Malbec From the South

Whilst the exact origins of Malbec are disputed it is widely agreed that the first plantings were in France although northern Burgundy, Bordeaux and the south western region all lay a claim. Malbec is very expressive of the terroir of where it is grown so each region has a style unique to a particular set of vineyards.

The Argentinean Malbecs which have become so popular in the UK tend to be grown at cool temperatures and at high altitudes in the footbills of the Andes Mountains. The result of this is that they tend to be firmly structure and occasionally have slightly floral notes of violets.

This is a real contrast to the conditions of the Languedoc region of south west France where the long, warm growing season creates wines fruit forward wines which pair beautifully with the rustic local cuisine.