The buzz this month is college basketball. Yet for non-sports fans, it might as well be Malbec, which is Argentina’s national grape. It continues to be a value wine with most bottles costing under $15, although there are notable exceptions costing around $50.
Here are seven reasons to cheer for Malbec this month, from California to Argentina. Similar to Pinot Noirs, there is a lot of variety in body across the board, which makes exploring the grape so interesting.
2005 Andeluna Cellars Grand Reserve Pasionado (Mendoza, Argentina, $52) is so heavy in body and sultry in character that you might want to pair with a heavily spiced meat dish or a chocolate-based dessert. Black pepper and vanilla are evident on the nose and intensify when dark-chocolate notes emerge mix-palate. A blend, 34% Malbec goes into this wine – in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. (www.andeluna.com)
2010 McManis Family Vineyards Malbec (California, $11), an extremely well-balanced and lighter-style Malbec, kicks off with dried cherry aromas and contains notes of mocha and red raspberries. (www.mcmanisfamilyvineyards.com)
2008 Sawbuck Malbec (Yolo County, California, $10) has a damp, earthy bouquet that quickly evolves into toasty vanilla, oak and juicy blackberry notes, followed by a long finish. This Malbec goes down easy yet it’s also complex. (www.sawbuckwines.com)
2009 Crios de Susana Balboo Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina, $15) is earthy and smoky, with aggressive notes of black cherries, bordering on jammy, and wraps up in a soft finish with well-structured tannins. (www.vineconnections.com)
2010 Layer Cake Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina, $17) comes from a virtual winery that sources grapes from some of the best growing regions. Mendoza grapes go into its Malbec, resulting in a pepper-infused bouquet followed by dense, dry notes of dark red fruit marked by mocha and tobacco. (www.layercakewine.com)
2006 Catena Alta Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina, $50) carries a hint of cigar box and leather, with notes of dark-red fruit and currants that are laced with cinnamon spice. (www.catenaaltawines.com)
2008 Gauchezco Winery “Oro” Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina, $40) is luscious to the core, with a nose of raspberry pie, and a densely packed, slightly juicy (almost jammy) palate of cherry fruit with a smoky undercurrent and a cola finish. There are complex chocolate and coffee layers, too. (www.gauchezco.com)
WINE DEAL OF THE WEEK
This week’s deal is so sweet that we actually had to stop the presses (yes, even bloggers have deadlines) to put this one in. Waterford Wine Company is offering 2006 Jermann Capo Martino (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy), normally $129.99, for $49.99. Yep, you read that right. It’s slashed more than 50%. To order a bottle phone Waterford at 414-289-9463. Because Waterford owner Ben Christiansen is such a witty writer I’m simply going to share what he has written about this wine: “Jermann’s Capo Martino is not Chardonnay, it is not White Burgundy, it’s not New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It isn’t even watery Pinot Grigio. It is a knitting, a quilt pattern of history, tradition, and wine woven into one bottle. It is unique, of itself, and without example. It is a blend of indigenous grapes from Capo Martino in the village of Rotars…” If you can’t splurge on this bottle consider dropping by Waterford’s store (1327 E. Brady St.) on Friday afternoon when it will be uncorked and you can have a sip.
WINE EVENT OF THE WEEK
Do you have any idea what Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson does when he’s not playing football? I’ll give you a clue: Napa. Another clue: Wine. TwentyFour Wines is his off-the-field venture where he serves as owner and founder of the Napa Valley winery. On March 29 and 30 he’s coming to the fifth annual TwentyFour Wines winemaker dinner sponsored by The Bartolotta Restaurant Group at Bacchus Restaurant. James Beard Award winning chef Adam Siegel, who runs the kitchen at Bacchus, is preparing a four-course dinner paired with the wines. While March 30 is sold out you might be lucky and grab a coveted seat the previous night. Call 414-765-1166 to grab that seat. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. and costs $150. The evening also includes a silent auction of signed memorabilia (with proceeds going to Charles’ charity, the Mott’s Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan) and an opportunity to ask Charles anything – football, wine or life’s mysteries, the choice is all yours.
WINE OF THE WEEK
If you’re looking for a patio pounder to deal with this unexpected spring weather, save the whites for May and pull out a Petite Sirah instead. I recommend 2008 Priest Ranch Petite Sirah (Napa Valley, California, $40). Its dark-chocolate notes practically lift out of the glass and intensify even further before they are elevated into somewhat spicy, firm tannins that are preceded by blueberry notes and an excellent mouthfeel. No need to pair this with a snack or a wedge of cheese. Just sip it solo, and enjoy the weather. (And if you don’t believe me, but trust Robert Parker’s reviews, know this: he gave this wine 92 points.) (www.priestranch.com)
Photo of Sawbuck Winery
