By: Alejandro Iglesias
Like all quality wine-making countries, Argentina proudly shows its emblem cepage: the Malbec, a French varietal that arrived at our lands towards the end of the XIX century to adopt them as its terroir.
It was the Argentine enologists´ commitment, trust and inspiration that over more than a century have allowed us to enjoy these wines, admired by experts, thanks to its originality, personality and character.
Unlike dense and dark wines made in their countries of origin, Argentine Malbec gives rise to an intense purplish color, with a violet, red and black fruit bouquet, with soft tannins, which bottle-ageing turns into a caress to your palate.
According to the specialist Robert Parker Jr, Argentine Malbec will soon take up a preponderant place among the noblest wines in the world.
Converted into the Argentine viticulture cover letter abroad, it is the variety with most vineyards´ hectares in the country, from the North to the Patagonia.
The Lujan de Cuyo and Uco Valley vineyards, in Mendoza province, are considered the cradle of the most outstanding Argentine Malbec exemplars. Yet, those made in other regions should not go unnoticed, such as Salta, San Juan, Rio Negro and Neuquén, where clear quality exponents of these grape varieties have become widely known. Each region gives Malbec its unique and special characteristics, which become delicious terroir wines together with a rare aromatic spectrum in reds.
An ageing, youthful Argentine Malbec, fortified or sparkling wine is a highly recommended gift for those who visit the country.
HIGHLIGHTS
The good maturity reached by the Argentine Malbec, makes it possible to taste it without the need for a long ageing period. However, those which receive oak ageing are ideal for further bottled ageing, in which they develop an intense bouquet.
