I knew this week would come; it has taken 37 weeks and it has finally arrived. Mike has gone for one of my nemesis grapes this week, one that many, many people love but I just don’t get on with. It’s time for Argentinian Malbec and time for me to have another go at having a meaningful relationship…

http://pleasebringmemywine.com/2014/09/16/nwtw-week-37-malbec-from-argentina/

Over the past few years the world really has developed a love affair with Malbec from Argentina. Its not surprising as the wines are deeply coloured, intensely fruit and velvety in texture… so what is my issue? I have found most of the wines I have tried to be TOO fruity and my overriding memory is always the smell of a hot squash ball! But #newwinethisweek is all about trying new wines as well as giving old foes another go, so let’s focus on the positives.

Although we all associate Malbec with Argentina, the real home of the grape is in Southwest France. It was one of the original grapes used in Bordeaux blends, where it is starting to make a small comeback, and is the dominant variety in the inky-black wines of Cahors. But it’s in Argentina that the variety has become a dinner table and supermarket staple, with Malbec accounting for over 30% of red wine plantings; it has come a long way since it was introduced the country in 1868, where it also known as Côt.

Mendoza is the leading region for Malbec in Argentina but also look out for wines from La Rioja, Salta and San Juan. Descriptors for the wines often include ripe plums, prunes, sometimes with a touch of mint. When it comes to food pairing, there really is only one option… Steak, steak or steak!

I am putting all of my prejudice to one side this week and hope I can add Malbec to my regular repertoire; if you have any recommendations I am all ears. For those of you looking for recommendations, I can’t give any personal ones, but I have done a trawl of some excellent sites to offer up this selection, a few available of promotion right now:

 

Tesco Finest Argentinian Malbec 2013, Mendoza (Tesco £6.99, usually £7.99)

Catena Malbec 2011, Mendoza (Waitrose £10.39, usually £12.99)

Finca El Origen Malbec 2012, Mendoza (M&S £9.99)

The Society’s Exhibition Malbec 2011 (The Wine Society £10.50)

Don David Reserve Malbec 2012, Cafayete (Wine & The Vine £11.25)

 

The vote will be on Mike’s site this week, and you know what to do; get yourself a bottle of Malbec and tell us what you think!