Majestic Guides: The Majestic guide to Malbec

In short:

Made famous by the sun-kissed vineyards of Argentina, yet hailing from the historic chateaux of France, Malbec’s journey spans continents, captivating wine lovers with its bold flavours and inviting character.

Malbec in France

Originating from Cahors in the Occitane region of South-West France, Malbec, known locally as "Côt" or "Auxerrois," boasts a rich heritage steeped in tradition. The sub-region is around 160 kilometres east of Bordeaux, where the ancient limestone cliffs and winding rivers of Cahors create the perfect terroir for this grape to thrive. With deep plum and blackberry flavours, Cahors Malbec is easy to spot. Its flavours are a true reflection of the rugged landscape and maritime influence of the Atlantic, creating velvety texture and subtle earthy notes on the palette.

The reason you may recognise Malbec as an Argentinian varietal rather than French is due to climate. With the big freeze of 1956 wiping out nearly all of the country's vineyards, less popular grapes, such as Malbec, got lost in the rush to replant.

Malbec in Argentina

Across the Atlantic, in the heart of Argentina's Mendoza region, Malbec has found a new home, where it flourishes under the intense sunlight and cool mountain breezes of the Andes. With its deep purple hue and exuberant fruit expression, Argentine Malbec is big and bold, exciting the senses with a huge range of flavours, ranging from ripe plum to hints of spice and cocoa. Whether enjoyed on a sun-dappled terrace overlooking the vineyards or paired with a sizzling asado, Mendoza Malbec has become ingrained in Argentina's vibrant culture and culinary traditions.

In fact, Malbec’s influence on the wine industry and economy of Argentina has been so great that they’ve created an official celebration in honour of the grape. ‘Malbec World Day’ has been celebrated annually on April 17th since 2011, commemorating the day in 1853 on which President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento made the request for new vines to be brought to Argentina from France. The name ‘Malbec World Day’ translates from the Spanish ‘Día Mundial del Malbec’, meaning ‘Malbec throughout the world’. The name stuck and continues to confuse English speakers to this day, as most refer to it as ‘World Malbec Day’ or ‘Malbec Mondo’.

Now, Malbec's influence extends far beyond its traditional strongholds, embracing new frontiers and expressions around the world. In the rolling hills of California's Napa Valley and the rugged terrain of Chile's Maipo Valley, winemakers harness the grape's versatility, infusing it with their own unique terroir and craftsmanship. From the luscious rosé blends to bold, fruity reds, Malbec is growing in popularity for wine enthusiasts worldwide with its approachable style and food-friendly nature.

In recent years, rosé versions of Malbec have emerged as a delightful addition to the global wine scene, Catena uses Malbec in their rosé blend, representing a refreshing twist on the traditional red varietal. Crafted by the esteemed Catena family in Argentina's Mendoza region, this rosé uses the blending method where red and white wines are mixed allowing for bolder red varietals to be used. With 40% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 17% Malbec, 13% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Chenin Blanc, it embodies the essence of summer with its vibrant pink hue and lively fruit flavours. Bursting with notes of strawberries, raspberries, and citrus, it wets the palate with its crisp acidity and delicate floral undertones, making it the perfect companion for al fresco dining or leisurely picnics under the sun.

Malbec around the world

Another fabulous example of world Malbec hails from South Africa, where Malbec finds a unique expression in the Stellenbosch region. Here, amidst the dramatic landscapes and cooling ocean breezes, Journey's End have been growing the varietal since 1995, showcasing the grape's signature boldness and complexity. With its deep, ruby-red hue and enticing aromas of ripe blackberries and hints of spice, this Malbec offers a tantalising glimpse into the terroir of Stellenbosch, where the soil's rich diversity lends depth and character to every sip.

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