Malbec

Welcome to Vine to wine this is your host Linda Moran. Today we discuss an example of a grape variety that just may be happier since leaving its’ traditional home. That would be Malbec. In places that have become known as New World wines they do not have the restriction of laws limiting the types of grapes that can be grown in any given region. We now look to the vineyard site to guide us as to the grape type that might best grow there. This may be why the grape Malbec, although a lesser part of the blend in BordeauxFrance, is now a higher achiever. It is actually right up there in the top six to ten red wine grapes.  Like many grapes in their traditional homes, such as Malbec in Bordeaux,  not much time or energy has ever been devoted to the improvement of Malbec. In other regions of the world the story is quite different and the variety is actually standing up well on its own.  It seems to prefer a warmer drier climate. Without the dictates of tradition, and some devoted study, we are seeing interesting and delicious Malbec wines on the market. The encouragement and cheerleading for Malbec has come mainly from Argentina. But keep on the lookout, because wines from this grape are appearing from many areas, and they are quite pleasing. Usually medium to full bodied with rich jammy fruit qualities, and slightly tight tannins when young.  Sometimes grapes flourish and may even perform better in a place other than the traditional area. Who cares where they traditionally came from let’s enjoy them from everywhere! Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on today’s Vine to Wine.