- Some interesting facts about Malbec evolution in Argentina:

This grape was one of a number of vines introduced in Mendoza by the renowned French ampelographer, Michel Aimé Pouget. As wine writer Amanda Barns points out: “On the 17th of April 1853, the local government gave official approval for the new [experimental centre and agronomy] school , and Pouget was appointed as Principal. This date has been taken as the day Malbec arrived in Argentina and is the day when World Malbec Day is celebrated.”

In the last century, notably over the last twenty years, Argentina has been paying more attention to its high quality malbec winemaking and growing it in very different terroirs throughout the country so as to showcase the potential and elasticity of this soft and round tannins grape.

Therefore, the grape growing horizon has been widening to also the North and South of the country and the search for new terroirs at higher altitudes and with specific soil characteristics has become the norm. 

Argentina Malbec can show a quite varied profile (it could go from the juicy red fruits and spices aromas - sweet tannins taste -  to a more savoury spectrum (slightly herbaceous, earthy, blackfruit) due to the age of the vines (recent planted to over a hundred years old), the winemaking philosophy (higher or lower intervention, temperatures, practices and type of containers used during fermentation, etc.) and the diversity of terroirs where the vines have been planted (climate and soil types and whereas in dryer and warmer regions or cooler sites by altitude or latitude location). 

The greatest production and diversity of Malbec is concentrated in Mendoza province and its different valleys. Some of the top quality and most prestigious regions: Uco Valley (La Consulta -Altamira, El Cepillo- San Pablo, Vistaflores, Gualtallary, etc.) and Luján de Cuyo (Las Compuertas, Vistalba, Perdriel, Agrelo...). But there are also vineyards of great identity and exceptional quality in the North and South of Argentina, which extend the range of the stylistic diversity of Argentine Malbec.

Some Malbec pairing tips: enjoy it today with your asado and juicy empanadas. Also for vegetarians: grilled veggies (caramelised onion), risotto, light italian dishes (tomato based sauces), eggplant, fontina, baked potatoes... 

Salud!!