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The tannic grape
Also known as Malvoisie, Ruländer (Switzerland and Loire Valley)
Also known as Côt in Touraine or Auxerrois in Cahors. A classic grape for rustic wines. It is produced in the Loire (vinified alone or blended with Cabernet Franc and Gamay), and in the South-West and Bordeaux (where it is blended with Cabernet Franc and Merlot). Known to give full-bodied red wines with powerful, alcoholic and very colourful tannins, what defines Malbec in its structure is its intense fruity aromatic expression, as well as its volume in the mouth and its fairly marked alcohol. The climate will have its influence: Malbec expresses more body and power in hot climates, such as Argentina where it is the king grape variety. Vinified on its own, it can lack finesse and flavour, especially if it lacks sunshine. Something that does not happen with Argentinean Malbecs. These powerful, warm and very ripe fruity wines can be drunk young, unlike the Cahors where the sometimes astringent vegetal side will only fade after 5 years.
Loire Valley, South-West, Bordeaux
Argentina (75% of world production: Mendoza, Salta, Catamarca, La Rioja, San Juan, Patagonia), Chile, United States (Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley), Italy, Bulgaria, and a little planted in Australia.
Touraine (vinified alone or blended). Cahors, Bergerac, Pécharmant, Médoc, Graves, Côtes de bourg (blended) Argentinian Malbec (mono-varietal)
Comté-Tolosan IGP, Anjou: Mixed with Carbernet and Gamay
Full-bodied, fruity and alcoholic. Very dark colour with a hint of black. Aromas of jammy black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry...). When aged in barrels: notes of toast, roasting, spices, vanilla, cocoa evolving towards dried fruits and truffles with age. On the palate, character and powerful tannins. In mono-varietal and cask aged wines the high alcohol content contributes to a smooth and unctuous sensation.
Rosé d'Anjou: Aromas of menthol and licorice. Good acidity which gives the wine both freshness and structure.
Black pudding, simmered red meat, duck (magret or confit), game (wild boar, deer), spicy dishes (chili con carne, tajine)
Aperitif. Cold cuts, carpaccio, mixed salad...
Fairly colourful and full-bodied, Malbec can lack bouquet and flavour. This is why it is most often used in blends, as it balances the wine in structure.When young, it expresses itself with characteristic aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, cherry, blueberry), licorice with woody notes more or less marked depending on the time aged in the barrel. Barrel aging gives aromas of vanilla, cocoa, tobacco, chocolate. With time, its bouquet evolves towards truffles and dried fruits.Also called Côt en Touraine or Auxerrois in Cahors, Pressac, Noir de Pressac (Gironde), Plant du Lot, Plant de Cahors, Plant du Roy, Mauzat, Balouzat, Prolongeau, Vesparol, Pied de Perdrix, Malbech, Malbek, Kot (Bulgaria)...
