No doubt you've already marked your calendar for Malbec World Day, which you surely must know is April 17.
And in case you haven't guessed, this celebratory salute to Argentina's favourite grape was dreamed up by, well, Argentina.
Wracking my brains, I can't recall any other variety that has its own international (even if not quite statutory) holiday.
As far as I know, there is no similar salute to Chardonnay, no Burgundian-driven nod to Pinot, no Austrian-inspired Global Gruner Day, and the
Germans haven't declared world Riesling Day. At least, not yet. Though, come to think of it, why not?Malbec's European claim to fame was as a blending grape in Bordeaux. But Bordelaise really didn't lose much sleep when it suffered some pretty serious frost setbacks in the mid 1950s. Although, to this day, it flourishes impressively in Cahors.
We can thank a forward-thinking French agronomist for bringing it to Argentina in the mid-19th century. Malbec flourished there (as did Bonarda), but it wasn't until the Argentinians got excited about the potential for exporting wine, around 1990, that things really began to take shape, often with a helping hand from the likes of Michel Rolland, one of the original French flying winemakers.
Argentina is rightly proud of its Malbec World Day and with good reason. They've turned an "also ran" into a grape that produces great value wines with a variety of styles depending on where it comes from and, increasingly, from what elevation.
Here's a trio of Argentinian Malbecs that underscore the kind of value they deliver and make for a suitable salute.
Cuma Organic Malbec 2013 Cafayate: Easy-drinking and highly affordable, juicy, fruit-driven wine from beautiful Cafayate in the north, almost on the Bolivian border. Cherry, plum, and some earthy notes. Very good organic value. Braised meats, pasta or spicy sausage (BCLS $13.99, also EW, 89 points).
Domaine Bousquet Malbec 2013 Tupungato: More great organic value, this time from high altitude (1,200 metres) in Tupungato, in Mendoza's Uco Valley at the foot of the Andes. Up-front plum, black fruit and peppery notes, with smooth and elegant tannins, a hint of mocha and spice before a lengthy end (BCLS, EW $15.99, but also available in a convenient half bottle 375-millilitres for $8.99). Stylish packaging too, that belies its bargain price tag. barbecued strip loin with sautéed mushrooms (90 points).
Famiglia Bianchi Reserve Malbec 2011: San RafaelFrom a cooler part of Mendoza, forward, very fruity aromas of plum and black fruit, followed by a luscious, quite full-bodied palate with approachable, well-integrated tannins and a long finish. Pair with game meats such as venison and stews or strong cheeses (EW, BCLS, $19.99, 89 points).
The fourth annual Malbec World Day is April 17 with celebrations in 55 cities in 44 countries around the world. Here in B.C. you can track down more than 40 free consumer tastings at different stores.
Tim Pawsey writes about wine for numerous publications and online as the Hired Belly at hiredbelly.com. Contact: [email protected].
