Celebrated first in 2011, Malbec World Day is recognised on April 17, and was created by Wines of Argentina(WofA), which is an organisation responsible for the ARGENTINE WINE brands globally. Each year since, they have coordinated events all over the world to help raise awareness of their Malbec wines. While we might not have had the full backing of the WofA establishment due to the tiny size of our market, each year we have had our own Malbec tasting events with assistance from the Argentine Embassy, and last year we did get some support from WofA.

To the sound of Malbec

Each year there is a theme for Malbec World Day, and this year they chose to honour Argentina’s musical culture under the slogan “To the sound of Malbec” (or “Music for Malbec”). The big events this year were held in the major capitals around the world, like London and New York, with party tastings called Cambalache. Wines of Argentina even posted their own SoundCloud mixes online. Pairing wine and Argentine music must have been a fun experience. Depending on your mood, wine does actually taste better with certain types of music.

Cambalache: One Night in Argentina

What is Cambalache? Cambalache is originally a Spanish word for bazaar or junkshop, but, it has become an Argentine slang word engrained in Tango history; today the word is used to describe something that is chaotic, haphazard, filled with contrast and is, above all exciting-epitomising the heart & soul of the country. So most of the wine events globally were titled Cambalache: One Night in Argentina! The idea is to get you up close and personal with some of the best bits of this unique and exciting nation: the wine, the food, the art, the music, the language, and much more.

Unfortunately, we did not have ‘Cambalache Jamaica’; the only local event that I was able to find dedicated to Malbec World Day 2014 was being held at Bin 26 Wine Bar in Devon House. Supported by Select Brands, patrons enjoyed wines by Bodegas Santa Ana, Alamos and Catena. Here are some highlights.

Christopher Reckord – Businessman, Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Reckord

My Preferred Malbecs:

I am always on the hunt for really great wines. While the style of Malbecs do vary greatly, I prefer the deep full-bodied, powerful style. If this is also your style, then try three of my favourites which are all available locally.

Catena Alta Malbec

Catena Alta Malbec is deep violet in colour with indigo highlights. The nose has aromas of ripe red and black berry fruits with notes of violets and lavender and hints of leather, spice, mocha, and vanilla. The wine is full-bodied, concentrated and rich on the palate with soft, sweet tannins and a silky structure. Multiple layers of rich cassis, ripe cranberries, and blackberries are interwoven with subtle notes of liquorice and black pepper. An earthy minerality, finely grained tannins, and a lively acidity mark the lengthy finish.

Bodega Renacer Punto Final Malbec Reserva

Punto final means the “final period” or “full stop.” For the winemaking team at Bodega Renacer, it symbolises the point when the efforts of a group working together toward a common goal are finished. When the goal is reached, they can finally say, “This is it, period.”

This Malbec is a deep ruby red colour with violet highlights. On the nose, a combination of red and black fruit aromas mingle with earthy mineral and floral notes highlighted by sweet spice and vanilla from the French oak. Black raspberry and plum flavours dominate the palate along with more subtle flavours of tangy cherries, vanilla, and mocha. The sweet tannins carry through to the long, robust finish.

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec is purple red with deep violet tones. It has a bouquet of berry fruits, plum jam, coffee and tobacco notes. The wine is elegant and powerful on the palate with velvety tannins.