Malbec: Argentina's Signature Wine

If Merlot is the Labrador Retriever, Malbec is the Afghan Hound of the wine world. It's long, silky fur conjures romance, but it's a hunting hound underneath. No frilly, fou fou dog is this wine. It's taste is a full-bodied, intense, inky black experience.

Malbec is a thin-skinned grape that needs sun and heat to mature. It's wines are dark and juicy, with heady aromas, and licorice flavors. The altitude of Argentina, the old vineyards planted by European immigrants, and the great variation of temperature from the hot days and cool nights, produce a delicious wine.

The Malbec grape was originally introduced by a Hungarian immigrant and grown in southwestern France. It was used in small amounts and blended with other grapes. (Malbec is one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine).

The grape then went to South America and settled in the vineyards of Argentina. With some love and gentle care, it was able to stand on it's own. Enjoyed by peasants and princes alike, it is now shipped all over the world and recognized as Argentina's signature variety.

See our post on Pascual Toso, and give Malbec a try!