THEWINEMONOLOGUES.COM: "New World" Malbec

"New World" Malbec

On Monday I posted about "old world" Malbec of Cahors. Today, I turn to "new world" Malbec.

The term "old world" is a loosely used term of art to describe wines generally from France, Italy, and some other parts of Europe; areas that have been successfully making good wine for many centuries.
These wines tend to be less "over the top" and more subtle in their flavor profiles. The term "new world" refers to the other areas of the wine world that do not necessarily have the "wisdom of age" like their old world counterparts and tend to have flavor profiles that are a little more "up front". New world areas include the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, Portugal, Spain and of course, Argentina. It is the Argentine Malbec that I will visit today.

"Malbec was originally one of the minor blending varietiesof red Bordeaux, where it now accounts for a tiny proportion of localproduction. But its home now is well and truly in Argentina, whereafter more than 100 years of nurturing it has come into its own both asa pure varietal, andblended with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Malbec grapes are reasonably small, very dark, and juicy.Controlling the fruiting of the vines is important to ensure goodconcentration of flavors. Fortunately, the Argentine wine industry'salmost 100% reliance on irrigation (it virtually neverrains) gives growers the tools they need to ensure quality fruit.

However, Malbec is fairly sensitive to its climate. In coolerconditions (in Mendoza, this normally means a higher altitude) it is athick-skinned grape which develops high acidity and tannic content,giving rise to more robust wines. At lower altitudes the grapes havethinner skins, more juice, and produce wines that are lighter-bodiedand more suited to drinking young.

Flavors most commonly associated with Malbec include plums,cherries, currants and raspberries. Fruit, as well as color, may beperceived as black or red depending on the origin of thefruit, as well as the wine-making style. Argentine Malbec is generallyliberally oaked, and even the earlier drinking styles reflect theresulting flavors – vanilla, spice, as well as occasionaltobacco notes – well.

An earlier ripening variety in Argentine conditions, the Malbec harvest generally begins in early March." www.argentinawineguide.com/resources/Malbec.html

The biggest difference between the Argentine Malbec and the Malbec of Cahors is that the Argentine Malbec tends to be "softer" and less tannic on the flavor profile. This produces a wine that is less harsh and more "fruit forward", good for immediate consumption. The Malbec of Cahors is more tannic and less approachable immediately, requiring, in most cases, some bottle aging to soften its flavor characteristics. Who is to say which is better? You and only you. Its your palate and its no better or worse than mine or anyone else. That is why you need to try both versions of this (and other) varietals and decide for yourself.

I recently tried the Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec from Argentina. It comes from the Mendoza Region which is the premier region in Argentina for producing Malbec.

On the nose I got aromas of blackberry, mocha, and herbs. I tasted flavors of dark fruit,prunes, tobacco, and smoke. It finishes with good long smooth tannins and fresh flavors of dark fruit with a slighttartness. With some air though, the finish evolves and I enjoyed some nicechocolaty notes too. I really enjoyed this Malbec. Not a bad deal either at less than $20.00 per bottle and I have seen it in many retailers' stores.

Again, try both the "new world" Malbec and the "old world" Malbec and decide for yourself! Cheers!