Midalidare’s Grape Varieties: Malbec in a nutshell

Part 1: Essential information about Malbec

• Malbec is thick-skinned black grape, native of Cahors region, southwest France.
• Malbec is the result of a cross between Magdeleine noire des Charentes and Prunelard Noir.
• Argentina saved Malbec: over 75% of all Malbec vines now grow in Argentina, where the grape found ideal conditions in the Mendoza region. In a way, Argentina reinvigorated Malbec as one of the top 18 noble grapes. Now it grows in many countries and continues to grow in popularity.
• High altitude means quality: in sunny, high-altitude vineyards, Malbec develops vibrant acidity and expressive dark fruit flavors. In lower elevations, Malbec grapes struggle to produce the acidity they need to create great tasting and long lasting wine. High elevation areas with a wide diurnal temperature shift (i.e., hot days, cold nights) make the grapes produce more acidity. 
• The magenta rim is its tell: Malbec wine is a deep purple-red that is nearly opaque, similar to Syrah and Mourvedre. However, Malbec wines will often have a bright magenta rim.The bright rim around a Malbec glass is its signature colour marker — a clue in blind tastings.
• Not As Much Oak as You Might Think: because of Malbec’s bold flavors and richness, many wine tasters believe that industrious use of oak is employed. Not true! In the  "value" tier you’ll find most Argentine Malbec to have only about 6 months of oak aging. 10-12 months of oaking Malbec will give it that classic ‘blueberry’ smell. Some Malbec wines are aged for a long time (18-20 months) for example Reserva Argentine Malbec and some US Malbec, but you have to pay to play. 
• Malbec loves to travel. Though native to France's Cahors region, Malbec now thrives around the world — from Argentina and Chile to California and South Africa — each region adding its own nuance of spice, fruit, and structure.
• International Malbec Day is celebrated on April 17th.

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