Malbec

Malbec 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. The French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in South West France. It is increasingly celebrated as an Argentine varietal wine and is being grown around the world.

Called Malbec in Bordeaux, Auxerrois or Côte Noir in Cahors, and Pressac in other places, the grape became less popular in Bordeaux after 1956 when frost killed off 75% of the crop. Despite Cahors being hit by the same frost, which devastated the vineyards, Malbec was replanted and continued to be popular in that area where it was mixed with Merlot and Tannat to make dark, full-bodied wines, and more recently has been made into 100% Malbec varietal wines.

Wine styles: 

As a varietal, Malbec creates a rather inky red (or violet), intense wine, so it is also commonly used in blends, such as with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to create the red French Bordeaux claret blend.

Synonyms: 

Auxerrois
Pressac

UK Area in production 2015: 

Unknown

Malbec Grape Vine

Northernmost Vineyard Growing Malbec in UK & Eire

Latitude

Eglantine Vineyard

Costock
Loughborough LE12 6UX
Phone: 01509 852 386
Nottinghamshire
52° 50' 46.4424" N

Largest Vineyard Growing Malbec in UK & Eire

Eglantine Vineyard

Costock
Loughborough LE12 6UX
Phone: 01509 852 386
Nottinghamshire

Malbec Where?

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