Grapevine Malbec

Malbec is a red wine grape variety originating from South-West France.    The birthplace of the variety is the Cahors region, where it is still the most widely planted variety. At the beginning of the 20th century it was one of the most widely grown varieties in Europe, and in France in particular. After the extremely cold winter of 1956, more than 75% of the vines died, and today it is found on more significant areas only in the Cahors region and the Loire Valley in France.    The variety is the main one in Argentina, where it was brought in 1852 from Bordeaux, and about 25 000 hectares are now planted with it. Small plantings also exist in the USA, Chile, Bolivia, Mexico, Australia, Northern Italy, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada.    It is also known by the names: Côt, Cahors, Noir de Pressac, Médoc Noir, Auxerrois and Tinta Amarela.    The vines are of medium vigour, warmth-loving and not resistant to low temperatures and frost.    The bunches are small to medium, conical or broadly conical, loose, of medium density. The berries are medium, rounded, dark blue, almost black, covered with a dense waxy bloom. The skin is thick. The flesh is juicy.    High-quality red wines are made from the variety, distinguished by a deep purple colour, rich flavour and aromas, and a soft, pleasant tannin structure. The best Malbec wines are made in Argentina, while in France it is used as a blending variety with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot in the Bordeaux region, and in the Loire Valley it is blended with Gamay Noir and Cabernet Franc.