You're at a Bar-B-Q in Argentina. The aroma of grilled lomo steak fills the fresh, outside air. You spot your favourite Polo player from a mile off in a bright raspberry-pink post-match shirt that only his type can get away with. He's silky smooooth, with a chisled, athletic structure rather than rugby player-like chunkiness. The way he looks at you is intense and concentrated. You want to stroke his face. You can tell he's from a high class family. Malbec man is seduction in a bottle.Then you meet his mother and realise pretty quickly that in his eyes, there'll never be a replacement for her or her blueberry chocolate muffins.
Yes, Malbec is certainly distinctive. There are not many grapes you can recognise in the glass just by looking at them, but Malbec is one - super concentrated to the point of being opaque with bright raspberry pink tears dripping down the glass. With fresh blueberry notes, it seduces you with its velvety tannins, aromas of grilled meat and a touch of milk chocolate on the finish. Delish!
Malbec. Aka Auxerrrois or Cot. Original home - South West France with dalliances in Bordeaux. Spiritual home -Argentina. In my opinion, it's the best place to head on a wine list for value for money.
Tasting Tour:* Start with a standard Malbec from Mendoza or Patagonia in Argentina.
* Stay in Mendoza, but throw some money at something showing off about the high altitude of the vineyards. One of my faves is Achaval Ferrer.
* Next, head to Cahors in South West France for some inky black wines rich in mulberry spice.
*For something different and lighter, try France's Loire Valley and look for Malbec under the synonym 'Cot'.
Pass the steak!
WB x
