Grapes · Red grape
Malbec
Once a Bordeaux blending grape, Malbec found fame in Argentina, where high-altitude vineyards give deeply coloured, plush wines with violet perfume.
Also known as: Côt (Cahors, France)
On the nose
Young wines (primary aromas)
- blackberry
- black plum
- black cherry
- violet
- cocoa
Oak & winemaking (secondary)
- vanilla
- mocha
- sweet spice
With bottle age (tertiary)
- leather
- tobacco
- dried fig
- earth
On the palate
Dry, full body, medium acidity and medium to high, ripe and velvety tannins. Juicy dark fruit with a smooth, chocolatey finish; Cahors versions are firmer and more rustic.
Tasting tip
Inky purple colour with a bright magenta rim and an obvious violet scent point to Argentine Malbec.
Often confused with
Merlot (rounder, less floral), Syrah/Shiraz (more pepper), Cabernet Sauvignon (firmer, cassis).