Available individually
MALBEC
Malbec from Cahors to Argentina
The Malbec grape variety is a red grape variety native to southwestern France, probably Quercy where the Roman conquests brought the vine more than 2000 years ago. It is the grape variety of Cahors wines, wines that acquired a good reputation from the 12th century and which began to be exported to England where it was called "black wine".
The Cahors vineyard was totally destroyed in the 19th century with the phylloxera crisis. It was only revived in 1947 with the energy of a few winegrowers and the Cahors AOC was created in 1971 when the planted area of Malbec was only 440 hectares. Malbec is also used in blends in Bordeaux wines.
But it was in the southern hemisphere that Malbec found its greatest success in the 20th century, and in particular in Argentina where it was introduced by the French in 1868. The success is such that the planted areas of Malbec in Argentina now represent 75% of the planted areas in the world (most of which are in the province of Mendoza on the foothills of the Andes), France accounting for only 15% and the rest being divided between Chile, California, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Italy.
Everything you need to know about Malbec
How do you recognise Malbec wines?
Malbec is one of the richest grape varieties in polyphenols along with Tannat, another grape variety from southwestern France that is mainly found in Madiran wines. Malbec has a very dark garnet red colour, which is the origin of its nickname in Cahors "vin noir" and which is also referred to by English speakers as "black wine". The wines made from the Malbec grape variety are powerful and full-bodied with marked aromas of fruit, violets, redcurrants, plums, liquorice and black pepper, evolving over the years towards undergrowth, leather and truffle.
Other Names: Côt, Auxerrois (not to be confused with the Moselle grape variety), Vespero (Italy).
Similar grape varieties: Brancelhão (Portugal), Brancello (Spain - Galicia).
Malbec from Cahors and Malbec from Argentina
Argentine Malbec wines are mainly produced in the province of Mendoza at the foot of the Andes and the best wines are produced in a cool climate, at altitude, between 800 and 1500 meters, on alluvial soils deposited by glaciers, with low yields. The wines are generally less tannic than in Cahors with more pronounced floral (iris) and vegetal (sage) notes.
In Cahors, Malbec is planted on the alluvial soils of the Lot valley but also on limestone soils in the Causses du Quercy. The wines of Cahors are more full-bodied with powerful fruity aromas,
How long should Malbec wines be stored and how should they be served?
Cahors wines made from the Malbec grape variety are among the great red wines for ageing and the best vintages can be kept for several decades, offering evolved aromas of spices, undergrowth, tobacco and leather.
In Argentina, Malbec offers wines to be tasted generally younger, up to 20 years of ageing for the best "black wines".
How to accompany Malbec?
Young Cahors wines :
Classic: Roast pork, duck parmentier, goat cheese puff pastries.
Trendy: Chicken curry, chili con carne.
Soil: Foie gras.
Cheese: Cabécou.
Young Argentinian Malbec wines :
Classic: Prime rib.
Trendy: Fugazzeta (onion pizza).
Soil: Ribeye steak on the barbecue.
Cahors wines and Argentinian Malbec wines over 10 years old :
Classic: Grilled red meats with porcini mushrooms.
Soil: Truffles, porcini mushrooms, game.
Cheeses: Vieux Comté, Cantal.
How to get Malbec wines?
Get direct access to our selection of Cahors wines, Argentinian and Chilean wines made from the Malbec grape variety or take advantage of reduced shipping costs of 5 euros on our "black wine discovery" boxes of 3 or 6 bottles: La Bouteille Dorée allows you to discover and taste before buying.
Malbec wines and "discovery" cartons
Wines made from the Malbec grape variety offered individually
Find all the Malbec wines in our catalogue below and buy them individually or compose your own box.
The Malbec 3-bottle discovery box
Buy a Malbec discovery box of 3 bottles: 3 wines, 3 appellations, 3 producers, between France (Bordeaux and Cahors) and Argentina (Mendoza).
The Malbec discovery carton 6 bottles
Buy a Malbec discovery box of 6 bottles: 2 wines, 2 producers, 3 bottles of each wine and only 7 euros for postage.
Buy wines made directly from the Malbec grape variety
All our wines and "discovery" boxes are presented below. For an express purchase, simply click on the "Add to my hood" button and the wines you have chosen will then be added to your shopping cart, accessible at the top right of this page.
Price, low to high
Available individually
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Clos Triguedina Cahors 2019
23.00 €
Available individually
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Product available with different options
Product available with different options
Available individually
Product available with different options
Available individually
Available individually
Available individually
Available individually
Clos Triguedina Cahors 2000
78.80 €
Available individually
Available individually
Product available with different options
Available individually
Available individually
Malbec Red Wine Gift Set 3 bottles
131.80 €
Available individually
Available individually
Available individually
Available individually
Available individually
Available individually
Red Wine Gift Set Malbec 6 bottles
210.40 €
Available individually
Available individually