By Isobel Salter
April 17th 2024 celebrates ‘Malbec World Day’, a global initiative created by Wines of Argentina to highlight the success of their wine industry.
The name ‘Malbec World Day’ translates from the Spanish ‘Dia Mundial de Malbec’, meaning ‘Malbec throughout the world’. The name often confuses English speakers, thus many refer to it as ‘World Malbec Day’ instead.
The history of Malbec reflects a cultural itinerary of a grape on an intercontinental journey. A journey from Europe to the Americas. The historical roots of Malbec are found in Cahors, a town located in the southwest of France, just 200 miles west of Bordeaux. But in more recent years, its acreage in France has been declining, whilst Argentina has been at the forefront of Malbec production.
Malbec World Day is celebrated on April 17th every year, in order to commemorate date in 1853 when President Domingo Sarmiento set about transforming Argentina’s wine industry. He tasked Michel Pouget (a French soil expert) with bringing new vines to Argentina. Among the varietals Pouget selected was Malbec. This variety adapted well to the soils and climates of Argentina, particularly in Mendoza.
Argentinian vintners welcomed the variety with open arms. By the start of the 20th Century, it was widely planted across all Mendoza vineyards. At this time it was commonly referred to as ‘the French grape’. Ironic, as it was soon to become the emblematic variety of Argentina.
Then 1990s saw a rapid growth of Malbec distribution, as this variety began to lead national exports. It was during this period, that Nicolas Catena of Catena Zapata made his mark on the history of Malbec. He focused on quality, and spear-headed the re-entrance of Malbec to the market, attracting the attention of the world. He was also one of the first to begin planting his vines at altitudes of 1500 metres above sea level. It is well know that he was instrumental to the reputation of Malbec at this time.
Altitude is an important factor for Argentine wine, Malbec in particular. It allows for floral aromas to develop, firmer tannins, and maintaining acidity. For many, it has become a point of status to plant at the highest elevations possible. The image of the Andes has almost become a hallmark of the Argentine wine brand. This fact is unsurprising, as nearly half of the nation’s surface area under vine is located on the foothills, and slopes of these monumental peaks. For example, of the 30,000 hectares of vineyards in the Uco Valley, all are located above 1,000 metres above sea level. These extreme conditions are the norm, and this unusual terroir is certainly a mark of distinction in the wine.
Over the years, Malbec has become synonymous with Argentina. Many would argue that Argentinian Malbec’s have become superior to those from its country of origin. Today, Malbec is planted on over 115,000 hectares of Argentinian soil, and their wines are exported to 124 countries worldwide.
In honour of this international holiday, we wanted to shine a light on some of the fantastic expressions of Malbec which we have available.
To celebrate this wonderful variety, we are pleased to offer you 10% OFF the following wines with code: MALBECDAY for this week only.
2017 Francois Lurton (Piedra Negra)
Chacayes Malbec, Uco Valley
Francois Lurton found the desert conditions of Los Chacayes, and decided this would be the ideal terroir for growing vines. Since then, the region has been acknowledged as an appellation. The Chacayes Malbec is an excellent representation of this terroir. With 100% Malbec, grown from 70% Argentinian vines, and 30% French.
Vibrant and pure aromas of blackberry, blueberry and plums are at the forefront. With subtle, well-integrated oak. The palate reveals a wonderful expression of the grapes profile, alongside full, elegant tannins. The wine presents a dense, silky texture.
£73.00
£65.70 DP
with code MALBECDAY
2017 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard
River Stones Malbec
Expressive, ripe aromas of cassis, blackberry, chocolate, and crushed stone are at the forefront. It has wonderfully plush, mouth filling acidity that gives clarity and balance to the mid-palate. On the finish, there are lingering notes of crushed stone and violet. This wine is truly spectacular.
Catena Zapata winery is one of the leading producers in Argentina. This vintage is a fine example of this. The wine takes its name from a small parcel of the revered Adrianna Vineyard that is covered with oval white stones, which provide excellent drainage and temperature moderation. It presents juicy, classic black fruit with sweet spice and a good dose of granitic complexity. An extraordinary, age-worthy vintage.
98 points from Robert Parker
£114.00
£102.60 DP
with code MALBECDAY
2021 Hacienda Los Haroldos Reserva
Malbec, Uco Valley
100% Malbec grown from 70 year old vines grown at 1200 metres above sea level, then aged for 10 months in French oak. This long, and complex wine has notes of deep, black fruits, raisins and toast. It is well structured with firm tannins and refreshing acidity. It lends itself to ripeness and succulence. Scoring 91/100 at Decanter World Wine Awards 2023, this is certainly an excellent value Malbec.
£17.50
£15.75 DP
with code MALBECDAY
Link:https://nickollsandperks.com/p/2021-hacienda-los-haroldos-reserva-malbec-uco-valley-103611611211/
2022 Francois Lurton (Piedra Negra)
Arroyo Malbec Uco Valley
Vines are grown in accordance with biodynamic principles, at an altitude of 1,100 metres above sea level, in the middle of Los Chacayes. The gravelly, alluvial soil reminded Lurton of the terroir of Pessac-Leognan in Bordeaux. The aromatic nose shows violet and wild berries. It has a concentrated, yet soft palate with notes of blueberry and blackberry. A delicate structure with velvety tannins and a long, harmonious finish.
£18.00
£16.20 DP
with code MALBECDAY
To celebrate this wonderful variety, we are pleased to offer you 10% OFF the above wines with code: MALBECDAY for this week only.