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GOGO March: Mouth-watering Malbec!

The snow has finally melted, and after all that stress you owe it to yourself to take a little time to curl up by the fireplace, grab a good book, and sip on something that?ll warm you up inside. No, we?re not talking about hot cocoa, we?re talking about Malbec!

Malbec a high-quality grape capable of demonstrating a variety of characteristics, from medium-bodied and red fruited to dark and smoky with loads of spice. Although Malbec is one of the five Bordeaux varietals (along with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petite Verdot) it is most often thought of as the most widely produced red wine from Argentina. This is a fascinating wine-producing country with a wide range of terroirs in its many different regions.

So, what better way to wind down and settle in for the end of winter than by exploring what Malbecs have to offer?

Varietal Characteristics:

Rich, dark red and black (think plums) fruit characteristics with moderate tannins and a touch of spiciness is what this grape is all about, you may even get a little smokiness. The grape has a thin skin and needs lots of warmth and sun to ripen. It is prone to frost, downy mildew and coulure (uneven fruit set).

France

Malbec?s homeland is Bordeaux. It is one of five grape varieties to comprise the great reds of this region, however, it is used sparingly, only 2-5% Malbec is typically added to any production. Malbecs from France tend to be dark, rustic, and gamey; it is only suitable for mid-term aging. This is why it is often only used as part of a blend, and rarely bottled on its own. It is also known as Cot or Auxerrois within the various regions in which it is grown.

Within France, it is most successful in the South West region of Cahors. Here, Malbec must account for a minimum of 70% of the blend. Malbec can also stand alone but some consider its flavors to be too rustic on their own and choose to enhance it by blending it with Tannat or softening it with Merlot.

Argentina

Malbec from Argentina has a much friendlier expression than its French cousin. These wines are concentrated and lively and tend to be higher in alcohol, with spicy, smoky character, highly extracted fruit flavors, and a velvety texture.

The majority of vineyards in Argentina are concentrated along the west coast, nestled between the slopes of the Andes and the Pacific Ocean. Argentina boasts some of the highest altitude vineyard sites in the world. The elevation influences contrast low temperatures overnight and ample sunlight during the day. This allows grapes to fully develop their sugars while maintaining acidity and not becoming overly ripe.

Another distinctive characteristic of Argentinean vineyards is their natural propensity for healthy, disease-free conditions. This is partially due to the elevation, relatively arid climate and sandy soils. This minimizes the need for any use of chemicals to ward off pests and other illnesses that could be potentially detrimental to vines. One part of vineyard maintenance in Argentina that is crucial is irrigation. Annual rainfall is minimal, so many producers utilize melt water from the Andes as a less labor-intensive means of irrigation for their vines.

Mendoza is the most important wine-producing province in Argentina, and is responsible for roughly 75% of the country?s wine production. There are 5 ?oases? in Mendoza, with varying terroirs and climate conditions, which result in very distinctive characteristics in their wine. The quality minded producers in Mendoza have attracted a lot of foreign investors, from Paul Hobbs to Moet, all of whom have helped elevate Malbec to its fullest potential.

Other

Although deeply rooted in the traditions of France, Malbec did not really take off in popularity until its success in Argentina. In recent years Malbec has made a comeback as the new trend and is beginning to be replanted all over the world. California, Chile, South Africa, and Australia are all experimenting with this grape.

Recommended Wines:

Best in Show: Familia Mayol ?Finca Mont Uiri? Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina $38.99 (only $33.14 with GOGO discount)
A high-quality Malbec that is not too heavy yet has enough structure that it would benefit from decanting. Charming aromatics of dark red fruits and hints of brown sugar are accented by fine tannins and a long, velvety finish.

Friendliest: Callia Alta Malbec 2008, San Juan, Argentina $10.99 (only $9.34 with GOGO discount)
Showing ripe red fruits and a hint of milk chocolate on the finish, this wine from San Juan has a mouth-filling and chewy texture with a pleasant finish.

Best Bargain: Domaine de la Ferrandière Malbec 2008, Languedoc, France $10.99 (only $9.34 with GOGO discount)
A solid French Malbec that?s also a great bargain! Medium-bodied with ripe, red fruit and a velvety texture. Perfect for savory courses like steak or lamb.

Most Interesting: Baqueaño Malbec 2008, Patagonia Argentina $11.99 (only $10.19 with GOGO discount)
An elegant but ripe, dark and structured Malbec from very far south in Argentina. A different style than most Malbecs: it shows dark fruited tones with cola and earth tones.

Girls on Grapes Tasting Dates

If you would like to explore Malbec in further depth, come to one of our tastings. We will feature a half-dozen wines at each of these tastings, which are exclusively for Girls on Grapes Members. If you would like to attend, please contact Bin 604 at 410-576-0444 to reserve your glass. Tickets are $19

Monday, March 15th, 2010 (6-7)
Tuesday, March 16th, 2010 (7-8-pm)
Wednesday, March 17th, 2010 (6-7pm)

Monday, March 22nd, 2010 (6-7pm)
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 (6-7pm)
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 (7-8pm)

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