Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Happy International Malbec Day! April 17 we celebrate Malbec wine!

Happy International Malbec Day!  

On April 17 we celebrate Malbec wine around the world!


April is a great month to drink Malbec - rainy, windy or even sunny but cool - that's the perfect weather for a beautiful, heart-warming glass of Malbec.


It can come from Argentina - where it most famous - or France - where it originated, primarily in the Cahors region as well as in Bordeaux blends - or British Columbia and other parts of the globe.


Malbec is great with steaks and grilled meat - I did mention Argentina - but it is an adaptable wine and pairs perfectly with vegetarian meals too.


Today in BC there are about 80 Malbec or Malbec blended wines in the BC government liquor stores, plus more in private outlets.


The Wine Barbarian recommends these Malbecs but this is a rare grape where you will hardly ever go wrong on a bottle.  And Malbec's range from very cheap to very expensive, so there is something for every budget.


Trivento - Malbec Lujan de Cuyo Golden Reserve 2015 - Argentina



A beautiful, deep wine that gives you chewy cherry and spices - smooth and superb.

The Wine Spectator rates it 89 points and says: "This shows good cut to the dried cherry and green olive flavors, matched to lively acidity. Slate and spice details emerge on the crisp finish." 


A great buy at $21.99 and widely available across BC at government liquor stores - $2 off till April 28.


Vina Cobos - Felino Malbec 2016 - Argentina 

Vina Cobos is always a good bet for Malbec - or Chardonnay - as it is part of the Paul Hobbs empire and Hobbs is known for quality at all price ranges.  The Wine Spectator scores this at 87 points and previous vintages higher, and offers this description:


"Offers lots of tealike notes to the red plum, dried berry and ripe currant flavors, supported by crisp tannins. Bittersweet chocolate details show on the finish." 


There are about 1,000 bottles available around the province at government liquor stores and even better - it's on sale for $21.99 - a $2 discount till April 28.

Bench 1775 - Cabernet Franc-Malbec 2015 - Naramata BC


Bench 1775 produces some very nice wines and this Malbec blend is definitely one of them!  Not widely available but in 20 stores around BC at $22.99.


Lots of cherry and blackberry flavours here.


But whatever your taste - be sure to crack open a Malbec today and join the wine world in celebrating this great grape! 


Cheers!