
In cool weather conditions from malbec well-balanced wines with a good color are obtained, not very aromatic and lighter than the wines obtained from Cabernet.
The fruit flavors of malbec are similar to cherry, blueberry, plum, pomegranate and blackberry. Malbec can have other flavors such as chocolate milk, coffee, molasses, coconut, tobacco and black pepper.
Acidity is average, so is tartness. Due to its rich color and tannins, malbec is often used for blending.
A distinction must be made between wines from malbecproduced in Argentina, and those coming from France. The main flavors in Argentine wines are fruity, while the French varieties have a taste of spices, leather, blackcurrant, savory and plum. French malbec has a stronger acidity, which contributes to its peppery taste.
Because of its average astringency and acidity malbec from France ages longer. It is believed that the best Malbec wines are made in Argentina, while in France it is used as a blend with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon in the Bordeaux region, and in the Loire Valley it is blended with Cabernet Franc. and game.
Serving malbec
Wines produced by the variety malbec, are not characterized by a long finish, which can boast Cabernet Sauvignon. Malbeck goes with duck meat, lamb, beef, chicken legs, beef steak. It goes well with mushrooms, blue cheese and cumin dishes.
Malbec goes well with spices that have a slightly smoky taste - sumac, thyme, smoked paprika, rosemary, parsley. Suitable are coriander, cloves, vanilla, garlic, green onions, juniper, black pepper and barbecue sauces.
You can serve malbec with roasted vegetables, peppers, arugula, beets, potatoes, lentils, black beans. Malbec cheese goes best with semi-hard cow's and goat's cheese. Whatever food the malbec is served with, its ideal temperature, which will best reveal its qualities, is 21 degrees.
