Comments on: Malbec, a backup or a star?

By: Cecilia

Cecilia — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:30:28 +0000

The Malbec grape is one of the classic Bordeaux varietals that fell out of favor in France and found a home in Argentina. In the western province of Mendoza with arid, sunny growing conditions, few natural pests and abundant irrigation water, Malbec has blossomed into a dense red wine loaded with fruit flavors that has tremendous appeal to American tastes. But it wasn’t until the 1990s that Argentina got serious about producing higher-quality wines that could compete in the world market.

By: winey_noob

winey_noob — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:05:35 +0000

Then again, I’m listening to Tom Petty and having a Pabst Blue Ribbon.

By: winey_noob

winey_noob — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:02:58 +0000

Yeah, I think “HG” hit the mark, I love wine anytime and heavy tannins are to me a turn off. I think Malbecs are a great alternative, especially to people like me who enjoy wine for it’s substance…alone…If I hear another person telling me to look at the glycerin, I’ll puke! Lol

By: wine junkie

wine junkie — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:17:56 +0000

You know, i just bought a bunch of $25 2005 red bordeaux, and a bunch of recent $15 malbecs from argentina; and bottom line, the malbecs win in a straigth-up comparison.

By: HG

HG — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:54:58 +0000

Malbec is, in my opinion, a serious variety by itself. In Australia it can produce a velvety wine with some awesome plummy and spicy fruit characters. I dont think that all reds should have aggressive tannins. Sometimes one just likes a soft approachable wine that needs neither prolonged cellaring or food

By: Harry Tether

Harry Tether — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 22:24:51 +0000

We have just returned from Mendoza, primarily tasting Malbec. We love its spicy taste, and dark purple color. Some of our favorites were the Rutini, (also good with a 50/50 blend with Cabernet Sauvignon), Salentein, Altus and Catena…much better the first and second grades(usually aged longer in French oak). I agree that Los Alamos is a poor representative of Malbec.

By: Alejandro Audisio

Alejandro Audisio — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:09:42 +0000

It seems like Mr. Henry Farritor has not tasted the right Malbecs, or perhaps he is not open to wines from the new & upcoming regions that are eating away at the market share of traditional producer countries… or both??

By: Karen McLean

Karen McLean — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 13:30:23 +0000

Sorry Diablito, Alamos is one of the worst Malbecs out there. Having tasted many in Mendoza I have a vairety of the good ones shipped directly to me. I like the Cab blended with it too.

By: LanceO

LanceO — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:59:04 +0000

HF…that was funny, though a bit overreaching. It was my sister that introduced me to Malbec. I enjoy tasting a single grape wine against one blended with that same grape.

By: Henry Farritor

Henry Farritor — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:44:24 +0000

Malbec is for people that have no taste for good wine. Is a wine mostly for woman, who enjoy a smoother taste in my opinion.

By: Crush59

Crush59 — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 18:38:00 +0000

I agree…Malbecs from Argentina are so different from those produced in Cahors - so much more approachable and enjoyable. I have had good experiences with Finca Flichman…see http://crushedgrapes.blogspot.com/2007/01/buy-it-all.html
Great blog, cheers!

By: DiablitoWino

DiablitoWino — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 08:57:00 +0000

One of my favorite malbecs is Alamos from Catena. For only 7-8 bucks you get some quality wine that is excellent for pizza or grilled meats. I also like Norton and Terrazas de los Andes… Great QPR wines.

By: Peter

Peter — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 21:27:00 +0000

Reminds me of a dinner four years ago when someone didn’t like Malbec….Glad to see you are on board with it and a fantastic white grape from Argentina!