Malbec

Malbec traditionally was used as a blending grape in the great wines of Bordeaux. The grape ads color and tannin when blended with cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Malbec is called Côt outside of Bordeaux. Malbec's importance has diminished somewhat over the years in French winemaking although it is still used to varying degrees. In the Cahors Appellation Controlée of Southern France, malbec is called Auxerrois. Cahors wine must contain a minimum of 70% Auxerrois or malbec.

Argentina has become the world's leading producer of malbec wine. Climate and soils in the vineyards shadowed by the Andes Mountains bring out flavors and complexity not found when the grape is grown in other regions. Here the grape has come to its own making delicious wines loaded with dark fruit flavors and smooth tannin structure. Argentinean malbec has shown similar aging potential to French cabernet.

California and Washington State have increased plantings of malbec in recent years although we have not seen the consistency of the Argentinean rendition.

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