Join us on our journey to South America, where the rich soils of Argentina have produced some of the world’s best Malbec wines with guest Veronica Kathuria from Wines of Argentina.
A Brief History: Malbec’s Journey to Argentina Malbec’s origins can be traced back to France, especially in regions like Cahors and Bordeaux (It’s one of the Bordeaux 5). However, the grape variety found its true calling in Argentina, where it thrives.
It was in 1868 when Michel Aimé Pouget, a French agronomist, introduced Malbec to Argentina. He had been hired to help improve the country’s wines. Today, Argentina is the leading producer of Malbec, with the province of Mendoza being where the concentration of Malbec is grown. The high-altitude vineyards provide Malbec with the ideal conditions to develop deep colors, velvety textures, and an incredible range of flavors.
Understanding Malbec: The DNA Deep Dive
In 1992 it was discovered that Malbec is a sibling of Merlot. They share the same mother, Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, and its father is Prunelard.
What Does Malbec Mean to Argentina? For Argentines, Malbec is more than just a wine; it’s a symbol of national pride and a celebration of their unique terroir. Argentina has become synonymous with this varietal with over 75% of the world’s Malbec acreage. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for World Malbec Day, April 17
Our conversation with Veronica will provide insight into the Malbec grape, the growing climate in Argentina and travel to Argentina. Veronica is a wealth of knowledge and kept of captivated for an hour! Our conversation could have gone longer and we hope to have her back again. I hope you enjoy the episode.
PS. My Boykin Spaniel Gigi makes her Winephabet debut during our tasting.
Malbec Wines Tasted:
Argento Single Vineyard Finca Agrelo Organic Vineyard Malbec 2021 – Notes of cocoa, stewed tomates, smooth with black fruit, baking spice and nice acid on finish.
BenMarco Sin Limites Valle de Uco Organico Malbec 2020 – Intense color. You’ll get purple teeth color. Medium bodied. Not a heavy, heavy red. Will drink nice in the summer with steak. More austere, nicely structured with dark plum and black fruit and refreshing acidity. Hint of cinnamon on finish.
Alta Vista Single Vineyard Albaneve, Campo De Los Andes, Valle De Uco, Malbec 2018 – Alta Vista was the first Argentinean vineyard to produce single vineyard wine. Nice structured wine with big tannins and bouncing acidity. Notes of plum, blackcherry, leather and tobacco.
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