What is the Malbec grape called in France?

What is the Malbec grape called in France?

Auxerrois
In Cahors, the Malbec grape is referred to as Auxerrois or Côt Noir; this is sometimes confused with Auxerrois blanc, which is an entirely different variety….

Malbec
Also called Auxerrois in Cahors, Côt, Pressac (more)
Origin France
Notable regions Argentina, Cahors
VIVC number 2889

What is Argentine Malbec?

Malbec is a full-bodied red wine that grows mostly in Argentina. Known for its plump, dark fruit flavors and smoky finish, Malbec wine offers a great alternative to higher priced Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

What is Argentina’s signature white grape?

Wine Finds: Argentina’s Signature White Wine: Torrontés However, Argentina also has a signature white grape variety: torrontés. This grape produces aromatic, floral whites that usually have a moderate acidity, taste of stone fruits and have a distinctive spicy character.

Where do Malbec grapes come from?

Malbec is still grown in France, mainly in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, but it does struggle with the cooler climate. In fact, the entire French crop was nearly destroyed in the mid-1950s due to adverse weather conditions. Malbec also grows in other areas around the world, though in much smaller yields: California.

Is Malbec a Spanish wine?

Malbec is an inky black-blue grape variety native to Cahors in South West France, now better known as the iconic wine grape of Argentina. Through its success in the vineyards of Mendoza in particular, in a few short decades Malbec has shot from relative obscurity to international fame.

Which is the best Argentinian Malbec?

Best Argentinian Malbec as rated by IWSC experts

  • Estate Reserva Organic Fairtrade Malbec 2018. Bodega Argento. Argentina.
  • Bianchi Particular Malbec 2018. Bodegas Bianchi.
  • Icono Malbec 2017. Penedo Borges.
  • La Mascota Malbec 2019. Bodega Mascota Vineyards.
  • Altaluvia Malbec 2018. Sur Andino Argentina.
  • Sombrero Malbec 2019. Huentala.

What is the most important red grape in Argentina?

Malbec
Malbec is by far the most common red grapes in Argentina, although its rise only began in the 1990s when it spanned just a quarter of its current surface under vine.

Why is Argentine wine so good?

Due to the high altitude and low humidity of the main wine producing regions, Argentine vineyards rarely face the problems of insects, fungi, molds and other grape diseases that affect vineyards in other countries. This allows cultivating with little or no pesticides, enabling even organic wines to be easily produced.

What wines are similar to Malbec?

Moving on From Malbec: 5 Red Wine Alternatives

  • Syrah. Syrah is an excellent starting point for those who haven’t quite yet determined which reds to branch out to from Malbec.
  • Carménère.
  • Merlot.
  • Nero d’Avola.
  • Petit Verdot.

What is Malbec wine made from?

Malbec (pronounced [mal.bɛk]) is a purple grape variety used in making red wine. The grapes tend to have an inky dark color and robust tannins, and are known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine.

Why is Malbec so popular in Bordeaux?

Malbec is an important blending grape in Bordeaux but, because of its poor resistance to fungal diseases and pests, it never surfaced as a top grape. The grape really didn’t rise to fame until it was brought into Mendoza, Argentina. It was first planted by a nostalgic French botanist in 1868 who hoped to improve wine quality in the region.

How much should I spend on Malbec wine?

Affordable Malbec wines may only get 4–6 months in oak whereas, top-shelf Malbec get as much as 18–20 months in oak. How Much Should I Spend? There are essentially three unofficial quality tiers of Malbec from Argentina based on price. Here’s what we’ve observed: $12–$20 Good Introductory Wines.

What makes Malbec grapes so difficult to grow?

Malbec is very susceptible to various grape diseases and viticultural hazards—most notably frost, coulure, downey mildew and rot but the development of new clones and vineyard management techniques have helped control some of these potential problems.