The wine industry is an ever-changing one, and it’s important to understand what wine you are drinking. Malbec wine is the full-bodied red wine of the moment.
It has dark fruit flavors while retaining dryness which allows it to be paired with many foods.
But where did this unique, dry red wine come from? And how does it compare to other wines?
All these questions and more will be answered in this blog post!
History of the Malbec Grape
In wine, the term Malbec is used to describe a grape varietal that has been grown around the world.
In France, this grape was historically blended and had little presence on its own. It wasn’t until Argentina adopted it as their national wine in 1883 that Malbec saw significant growth and recognition. The plantings were spread throughout central regions of Mendoza where they found ideal climates for growing grapes with results unlike anywhere else in the world.
While most people think of Argentine wines when referencing Malbec wine, French winemakers have quickly caught up over recent decades by reviving old vineyards or continuing plantings within favorable pockets of soil composition (e.g., Cahors Malbec).
With both countries now producing wine from the Malbec grape, it’s hard to say which expression is better.
MALBEC IN FRANCE
French Malbec wine has been around for centuries, with the first evidence of it being grown in France in the 17th century.
However, it wasn’t used as a standalone grape back then – instead, it was blended with other grapes to create a more complex wine.
It enjoyed some popularity in France throughout the 1800s but eventually fell out of favor.
MALBEC IN ARGENTINA
It was in Argentina where Malbec wine found its true calling. The grape thrives in the country’s hot, dry climate, and the resultant Argentinian wine is big, fruity, and full of flavor.
Malbec wine caught on with the public in the 1990s, and its popularity has only grown since then. In fact, it is now Argentina’s most popular wine.
A tiny amount of Malbec is produced in Chile, Australia, and New Zealand, which is generally used in red blends.
California, Washington, and Colorado hold the most vineyard-intensive crops in the United States. The grape may be utilized to enhance red wine blends, but it is commonly bottled as a varietal wine.
COMPARING MALBEC WINE TO OTHER WINES
So how does Malbec wine compare to other wines?
Well, it falls somewhere in between red and white wines in terms of flavor. It has some of the fruity flavors associated with white wine but also possesses the dryness of red wine. This makes it a good wine for those who aren’t quite sure which type they like best.
Malbec wines appeal to the masses because it possesses such an approachable flavor profile and can be enjoyed by both wine beginners and veterans alike.
MALBEC IN THE NEWS
In addition to being popular with consumers, Malbec wine is also in the news for another reason: its surging prices. Malbec wine has become a hot commodity in recent years, with some bottles fetching hundreds of dollars at auction.
So if you’re looking to buy a bottle of this wine, be prepared to spend a bit more than you would for other wines.
Food Pairings for Malbec
Malbec wine is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of foods. Its medium-bodied texture and juicy fruit flavors make it a great choice for dishes with intense flavors, such as steak or lamb.
Malbec also pairs well with earthy dishes, like mushrooms or black beans.
And finally, its cherry and plum notes make it a natural fit for sweet and savory combinations, like cranberry sauce on Thanksgiving turkey or dark chocolate cake. No matter what you’re eating, there’s sure to be a food pairing that will make Malbec wine the star of your next meal.