The 4th Wine Tasting (2012-02-03) - Argentina - Malbec (Red)

Argentina is one of the biggest wine-producing country. Most vineyards are located around dry mountain area, and Mendoza is the most important wine region. Lujan de Cuyo in Mendoza became the first officially recognized controlled appellation in 1993. The most famous and widely grown grape variety is Malbec; Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Torrontés follow closely.

Malbec was primarily grown in south west France, and is one of the six grapes allowed to blend in Bordeaux wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère). Argentine Malbec has small berries and tighter clusters, which is different from the French Malbec. Malbec wines has dark color, intense fruity aromas, and smooth texture.

本月品酒的主題是阿根廷的Malbec，Malbec源自於法國西南部，是屬於比要需要日照的葡萄，果皮顏色較深。Malbec被引進到阿根廷後，果實比較小果串也比較緊密。至於酒體，顏色較深，水果的酚香濃厚，口感也比較滑順。相對的，法國的Malbec丹寧比較重。Malbec也是波爾多blend指定葡萄之一(Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère)。Mendoza是阿根廷最重要的產區，也吸引了很多國外知名釀酒師。Lujan de Cuyo 成為第一個被正式認可的Controlled Appellation。

1. 2010 Prestige Vineyeards Malbec Massimo
2. 2010 Altocedro Malbec Ano Cero
3. 2009 Tikal Patriota
4. 2008 Anoro Malbec
5. 2008 Belasco de Baquedano Malbec AR Guentota
6. 2008 Susana Balbo Malbec
7. 2007 Trapiche Malbec Single Vineyard Viña Adolfo Ahumada

Note:

I. 2009 Tikal Patriota includes 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec.
  Dark
  Jammy, fruity, a little bit vanilla
  Taste smooth, however, simple (didn't change much).
  Good value wine to drink with food

II. 2008 Anoro Malbec.
  Well balanced
  Very dry
  I think we drank it too early, It can be aged for longer time