Enjoy Malbec. When you think of a Malbec, it’ll inevitably conjure images of a glass of red wine and a good barbecue with the Andes in the background. For years, this has been the classic image of Argentina’s flagship wine. Today, however, the rules of the game have changed. Wineries are exploring new styles of Malbec that are challenging stereotypes and expanding the number of ways that it can be enjoyed, some of which will be sure to surprise you. Here, we share 5 unusual ways to enjoy Malbec.
5 ways to enjoy Malbec
White Malbec: a bold reinvention
It sounds like an oxymoron, but it exists. And it’s one of the world of wine’s most successful recent innovations. Making white wines from Malbec grapes presents an enormous technical challenge due to the potent color contained in the skins. To overcome this issue, the key is to harvest the grapes early and press gently to create a crystalline white that delivers extremely fresh red fruit notes.
The resulting wine is a white with the soul of a red, vibrant and refreshing, ideal for an aperitif, a fresh salad, fried seafood or just some cheesy french fries. Examples of this rarity include Trivento Reserve White Malbec, Indomable Blanc de Malbec, Las Perdices Logia and Killka by Salentein.
Provence-style Malbec: a sophisticated rosé
Argentina has been making Malbec rosés for years but only in the last decade has the country managed to produce rosés to match the elegance of those found in Provence in France. This new wave of rosés presents subtle colors, floral aromas and an ethereal freshness that makes them irresistible.
Enjoy malbec and make sure you serve it well-chilled and paired with light dishes like ratatouille, a spicy curry or perhaps even some fresh oysters. Good options include those made by Rutini, Finca La Anita, Andeluna and Mikron Rosé from Bodega Krontiras. It’s a style that brings out some of Malbec’s most elegant qualities.
Bubbles with attitude
Toasting with a glass of Malbec is nothing new, but doing so with a sparkling Malbec certainly is. Mostly made using the traditional method (Champenoise), these vibrant rosés combine refinement and power in every bubble.
They’re not just perfect for a special toast but also go beautifully with steak tartare, charcuterie, Iberian ham or even a dessert of fresh fruit with ice cream. Good examples include Foster Lois Espumante Malbec Rosé, Lindaflor Extra Brut de Malbec, Tapiz Extra Brut Malbec Rosé and Cruzat Finca Las Peñas Malbec Extra Brut.
Vermouth with an Argentine twist
What do Negroni and Malbec have in common? More than you might think. With the surge in popularity in vermouths across the globe, including Argentina, it was only a matter of time before Malbec-infused versions appeared.
Most are made Rosso-style, which means you can make a Negroni with Argentine DNA, an Americano or even give a Manhattan an unexpected twist. If you find the idea tempting, try La Fuerza Vermouth Rojo, Léonce Rouge by Piedra Negra or Fasano Vermouth from Bodegas Bianchi.
From the still to a Gin and Tonic
In all the great winemaking regions of the world, distillation is an art. Argentina is no exception. For example, a taste for grappa was brought by Italian immigrants and of course Malbec-based versions soon arose in the country with some of the most rewarding made by brands such as Bodega Norton, Catena Zapata and the intriguing Gargantua de Yacochuya from the Calchaquí Valleys.
However, the real surprise has arrived thanks to the boom in gin. Some Argentine distilleries have started using Malbec in their macerations, lending their gins a unique personality. If you’d like to try a distinctive Gin and Tonic, seek out Hilbing Gin Malbec, Errante (made with Patagonian juniper and Malbec grapes from Mendoza), or Terrier Gin Pink, which uses Malbec must for a smoother finish.
There’s no longer any doubt that Malbec is always going to give you something new to talk about. Far from just being a red for barbecues, it is always demonstrating its versatility, ready to adapt to any occasion with unconventional approaches. I’m absolutely certain that the ones listed here won’t be the last.
