If you are a red wine drinker and you haven’t sampled a few Malbecs, it’s time to get onboard with the classic red varietal. Historically associated with France (Cahors), Malbec is a key component of many Bordeaux wines. Today, Malbec can be found in vineyards around the world where it is produced as a straight varietal rather as a blending grape. Nowhere has Malbec become more successful than in Chile and Argentina. In fact, Malbec is essentially the red grape of Argentina–where it thrives in high altitude vineyards. Argentine Malbec tends to be big, and rich. Chilean Malbec tends to be a bit lighter and more delicate. It’s hard not to find a bargain when you’re shopping for a South American Malbec:
Argentina’s Trivento Reserve Malbec, 2016: nicely balanced, smooth tannins, soft finish, 11.00
Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec, 2016: intense fruit, rich and juicy, with solid tannins, 21.00
Chilean Casillero del Diablo, 2016: loaded with dark fruit and spice, well balanced, 12.00
Also from Chile: Gran Reserva Malbec, 2015: rich in color, aroma, and flavor, mellow tannins, 17.00
