Choosing a Malbec Wine and Getting Value for Money

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Malbec has had a fascinating history – and that is to put it mildly. The first time you take a sip of this textured and rich wine you should be aware that the glass you are holding is a relic of time and circumstance that came close to seeing Malbec go the way of the dinosaurs. Malbec wine has probably undergone more trials and tribulations than any other wine on the planet. The very existence of a bottle on retail shelves is nothing short of a miracle.

By 1855 Malbec had captured the French imagination – in the 1855 classification of recognized wines it was darling of the wines produced in Bordeaux. But then disaster struck in the form of the phylloxera epidemic which decimated the Malbec vines in France. The grapes were never easy to grow – and then in 1956 a frost almost eliminated Malbex grapes from history forever.

The wine growers had been subject to the vagaries of disease and climatic conditions for far too long. Malbec fell out of favor and wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot became easier to produce.

But then a savior appeared in the form of Argentinian Michel Pouget who was looking for a grape varietal that would cement Argentina’s place on the global wine makers map. Taking Malbec back to Argentina was a stroke of genius. Within a short time Argentina had cemented its place as the premier supplier of Malbec wine to markets across the globe.

Today Malbec is renowned for its easy drinking. It pars perfectly with meals that are enjoyed in the sunshine and with family and friends. The bold flavors allow it to pair with proteins such as grilled or barbecued meats and even rich herbal infused sausage.

So if you would like to explore to wonders of a wine that almost did not make it to our tables (and we are endlessly grateful it did) then here are some wonderful choices to explore the depths of Malbec wine.

1. Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec.

A product of scattered Argentinian wineries this wine is aged in French oak barrels for six months and then another five months in the bottle which lends it a distinct character with notes of plum and raspberry and a hint of vanilla.You are not going to find a better value Malbec than this example at around $10 a bottle.

2. The BenMarco Malbec.

Argentina continues its dominance when it crones to this variety of wine with one of the best value examples that is available in the United States. The dry desert vineyards have gifted Malbec lovers with a wine of incredible depth. The complexity of mixed flavors of blackberry, spice, coffee and licorice make this wine an exploration rather than a simple sipping experience. Shop around and you can pick up a bottle at below $15. Well worth looking out for at around $20 a bottle.

Malbec rewards a palate that is willing to explore both subtle flavors and a wine that is not ashamed to bring its unique qualities to the fore. Get some today and savor a bottle of what might have been a lost opportunity for winemakers to shine.