Malbec is a red wine with origins in the southern France where it is known as Cot as well as many other names depending on which region of France you are visiting. The variety of names exists because of the presence of Malbec growth throughout the country. Malbec lost its popularity in its French birthplace due to the weather of the region, causing the grapes to deteriorate and not produce a quality wine. Once the black grapes were transplanted into Argentinian earth in the province of Mendoza, a powerfully aromatic wine emerged, rich in purple hue, and alive with enjoyable flavor. The environment of Mendoza encourages the growth of the grapes, focusing on the strengths and a creating a flourishing crop. The location of Mendoza, below the Andes, provides cover from both the pollution and inclement weather. Positioned approximately 2500 feet above sea level, Mendoza has concentrated sunlight, temperate climate, and cool evenings - all which contribute to the successful development of the Malbec grapes.

Malbec in Argentina
Malbec has been referred to as "French Grape" (in homage to its origins) as well as Verdot. Argentina is known for producing some of the most outstanding crops of Malbec, sometimes known as Malbeck, embodying some of the elements of a Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It is fashioned as a light wine, fresh with a fruity fragrance, plum taste, and full of tannin. This wine can be appreciated in its youth as well as an aged vino. Yet, if the grapes are harvested too soon, the wine misses the plum and licorice taste usually found as one sips the unique essence. As one of the more prevalent varieties, Malbec is considered the exemplar to document the development of other wine crops as well as evidence of wine quality in Argentina. Mendoza, the home to Malbec, generates over half of all the wine that is manufactured in Argentina. No need to spend a lot of money on a bottle of Malbec since all the grapes, even the economical varieties are enchanting.

Food Pairings
As a deep, ripe, peppery, and substantial wine, it is a great accompaniment to Argentine red meats, lamb, and pasta. Specific dishes to pair Malbec with include duck, goose, beef stew, moose, bear, caribou, elk, dove, and pigeon. A glass of Malbec will bring out the rich flavors of the food, adding another dimension to the tasting experience.

Malbec and the Wineries
Sine Malbec is one of the most distinguished of the Argentine wines, wineries throughout the country produce different varieties. Mendoza is the most prominent of regions specializing in Malbec and home to many vineyards. One winery located in Mendoza, Bodega y Vinedos Maurico Lorca, produces over 17,000 bottles of Malbec a year. Another winery, Mythos Wines, one of the only wineries headed up by a woman, creates as version of Malbec combined with a Merlot. The winery Altos Las Hormigas S.A. is a collaboration between several Italians who decided to embark on Malbec wine-making. After an assault of ants on their crops, these winemakers successfully created their version of Malbec, named one of the best 100 wines by Wine Spectator in 2001.

The Future of Malbec
With the increase in exportation and the further development of execution, Malbec will only continue to grow as a important contribution to the wine world. Although the wine original failed as a French wine, as an Argentinean wine it has flourished into a success. It is cheap, tasty, and easily paired with food - a winning combination that can only make the future bright for this amazing vino.

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