![]() ![]() Today almost 25,000 hectares of vineyards in Argentina are planted with Malbec, compared to only 6,000 in France. Until the late 70s, Malbec was used as a component for local jug wine, and it was only in the 80s, when the Argentine wine industry turned its focus to quality wine producer, that this grape became a real hero for Argentine wine producers, perfectly suited to both the climate and the topography. Malbec was first brought to Argentina in the 19th century, along with many other French grape varieties, but this one in particular showed success, and suited the climate. However, it is Argentina that has brought this dark, brooding grape to fame and prominence in the last 10 years. Malbec is also used in small proportions in Bergerac and other south western French regions, and a tiny bit is found in the Loire. ![]() In Cahors it produces dense, dark, powerful wines, with high alcohol and tannins, which can be very strong, and rustic in style. It is still 'the' grape of Cahors, with AC regulations requiring it to be a minimum 70% of the blend. It was a grape that was hard work in Bordeaux, as it was both susceptible to frost, and also needed a great deal of heat and sun to mature fully, which was not always possible in Bordeaux. In Bordeaux, Malbec used to be one of the key components of Bordeaux reds, however it has faded from significance since many of the vineyards were replanted in 1956 after a very severe frost destroyed many of the vineyards. Malbec first came to prominence as part of the Bordeaux blends in the 19th century, and although there are stories that it originated in Burgundy, it is definitely a grape, which is associated with south western France, especially Cahors. Malbec is not a wine for the faint-hearted, it’s definitely a food wine, and packs a punch with its intensity, power, relatively high alcohol levels and richness. The styles that the grape produces in France and Argentina are very different, with the latter seeming to work better and be more suited to the UK palate, with its rich, deep, spicy style. In France, it is still the main grape grown in Cahors, where it is sometimes knows as Cot Noir, and produces big, bold, rustic wines, which can be harsh if the weather patterns change and the grapes do not ripen fully. A grape, that requires lots of sunshine and heat to fully ripen, it is perfectly suited to the hot Argentine climate, where it is viewed as simply the best wine to go with what can only be described as their national dish, steak. Malbec is a thin skinned black grape, whose origins are in the south west of France, but which has risen to fame, as the ‘national grape’ of Argentina. It may not be used on multiple accounts and may only be used once, visit .uk for coupon terms and conditions. Only one first time coupon may be used per customer per household. The coupon can only be used with orders to be delivered on or before the dates specified. ![]() Multibuy offers on alcohol are not available in Scotland due to Scottish legislation. When using a promotional money off coupon the value of the goods other than spirits, liqueurs or wine when on any buy 6 save 25% multibuy must be at least equal to the money off offered by the promotional coupon. The qualifying spend excludes delivery charge, spirits & liqueurs, first stage baby milk, tobacco and related products, gift vouchers, savings or postage stamps, e-top up, mobile phone coupons, phone cards, charity products, scratch cards or gaming (games, consoles, accessories). T&Cs: The value of the coupon will be deducted from your order with Sainsbury's online groceries provided that the value of the goods ordered exceeds the minimum qualifying spend stated on the coupon.
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