Where did Malbec get its name?

The name Malbec was introduced at some point in the 1780s, most likely because Monsieur Malbeck planted it in Bordeaux. During the middle ages, the wine was produced only in Cahors and was shipped to Bordeaux where it was sold. During the 1300s, Bordeaux was the center of the wine trade with England.

What does the word Malbec mean?

/ (mælˈbɛk) / noun. a black grape originally grown in the Bordeaux region of France and now in Argentina and Chile, used for making wine. a rustic mid-bodied red wine made from this grape.

Where does Malbec wine originate?

If you're new to the world of Malbec, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Argentina is its true home. However, while 75% of the world's Malbec comes from Argentina, Malbec originated from France and is produced in a number of other countries across the world. This doesn't mean that it is an easily adaptable grape.

Is Malbec only from Argentina?

France is the place of origin of Malbec, but Argentina is now home to nearly 70% of the Malbec vineyards of the world. Thus, your very first taste of Malbec could have been from Mendoza, Argentina.

Why is Malbec so popular in Argentina?

Malbec Global Popularity

One reason why Malbec is so popular, is because it is produced in 7 different countries: Malbec is most commonly grown in Argentina, due to the declining growth in France, with 76,000 hectares of vineyards. France has the second largest coverage of Malbec vines, with 15,000 hectares.

What is MALBEC - What you need to know about this popular grape.

What is the difference between Merlot and Malbec?

Merlot is a bluish variety of grape used to create varietal wines while working as a blending grape. Malbec is a deeper inky coloured grape offering full-bodied tannins and is listed as one of the six grape varieties approved in the mix of Bordeaux wine.

Is Malbec the healthiest wine?

Malbec. As an especially thick-skinned variety, Malbec claims higher antioxidant levels than other red wines especially in terms of resveratrol. This variety has two to four times the amount of anti-inflammatory, health boosting antioxidants than other popular red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Should a malbec be chilled?

Contrary to popular belief, red wine isn't always best served at room temperature. Malbec wine is no exception. Before serving Malbec, try popping it in the fridge for half an hour. This should cool it to just below room temperature, and will allow you to experience Malbec's full depth of flavor.

What is Malbec called in Italy?

Nero d'Avola. Think of Nero d'Avola as Sicily's Malbec. A once all but forgotten grape has resurged to popularity. Nero d'Avola translates to the “black grape of Avola'' and is gaining popularity in Italy and abroad with plantings in the United States and Australia.

When did Malbec originate?

Malbec's origins are southwestern France, particularly the small Cahors region. The first records of this variety date to the 16th century when it was known as Auxerrois. The name Malbec was introduced at some point in the 1780s, most likely because Monsieur Malbeck planted it in Bordeaux.

Which country makes the best Malbec?

Although malbec originated in France, it's more likely to be associated with Argentina, the country that produces the lion's share of the world's malbec and is credited with its resurging popularity.

What cheese does Malbec pair with?

Malbecs love semi-hard cheeses that aren't too salty. Asiago, cheddar, Colby, and gouda are all excellent choices. Malbecs can also go up against a soft blue cheese.

Should I let a Malbec breathe?

Whether it's a young Napa Cab, an Argentine Malbec or Aussie Shiraz, these wines typically need a dose of oxygen to smooth out any roughness and soften tannins. Of course, if you enjoy the punch that these wines can pack straight out of the bottle, there's no need to delay.

What food goes with Malbec?

You'll find Malbec a great match for steak, pork, and lamb, as well as fattier fish like salmon and poultry with dark meat. Game meat—like bison, ostrich, and venison—are also a safe bet. In addition to meat pairings, consider foods with richer sauces or more vibrant flavors.

Is Malbec wine high in sugar?

Malbec: An Argentinian wine that has plum and cherry flavors. It is medium to full-bodied wine is higher alcohol content and, because of that, is low in sugar. Very close to being almost entirely fermented, Malbecs are a dry wine that offers fewer than 1.5 grams of sugar per glass of red wine.

Is Malbec better than Pinot Noir?

Malbec is the meatier of the two varieties, offering structure and tannin to the blend. Conversely, Pinot Noir is more aromatic, giving perfume to the wines. When properly balanced, Malbec and Pinot Noir blends can exhibit plums and violets on the nose, with classic red-berry and dark-raspberry flavors.

Is Pinot Noir healthier than Malbec?

In addition, pinot noir has the lowest sugar content and the least amount of calories among red wines. Malbec: Due to their thick skin, Malbec grapes have a high concentration of resveratrol, quercetin, and other antioxidants that can improve cardiovascular and immune health.

Is Chianti similar to Malbec?

Malbec and Chianti are two exquisite red grapes that have a lot in common but also have a lot of differences. Chianti is a well-known Italian grape that grows in areas such as Tuscany. It was built sometime in the 13th century. Malbec, on the other hand, is a French red wine that originated in the Bordeaux region.

Is Malbec a classy wine?

Its luscious, juicy profile and velvety texture make this a seriously appealing wine. Malbec originally comes from Bordeaux in France, where it's called Côt. However, the most famous country for Malbec today is Argentina.

Are Shiraz and Malbec the same?

Flavor-wise, Shiraz is a bit more complex than Malbec, with its smokey, pepper-like finish on the palate. Malbec features more of the classic aged red wine notes, such as vanilla, plum and blackcurrant.

What kind of grape makes Malbec?

Malbec (sometimes called Côt and Auxxerois) is from France, where it grows in the Sud-Ouest. The thick-skinned grape is a natural cross of two esoteric varieties that are from Montpellier (in Languedoc-Roussilon) and Gaillac in the Sud-Ouest.

What is the German name for Pinot Noir?

In fact, Germany is the world's third largest producer of Pinot Noir. The German name for the grape is Spätburgunder - late (spät) ripening pinot (burgunder).

What fruit goes with Malbec?

Malbec is Argentina's big, bold red wine grape, though it's also known and grown in France, South Africa, Chile, Australia, and the U.S. Full-bodied, tipping towards the higher end of alcohol, acidity, and tannin content, Malbec makes a very food-friendly pairing partner with its concentrated black cherry and ...