"Malbec Madness"

   This newsletter is dedicated to the famous grape that calls its home Cahors,   France. Most people associate the grape with Argentina since in the last decade some of the tastiest bottles have emerged from there. The Malbec was brought down to South America over a hundred and fifty years ago and now flourishes as a variety especially in Mendoza. The grape is still used in Bordeaux as a blending grape but is not a major player but more of a supporting actor. Malbec is also grown around the world like California, but the real great deals are coming from Argentina and France. If you love big, bold, reds with a lot of structure and flavor than this is a grape to check out. Most examples tend to be less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignons, although still robust, rich and expressive. Deep dark in color with aromas and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, vanilla, mocha and coffee notes are quite typical of this variety. In the mouth the wine usually has a nice velvety feel and pairs well with hearty fare and a joy to drink in the cold weather. If you spend around 15 bucks on a bottle you can get a superb wine. The deals keep coming from Argentina and I taste them consistently over and over again. Whether it's a new producer or a new fabulous vintage the bangs are abundant. So the next time you're  looking for a killer wine to pair with your steak grab a Malbec and sit back for a taste sensation. Here are three current releases that are showing incredible now.  

1 - Cedre Heritage Malbec 2009, France - This wine comes from Pascal and Jean-Marc  Verhaeghe. These two brothers are making some of the most expressive wines in the famous region of Cahors. Chateau du Cedre is a name to gravitate towards when buying Malbec(known locally as Cot) from this appellation. A more modern style that's easy on approach and super juicy. Aromas of dark fruits and spicebox float out of the glass. Super concentrated flavors of black raspberry, blueberry and licorice coat the palate with a velvety mouth feel. Nice long finish and a real gem for the price. Pair with a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano or grilled Porterhouse with melted blue cheese butter.

2 - Antigal UNO  Malbec 2008, Argentina - Here is a new one that completely blew my mind for the price. The Peiro family established the Antigal winery in a historic winery that dates back to 1897. Updating and rebuilding with the most advance technology this winery is one to watch out for. The grapes are hand harvested and come from superb vineyards in the Uco Valley and Tupungato. The wine is barrel aged for eight months in French and American oak which rounds out the wine and adds depth and complexity. Super deep purple red color radiates in the glass. Aromatics of dark plum and coffee fill the air. Succulent flavors of  wild berry, mocha and spice coat the palate with a hint of vanilla. Gorgeous wine for under 20 bucks! Pair with leg of lamb, fillet mignon or sip by itself. 

3 - Enrique Foster IQUE Malbec 2010, Argentina - This new vintage of IQUE(ee-kay) is stunning to say the least. The wine is juicy and makes your mouth water as it enters the palate. Big and rich with a complex structure that's reminiscent of a wine double its price. Aromas of black berry and pepper float out of the glass. Big velvety flavors of more dark fruits, black cherry and blueberry fill the mouth. Nice long finish with a hint of leather and vanilla. Pair with rib eye, Manchego or sip with friends. 

Hope you find a new favorite!

Sommelier

Jeff Anderson