Malbec is one of the most popular grape varieties in the UK and the perfect excuse to celebrate #MalbecWorldDay. Argentina has brought us so many beautiful examples of Malbec and in the UK, we're big fans. #MalbecArgentino
My 'top tips' when shopping for Malbec?
Spend that little bit more than you would normally. If you usually spend £5, try a £7 or £10 bottle - you won't regret it! The quality improves drastically by spending a little bit more.
Stretching your budget up to £15 will make all the difference with this wine. Often people ask me if I can taste the difference between a £5 and £15 wine, well with Malbec you certainly can!
This wine is full of potential, flavours and structure. But don't spend over £15 on Malbec, you don't need to!
You get such great quality at £15 and my go-to Malbec is Catena Malbec, available in Waitrose and Majestic.
Spending up to £15 on your bottle of Malbec is fantastic value for money and you'll find totally outstanding wine with incredible flavour intensity with black fruits and vanilla.
I recently visited Argentina to explore the world of wine in South America and of course to find out more about Argentina's most popular wine, Malbec (click here to read my 'Argentina: My Wine Trip' blog post).
But the question is...
Did you know THIS about: Malbec?
9 Interesting Facts about Malbec:
1. Malbec is the most popular wine from Argentina both in terms of production and consumption and Argentina is now the largest producer of Malbec in the world. In 2020, the world production of Malbec wine was estimated at 6.6 million hectoliters, with Argentina accounting for the majority of the production at 3.4 million hectoliters. The remaining production is spread across various other countries, including France, Chile, and the United States.
2. Malbec is a grape variety that is also known as: Côt, Auxerrois, and Pressac - this depends on where it is grown.
3. Malbec has become a popular wine in the UK in recent years. The rise in popularity of Malbec is thanks to several factors, including its availability and affordability, as well as its smooth, fruity taste that appeals to many wine drinkers.
4. While Malbec is most commonly associated with Argentina, it is actually a grape variety that originated in France, specifically in the Cahors region.
5. Malbec is one of the six grape varieties allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine. The other grape varieties are; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenere - although Carmenere is rarely used in Bordeaux blends today.
6. The popularity of Malbec in Argentina is due in part to the fact that the grape thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of the Mendoza region, producing wines with intense flavour and tannins.
7. Malbec is typically medium to full-bodied, with flavours of dark fruit, spice, and leather. They can be aged in oak barrels, which add flavours of vanilla and toast.
8. Malbec is known for its versatility in food pairings and goes particularly well with grilled meats, stews, and hard cheeses.
9. Malbec is also grown in other parts of the world, including Chile, the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
Comments