The 17th of April marks the anniversary of Argentina’s signature grape, Malbec. It commemorates the foundation of the first agricultural school in Argentina, in the hopes of adapting French grapes to the soils of Mendoza, being the starting point for this successful industry.
Malbec, originally from Bordeaux (France), is the most representative variety of Argentina’s viticulture production. This variety has unique characteristics because of differences in climate and soil, genetic features of the plant, vineyard management, and production methods. Argentine Malbec produces excellent wines that are highly appreciated and recognized by national and foreign consumers
In its original region (southwest France), it is part of the Medoc wines together with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. In the French region of Turena, it is known as Cot and, in Cahors, it is called Auxerrois. In France, it is characterized by its tannic style and intense color.
Malbec was brought to Argentina by French viticulturist Michel A. Pouget, first director of the Quinta Normal and School of Agriculture that was founded in Mendoza in 1853. Malbec quickly adapted to our land, expressed its best qualities, even surpassing European wines, and was introduced to the world as the Argentine variety per excellence. In Argentina, Malbec wines have intense colors, soft and round tannins, and expressive fruity and floral aromas.
Nowadays, Argentina is the main Malbec producer of the world with 33,864 hectares (almost 83,680 acres) of vineyards, which represent 15.31% of the total vineyard surface of the country.
THREE GREAT MALBEC WINES FROM DOÑA PAULA
We invite you to celebrate with us this special occasion of the Malbec World Day -and every day! – With three great wines from Doña Paula:
Doña Paula Estate Malbec: 100% Malbec of intense violet color. In the nose, we can find aromas of black fruit, violets and spices, with some mineral and graphite notes. Great balance and freshness in the mouth, with good concentration and structure.
Doña Paula Estate Black Edition: A Bold red blend of 60% Malbec, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It has an intense black-violet color. In the nose, outstanding aromas of plum, spices and red pepper, with delicate notes of mint. In the mouth, a very harmonious and balanced wine, with round tannins and a long finish.
Doña Paula Altitude Series 1100 Red Wine: 60% Malbec, 30% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon are blended to create this complex and balanced wine of a deep violet color. In the nose, it has floral aromas – such as violet and rosehip – typical of the Malbec variety. The Syrah contributes spicy notes, good volume in the mouth and silky tannins, whereas the Cabernet Sauvignon complements the blend with a great structure.
