Celebrate World Malbec Day and enjoy this classic grape

It is World Malbec Day on 17th April, which of all the days celebrating grape varieties and there does seem to one almost every week now, is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most successful. Originally from Bordeaux and South West France, these days of course Argentina has become synonymous with this now hugely popular red grape.

Tesco Finest* Malbec

Rosé 2021, Mendoza (Tesco £8.00) is perhaps a slightly unusual take on this grape. Made for Tesco by one of Argentina’s top producers, there is a little of the white variety Torrontes in the blend giving some floral notes along with some summer red berries and maybe a little tinned lychees, the palate is juicy but dry with a soft, easy finish. Pair this with eastern Mediterranean dishes such as Baba Ghanoush or Falafel salad.

Trivento Private Reserve Malbec 2021, Mendoza (widely available including

Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco,

Ocado RRP £10.00) was named as Best

Value Wine of the Year by influential wine critic Tim Atkin MW in his annual Argentina Report last year. It is easy to see why, this is quite aromatic with dark fruits, spices, violets and a touch of mocha on the nose before a velvety, richly fruited palate with ripe tannins and a long finish. Try this with a humble beefburger or a spicy pulled pork bap.

Zuccardi

‘Serie A” Malbec

2020, Mendoza (Ocado £15.00, Tesco £14.00) is very much bench mark Malbec and for me always over delivers at this level. Partly aged on French oak barrels but this is really all about fruit purity with inviting aromas of dark berries and black cherry and just a little spice, the palate is medium bodied with ripe tannins and some nice spice on the finish. This work well with tomato based pasta dishes or a grilled ribeye steak.

Zuccardi Malamado Fortified Malbec (Tesco £9.00 50cl bottle) is essence an Argentinian take on Port but made with Malbec. Aged in older oak barrels, this offers ripe dark fruits, as well as dried mixed fruit, nuts and chocolate on the nose, before a richly layered palate with more ripe fruits and spices and a long sweet finish. If you have any Easter eggs left this would make a good match or try with some soft blue cheese or milk chocolate based desserts.

Alistair Gibson is proprietor of Heritage Cellars. Call 07712 669973 or e-mail alistair@heritagecellars.co.uk