Malbec in White

White wine made from red grapes isn’t as unusual you would think, think the Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier that go into a distinctly white Champagne, but to have one made from such a robust grape such as Malbec did peak our interest.

The process begins with the careful harvesting of Malbec grapes. The timing of the harvest is crucial, as winemakers aim to pick grapes at the optimal level of ripeness to achieve the desired lavours and acidity in the white wine.

After harvesting, the grapes are crushed to release their juice. In the case of white winemaking, the goal is to extract the juice quickly without allowing extended contact between the juice and the grape skins. This helps prevent the transfer of colour and tannins from the skins to the juice. The crushed grapes are then pressed to separate the juice from the solid grape material, including the skins and seeds. This step is critical for ensuring that the juice remains relatively clear and free from the pigments found in grape skins.

This is a fascinating deviation from the norm, offering an opportunity to discover a refreshing, aromatic, and well-balanced alternative to the more common red iterations of this beloved grape variety, and one we thought our members would love!