Its official, autumn is here and what better way to snuggle up fireside than with a marvellous malbec. British drinkers have quite a love affair with this crowd-pleaser so we thought it only right to shine the spotlight on this fruity number.
Very deep in inky dark colour, the malbec grape is a thick-skinned grape which needs more sun and heat to mature in comparison to others such as the Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Paired with a hearty meal this tipple will have wine enthusiasts seduced by its vibrant style with varieties produced in Argentina, Chile, Italy, France, and Australia to name but a few.
Despite having French roots in Bordeaux, Malbec is now most famous in Mendoza in Argentina, where it produces deep, full-bodied wines. It is thought that the grape really didn’t rise to fame until it was brought into Mendoza when it was first planted by a nostalgic French botanist in 1868. Today, it’s now Argentina’s most important grape, with Malbec and Argentina becoming inseparable on many wine lists, with the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo in Mendoza consistently producing top-rated Malbec wines.
With stats suggesting that Malbec makes up three quarters of Argentina’s vineyards it’s known for its fruit-forward, juicy style often showing ripe plum notes with dark fruits such as blackberries and black cherry.
Full bodied, fruity and smooth we’ve lined up our top picks.
Malbec Reserva Privada Valle Central
Chile
Lidl, £4.99
It may be cheap and cheerful, but this fruity number packs a punch and carries notes of cherry with a moreish spicy structure.
Dona Paula El Alto
Argentina
Waitrose, £15.99
Looking for a Malbec full of plum and cherry aromas? This deep purple-coloured wine has flavours of blackberry, plum, violets and spices, with soft notes of mocha and tobacco. From the El Alto vineyard 1,000m above sea level, fresh and round, it has a long, satisfying finish.
Le Malbec D’Herve’
France
Laithwaites, £11.99
A cracking red from Hervé Sabardeil, winemaker behind favourites Cabalié to Chante Clair. He discovered some 30-year-old Malbec vines in the Languedoc, the upshot: a seductive ripe red.
Amalaya
Calchaquí Valley, Argentina
Wine Merchants, £12.50
Deep ruby red in colour with a purple hue, this wine displays intensely fruity red berry aromas of raspberries and cherries, floral notes and a touch of spice and chocolate.
Catena Zapata ‘Nicasia
Uco Valley
Majestic, £69.99
The Catena Zapata family’s mission is to make profound and unforgettable wines. They specialise in making high-quality Malbecs in uncovered Uco Valley spots. This is complex and expressive, with notes of blueberries, cassis, vanilla and cream.
Zuccardi Aluvional Altamira
Mendoza, Argentina
Waitrose, £55.00
A complex profile of fresh red fruit complimented by herbal and floral notes. This wine has an elegant minerality balanced with a silky palate and great structure. A complex and long finish.
