Malbec, the fruity, palate-pleasing red wine with notes of dark berries, vanilla and chocolate, exploded in popularity when it burst onto the international wine scene in the late 1990s. Though the grape has been planted in France for centuries, Argentine winemakers are largely responsible for its current popularity. The South American nation accounts for more than 75 percent of the world’s Malbec plantings, 85 percent of which are rooted in the region of Mendoza.
While budget-friendly versions produced in Argentina have long dominated the Malbec conversation, the multifaceted grape has more recently spread across the globe—and garnered increasing acclaim. From Argentina and Chile to France, Australia and the United States, anyone interested in exploring the grape can find a variety of interesting expressions suited to a range of palates.
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“One of the interesting aspects of Malbec is its versatility,” says Sarah Clarke, wine director at République, Manzke and Bicyclette in Los Angeles. “Not only is it great for blending, to give a little color and possibly tannin, but it is fantastic as a single-varietal wine as well.“
In fact, now is a great time to start buying Malbec, as it’s just beginning to come back into fashion after spending a few years under the radar due to climate challenges. Here’s everything you need to know about Malbec and the best bottles to snap up right now.
What Is Malbec?
Malbec, or Côt
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
