Having dinner last weekend at a Brazilian steakhouse and drinking a lovely Malbec from Argentina… and hosting a Latin American wine dinner this week, made me think about two wines that are “gems”. Malbec and Torrontes – I especially enjoy these wines when eating food from South America.
Malbec – A Red “Gem”
I think most everyone knows about Malbec, but so many people I encounter think it is an Argentine wine. Yes, about 75% of all Malbec is grown on Argentina, where they do an amazing job growing and producing Malbec there, especially in Mendoza, but did you know the grape hails from France? The grape is grown in the Loire Valley, where they call it Cot, and originated in a region in southwest France called Cahors, where they call it “the black wine of Cahors” because it has such deep pigmentation. Here are a few facts about the Malbec variety:
- It is known for its bold fruit flavors and chocolatey notes
- Expect flavors of red plum, raspberry, blackberry, vanilla, sweet tobacco, and cocoa
- Best to decant 30 minutes and serve at 60-68 degrees
- Many better examples can age 5-10 years in cellar
- The best Argentine wines from Mendoza are from the Uco Valley and Lujon de Cuyo
- Wines from these higher elevations are higher in quality with more concentrated flavors and richer tannins
- You can find some great value for money in the Argentina wine section and also some stellar examples that are higher priced and can age well
Torrontes – Argentina’s White “Gem”
This white wine is not as well-known as Malbec but has an important place in Argentine wine production and is Argentina’s very own grape. Unlike Malbec it is indigenous to Argentina and is a natural cross between two grapes: Muscat of Alexandria, which was brought over when Europeans colonized the country, and the Chilean grape called Pais. It is not grown outside of South America. The region of Salta is well known for its dry Torrontes wines. Here are some facts about this wonderful white wine:
- Known for flavors of citrus (grapefruit, Meyer lemon), honeydew melon, pear, peach, nutmeg and saline
- This white wine is light in body with medium acidity
- High altitude vineyards in Salta produce flavorful wines with crisp acidity
- Wines from the warmer Mendoza and San Juan regions have more fruity notes like guava and peach
- Serve this wine cold 45-55 degrees to appreciate its acidity
- Some wines can cellar for 1-5 years, but generally these are meant to be drunk young
- Expect to pay around $12-15 for a good Torrontes
Try starting with a Torrontes while you enjoy your appetizer or just on its own, then grill some meat and open a bottle of Malbec. You’ll love these two “gems”, one Argentina’s expression of a French grape, and the other its very own.
Cheers!
