In the vast world of wine, each grape variety carries its own unique story, distinct flavour profile, and cultural heritage that resonates across borders. Among these illustrious grapes, Malbec stands out as a symbol of resilience, refinement, with a rich, storied tradition. On April 17, wine enthusiasts around the globe celebrated World Malbec Day 2024, raising a glass in honour of this noble grape and the remarkable wines it produces. To truly appreciate Malbec is to learn its origins and, while it has gained fame as Argentina’s flagship grape, its roots stretch back to France, specifically the Cahors region in south-west France.

Originally known as “Cot” or “Auxerrois”, this grape has played a significant role in the French region’s winemaking since at least the Middle Ages. The story of Malbec’s journey to Argentina is one of serendipity and adaptation when, in the mid-19th century, French agronomist Michel Aimé Pouget brought Malbec vines to Argentina. This was done at the request of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, an influential political figure who would later become president of Argentina. It was Pouget who recognised the potential of the high-altitude regions of Mendoza to become a new home for Malbec which then was in danger of extinction in France due to phylloxera. The grape not only thrived and flourished in the arid soils and sunny climate of the Argentine Andes, but also became the country’s flagship variety.

It would be difficult to discuss Malbec without delving into the concept of terroir — the unique combination of soil, climate, and topography that imparts distinctive characteristics to wine. In Argentina, Malbec has found its ultimate expression in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, where intense sunlight, cool evenings, and well-drained soils create optimal conditions for grape cultivation. The resulting wines showcase a symphony of flavours and aromas that are renowned for their deep purple hues, exuberant fruitiness, and velvety texture. Blackberry, plum, and cherry notes mingle with hints of cocoa, violet, and spice, creating a palate that is both bold and elegant. In fact, the very best examples of Argentine Malbec marry this fruit-forward profile with well-integrated tannins and a lingering, satisfying finish.

One of the greatest assets of Malbec is its versatility. While it shines as a stand-alone varietal wine, it also excels in blending, adding depth and complexity to a wide range of cuvées. In Argentina, it is often blended with other Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as native grapes like Bonarda. When it comes to food pairings, Malbec’s approachability makes it a perfect companion for a variety of dishes with its juicy acidity and supple tannins making it an excellent match for grilled meats, especially Argentina’s famous asado (barbecue).

To commemorate World Malbec Day 2024, Thursday Food introduces a range of Malbecs from Bodega Matervini, an Argentina winery that specialises in the production of distinctive varietals.

Matervini Imposibles Malbec is a 95-point wine made from grapes grown 2,450 metres above sea level in the Calchaqui Valleys of the Salta province. This wine is a concentrated, powerful and tasty red that displays aromas of dried herbs, flowers and spices along with integrated cedar while the red fruits appear ripe. In the mouth, it is broad, dense with good freshness and energy as well as having firm and juicy tannins. It is long and balanced in its finish adding an elegant yet traditional character to Malbec from the north-west.

Matervini Piedras Viejas Laderas Malbec is made from grapes planted on the slopes of the ‘Pre-Cordillera’ (foothills of the Andes Mountain Range) in Las Heras, west of the centre of Mendoza at an altitude of 1,585 metres. This 95-point wine is concentrated and deep with a mature profile but surprising acidity and fluidity. A very exotic wine to discover the most extreme profile of Malbec.

Matervini Piedras Viejas Terrazas Malbec is a 97-point wine that is also made from grapes grown on the slopes of the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range in Las Heras, Mendoza. It has a purple-black colour and presents aromas of a compendium of violets, lavender and field herbs, with fresh plum and cherry, on fine wood. On the palate, it is complex, juicy, concentrated having an energy from the freshness along with grip and a finish where thyme and herbs open.

Matervini Alteza Malbec is another wine produced in Salta from grapes grown in the foothills of the Andes Mountains at 1,948 metres above sea level. The character of this Malbec, which has a 94 point score, lies in the minerality and structure. It is a varietal where the fruit is not the centre but an ornament; instead, the wine’s main feature is its personality and the conviction of its Cafayate Valley terroir.

Matervini Finca Malbec is another 94-point wine that has its origin in an old Malbec vineyard planted in 1938, which was worked with horses until 2002. Grown at 980 metres above sea level in the Perdriel area of Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, its flavours of attractive austerity, strong minerality and very long finish in the mouth, are what is found in this classic Mendoza varietal.

Matervini Calcha Malbec is made from grapes grown 2,050 metres above sea level in the Calchaqui Valley area of the Salta province. The “rupestre” (cave) vineyard where the grapes are grown has soils of an older geology than that of the Andes, possessing more sand and more presence of granite of volcanic origin. The resulting 96 point wine is a Malbec with a unique character emerging, focused on fruit and freshness, wild touches and mineral tones that clearly identify it as a varietal of Salta origin.

Matervini Viña Canota Malbec comprises grapes grown at vineyards located at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,200 metres above sea level in Las Heras, Mendoza. It is a 94-point wine that has an accent on fruit and exotic notes, very different from what is found in traditional Mendoza areas. It is irrigated with spring water.

As you celebrate the Malbec, raise a glass in appreciation of the skilled hands that tend the vineyards and craft the wines, and savour the fruits of their labour with friends and family. Whether enjoyed in a cozy wine bar, a bustling bistro, or the comfort of your own home, Malbec has a way of bringing people together, transcending borders and cultures with its universal appeal. Cheers to Malbec, and to the joy of experiencing the world, one sip at a time. Salud!