Welcome to Wine 102, a deeper dive into some of the less common varietals you see on store shelves or restaurant wine lists.  If you’ve missed the first few wines, you can read all about Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc, but today’s wine, is the red hot Malbec!

Although historically from France (and named cot), Malbec has thrived in Argentina since it’s introduction in the nineteenth century.  Unlike Bordeaux, the Malbec is more sheltered from frost, and makes low acidity, soft wines with plenty of dark fruit, mocha, and earthy characteristics.  While this is the Malbec most people are aware of, Cahors in France also is well known for Malbec, making a brooding, tannic example that’s more rustic and rough, but delicious in it’s own right.

Quick Facts on Malbec:

Color: Red
Style: Dry
Body:  Medium
General Characteristics:  Plum, Vanilla, Cherry, Chocolate
Notable Regions:  Argentina, Cahors (France)

Malbec has enjoyed a resurgence thanks to the great values it presents from Argentina.  Does Kirkland Signature Malbec 2013 make a great Malbec, or should you look else where for an example?

Sight:  Medium purple with a hint of brickish color, touches of orange around the edge.

Smell:  Deeply fruity with lots of plum and blackberry.  There’s lots of nice smokey notes, which are complimented by hints of spice box, mocha, and espresso.

Sip:  A smooth start with a bit of bitterness and tannin rounds out into a bright, lively fruit forward moderate body.  There’s a good smoke backbone behind lots of plum and blackberries.  Hints of chocolate and herbs around the edges.  It’s worth noting, that despite the fruit, it’s bone dry.

Savor:  The ending is a rather tannic with a creamy sort of texture, it moves toward dark chocolate and plum skin.  The finish has a rather moderate length.

Kirkland Signature Malbec is rather impressive for only $7.  While it doesn’t have a huge amount of depth, it has a seriously solid malbec flavor, and is delightful in general.  The tannic finish is good, long, and food friendly, especially for malbec’s natural pairing, beef!  If you happen to need a red daily drinker for dinner, and eat a lot of heavy winter dishes, Kirkland Signature Malbec is a great choice.

Verdict:  Plum, Blackberry, Tannic, Chocolate
Price: $7
Mendoza, Argentina