Malbec, the Rise and the Fall and the Rise of a Star

Did you know the story of Malbec goes back 2,000 years in the southwest town of Cahors, France? It's the child of Magdeleine Noire and Prunelard, making it a half-sibling to Merlot. Its rise to fame was quick and direct. During the Middle Ages, it was planted in so many places in France that it had over 1,000 local names, such as Cot, Auxxerois, Pressac, Quercy, and Plant du Lot. Due to its dark, bold color, it was often called the "Black Wine of France", and was treasured by the Russian Tsars and Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. When the cobbler's son from Cahors was chosen to be Pope John XXII (1244), he declared Malbec to be the preferred communion wine, and in the 17th century the variety had also become the sacramental wine of the Russian Orthodox Church. This is some serious historic fame! But alas, all good stories have their heartaches. Malbec fell from grace as it was difficult and fussy to grow, too sensitive to the wet and cold that plagued much of France's wine regions. After phylloxera ravaged European vines, most Malbec vines were removed and replaced with hardier grape varieties. This is the tear-jerking part of the story, where the once-famous hero is now a sad pauper, except in Cahors where it hung on just barely. Bordeaux got rid of it and welcomed the new star, Cabernet Sauvignon. Licking its wounds, Malbec jumped on a boat with French agronomist Michel Pouget to arrive first in Chile, and then Argentina (1853). The warm, sunny climate of Mendoza, Argentina was a welcome haven for Malbec, which started to produce fruit-forward, juicy expressions that were approachable and younger. Not a stranger to drama, Malbec had its ups and downs, even in Argentina, but by the 2000's it started its rise to Argentina's most planted grape and world-wide fame. Malbec is loved for its dark cherry and plum characteristics, its complex coffee and dark chocolate layers, and its smooth long finish. If you can relate to a life of ups and downs, come in to Vintage where we have both the French and Argentinian examples of Malbex and enjoy! Cheers!