E3

Robert Noel

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At this time of the year, we should be drinking fresh, crisp white wines.

Since Mother Nature is not co-operating and the sunny days are scarce lately, this week I share with you information about a powerful and tasty red grape, Malbec.

I don't know about you but, in the summer time, rainy or sunny days, I spend many hours enjoying my barbecue and, when it comes to selecting a good red wine that's a great partner to a nice piece of beef, Malbec is a natural.

Although most wine lovers in North America recognize Malbec as an Argentinean specialty, this grape has been used for many years in France.

Malbec is the key ingredient of the black wines of Cahors, located in the south-west of France. In Cahors region, Malbec produces powerful, dry red wines with good amount of tannins. The Cahors recipe also includes a touch of Merlot and Tannat.

Other names for this grape are Cot, Fer, Pressac and Auxerrrois.

Finally, Malbec is part of the Bordeaux blend as a minor ingredient and some Malbec is also grown in the Loire Valley where it is blended with some Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Outside of France, not many vines of Malbec are cultivated. Growers usually use it to be part of Bordeaux-style wines.

Argentina is the exception. Here, Malbec plays a major role on the Argentinean wine scene, being their star red grape.

Their wines are gaining respect and popularity around the world. In the high-altitude vineyards of Argentina, especially from old-vine plantings in the Mendoza region where many vineyards are organically cultivated, Malbec really shines.

Malbec produces powerful wines that are deeply coloured with good levels of tannins.

Wine lovers should expect flavours of red and black fruits like cassis, blackberries, raspberries, plums and bitter cherries. In some wines, hints of chocolate, coffee, leather and liquorice can be noticed.

I also like the presence of good acidity levels in Malbec, especially the ones from Argentina, at times reminding me of a good Sangiovese. Malbec can also be part of a blend, usually with either Merlot, Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.

I personally enjoy Malbec with grilled red meat like beef and lamb. In Argentina, wine production is a big business but the beef industry is also important. It makes sense to have a good glass of Malbec with a fine piece of beef.

This versatile food-friendly grape can also do well with pasta with tomato sauce, hearty stews or even a nice roast of game like moose or deer.

For something different and over-delivering for the price, Argentinean Malbec might be the best red value wine on the market at the moment.

These wines offer lots of flavours, character and complexity for reasonable prices. In conclusion, don't wait for Mother Nature to be good to us:, fire up your barbecue and grill your favourite piece of beef and pour yourself a good glass of Malbec.

Have a good weekend.

Weekly wine picks:

* #089046444030: Catena Malbec, Argentina ($26.29)

* #635335650516: JF Lurton Malbec, Argentina ($13.99)

* #7790470082639: Flichman Reserva Malbec, Argentina ($14.79)

* #7790189001129: Don David Malbec, Argentina ($15.99)

* Robert Noel is Alcool N.B. Liquor's sommelier. His column, World of Wine, appears each Saturday in Life & Times.