Argentina's Signature Red - Malbec
Malbec is a French varietal from the Sud-Ouest region of France. The varietal is also knows as Côt or Auxerrois. This varietal was brought over from France by Miguel Pouget , a French agronomist, in 1868 who was hired to help improve Argentinian wines. What makes Argentina an ideal location for growing grapes? It’s the altitude, the location, the alluvial soils, diurnal temperature shits (big range between daytime and nighttime temperatures) and the climate, which contribute to freshness and ripeness in the wines.
Bodega Norton was founded by Edmund Norton in 1895. He came to the country to help build a railway and instead fell in love with the terroir of Mendoza and decided to create his own vineyard in Luján de Cuyo. He quickly become an industry leader and ambassador for Argentinian winemaking. The vineyards are located at the foothills of the Andes mountains . The average vine age is around 30 years old. The older the vine, the lower the yield, the more concentrated the flavors will be. In 1985 the bodge changed hands to Austrian businessman Gernot Langes-Swarovski, of the famed Swarovski crystals. He saw the potential Argentinian wines and wanted to be a part of it. Today the business is being run by the 3rd generation of the Swarovski family.
Malbec is varietal known for blackberry, black plum and black cherry, cocoa and tobacco. This particular Barrel Select Malbec 2019 has a sweet black fruit smokiness balanced with freshness. It was partially aged in French oak prior to blending. A full bodied wine with medium acidity and tannins, flavors of blackberry, plum, cassis, black cherry, pepper, vanilla, cocoa and tobacco.
Pair with beef, lamb, turkey and pork, mushrooms, soft pungent cheeses, such as blue cheese or Provolone, seasonings such as garlic and onions, resinous herbs such as rosemary or sage, pepper and warm spices. You want to avoid any bitter greens or fish pairings because the tannins will amplify the bitterness. Try a bison burger with blue cheese, pork loin with roasted red peppers, warm spiced skirt steak or grilled portobello mushrooms with rosemary and sage rub.
If you are a fan of Syrah, Merlot, Syrah, Mouvèdre, Touriga Nacional, Dolcetto or Nero d’Avola give Malbec a try. You won’t be disappointed. It’s one of my favorite varietals. Spend $12-18 for a good introductory Malbec from Argentina. $20 or more you will be able to find an incredible higher end Reserva wine which will have longer aging, better quality grapes and richer flavors. Happy tasting!
