---
title: Malbec
description: Argentina's vinous pride and joy is actually an exile from Bordeaux and the Loire.
---

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# Malbec

[![Malbec grapes](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Malbec_grapes.jpg/512px-Malbec_grapes.jpg)](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AMalbec_grapes.jpg)

Viticulture & Vinivulture

Features: dark, thin-skinned, low yielding; smaller berries with tighter clusters in Argentina  
Susceptibility: Coulure, frost, mildew and rot  
Climate: Dry   
Soil: Limestone and clay with alluvial topsoil

Carbonic Maceration, Malolactic Fermentation and Micro-oxygenation all possible  
Oak aging: stainless or oak.   
Warm climate: prefers high altitude, cool nights, warm days

Old World:   
Bordeaux blending grape  
Loire (Local Synonym: Cot)  
Cahors (Local synonym: Auxerrois)  
New World: Mendoza, Argentina, 1/3 of grapes planted in country

Color: Inky, jammy, purplish red   
Aroma: rich, spicy blackberry, figs   
Body: Medium to full  
Acidity: Medium  
Alcohol: Medium plus to high   
Tannins: Medium plus, velvety, integrated  
Flavors:   
Old World: Rustic dry, gamey & tannic   
New World: Lush, ripe, spicy mulberry , violets, blackberry & figs in Argentina