Julie Oliver

Wine Varietal Fact Sheet Malbec

History
Originally comes from south west France. Was introduced to Argentina in the 19th century. It became popular in Argentina. Called Auxerrois or Cot Noir in Cahors. Called Malbec in Bordeaux. In other places it is sometimes called Pressac. Became less popular in Bordeaux after frost killed crop in 1956. It was replanted and it became popular again. It was then mixed with Merlot and Tannat to make it darker. Some people think that it was named after a Hungarian peasant who had the grapes around France, others think that its original name was Cot and originated in Burgundy.

Grape Characteristics
Medium bodied tannins High acidity Plum Raison Violets Dark purple in color

Preferred climate and growing conditions

Needs a lot of sun and heat. Grows well in high altitude regions such as Mendoza. The high altitude gives the grape a thicker skin, which means higher tannins. Grows best in areas with dramatic change in day and night temperature because it gives the grape a nice color and allows them to retain their acidity. The vines should not get too cold because Malbec is sensitive to frost. It ripens mid-season. Malbec is susceptible to coulure, which is a reaction due to weather that causes the grapes to not develop. It has the ability to produce high yields. Malbec grows better in Argentina because of the warm dry climate.

Malbec in France
Used to be grown in 30 different departments of France. Now it is mostly located just in the southwestern part of France in Cahors. Malbec must contain 70% of the blend with Merlot and Tannat.

 Historically was planted in Bordeaux. It is allowed to grow in other small areas of France

Malbec in Argentina
First introduced to Argentina in the 19th century, then became popular in the 20th century Now most widely planted red grape in Argentina. 50,000 acres of Malbec were planted as of 2003 The berries are different from France and they grow in smaller bunches. It has a deep color and fruity flavor It is less tannic than French Malbec The most Malbec is grown in Mendoza

Fun Facts
Malbec was planted over two thousand years ago. It is one of the six grapes allowed in a Bordeaux wine blend. Most Malbec is grown in Mendoza at an elevation of 2800-5000 feet It has many different names. Some examples: Auxerrois, Beran, Cahors, Doux Noir, Gourdaux, Magret, Medoc Noir, and many more.

Citations
"Malbec." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 17 Oct. 2013. Web. 02 Nov. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malbec>. Blasberg, Madeline. "Uncorking Argentina." Uncorking Argentina. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2013. <http://www.uncorkingargentina.com/blog/wine/grape-profile-malbec/>. Durant, Liz. "Argentina Malbec- The Wine With "Altitude"" Nbliquor.com. N.p., n.d. Web. http://www.nbliquor.com/documents/Apr-2-Argentina-Malbec.pdf