Every year when April 17 rolls around, vinophiles across the world lift their glasses high to salute a grape that beat the odds and skyrocketed to global stardom: Malbec. Born in the quaint rolling hills of south-west France, this varietal, once almost lost to history, caught a second wind beneath the South American sunshine. It was here, in Argentina, that it blossomed into a red wine fave for sippers all across the planet. World Malbec Day therefore isn’t just about toasting to a fine wine, but rather a nod to resilience, a fresh start, and the tight bond between the land and its people.

Malbec comes from Cahors, a place snuggled up next to the Lot River in France that was historically known as “Cot” or “Auxerrois”. Medieval noblemen and royalty, including Eleanor of Aquitaine, a former queen of France and later England, enjoyed this particular varietal because it was super dark, had strong tannins, and was even found to be better as it got older. These wines were often called “black wines” for their opacity and depth. Malbec’s reign in France didn’t last long however as the vineyards of Europe faced a massive setback in the late 1800s when phylloxera, a vine-destroying bug, wreaked havoc.

In its native land, the Malbec grape had a tough time bouncing back, as growers preferred instead to focus on disease-resistant grapes like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, thousands of miles away, a new stage was being set as Argentina embarked on a period of agricultural transformation in 1853, seeking to modernise its viticultural practices. French agronomists brought Malbec among other varietals to the Andean foothills and it was here, in the elevated valleys of Mendoza, the grape met its destiny. Unlike its structured, earthy French versions, Malbec in Argentina expressed something entirely new: Juicier fruits, silkier textures, and an elegance shaped by altitude and sun. The grape had not only survived, but evolved.

The rebirth of Malbec in Argentina is a remarkable achievement and testament to the distinctive soils that make up the land, coupled with the country’s amazing weather patterns. Grown at high altitudes, sometimes exceeding 1,500 metres above sea level, the grapes benefit from warm days and cool nights. This diurnal variation slows ripening and preserves acidity, resulting in wines of balance, freshness, and vibrancy. The sun’s relentless shine and lack of rain keep diseases at bay, which means there is less intervention as the vines grow, making upkeep quite easy as it supports the organic and biodynamic farming practices that is common among the country’s bodegas.

Technically, Malbec is a winemaker’s delight offering naturally intense pigmentation, making it a popular blending grape in Bordeaux. But on its own, especially in its Argentine form, it reveals a velvety structure, moderate acidity, and smooth tannins. Its common tasting notes include aromas of violets, black cherry, plum and mocha. In addition to its medium to full body, plush mouthfeel, it also exhibits flavours of blackberry, blueberry, cocoa as well as licorice, in the mouth. The wine also takes some influence from the oak barrels that they are aged in and these influences include vanilla, clove and toast.

Malbec is also remarkably age-worthy with young wines tending to be fruit-forward, while those aged for five –10 years revealing earthier undertones, mineral depth, and secondary aromas of leather and spice. Since its inception in 2011 by Wines of Argentina, World Malbec Day has become a staple on the international wine calendar. In fact, April 17 commemorates the day in 1853 that Argentina formally began its journey to establish a national agronomy school, an act that paved the way for modern viticulture in the country. To commemorate this day, Thursday Food introduces six of the year’s best Malbecs from Argentina as chosen by esteemed international judging panels across three global events: the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), the 2024 Global Malbec Masters by the Drink Business and the 2024 Sommelier Wine Awards.

Finca Flichman Microterroir Gravel & Stone Malbec is a 100 per cent varietal that was awarded a platinum medal at the 2024 DWWA, scoring 97 points, before earning one of four coveted best in show spots for Argentina at the event. Produced in the Tupungato area of Mendoza’s Uco Valley, the wine is a deep ruby red with intense aromas. The palate is structured and complex due to the various layers of flavours obtained after spending 14 months in contact with French oak. The result is an elegant wine with a great mid-palate, revealing flavours of ripe black fruit, sweet spices, and vibrant acidity as well as a finish that is fruity and persistent.

Vinorum Victorio Altieri Gran Reserva Malbec, made up of 85 per cent Malbec, 10 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 per cent Tannat, also scored 97 points at the 2024 DWWA, earning a platinum medal in the process. This Malbec blend is an intense violet red colour, expressing vibrant aromas of crunchy black and blueberry fruit, chocolate and sweet vanilla as well as an emergence of enriching smoky minerals. The palate is all-consuming, has great concentration and structure, firm tannins, spices as well as fruits blended with exquisite French oak, all ending harmoniously.

Pacheco Pereda, Legado Organic Malbec is made from 100 per cent organic Malbec grapes grown in both Paraje Altamira y San Carlos areas of Mendoza province. This Malbec, which scored 97 points and was awarded a platinum medal at the 2024 DWWA, is purple-coloured and expresses concentrated aromas of plums, black cherries, and hints of violets. In the mouth, the plum and red fruit flavours are perfectly complemented by soft, light tannins as well as mouth-watering acidity.

Enrique Foster Single Vineyard Los Barrancos Malbec is a 100 per cent Malbec that earned a gold medal at the Global Malbec Masters 2024 awards event where gold medallists score 95 points or above. The wine, made in the Vista Flores area of the Uco Valley, is an intense violet-red colour. On the nose, floral aromas predominate with a hint of menthol while on the palate, it is sweet, having a long and persistent finish.

Los Helechos Ensamblados Malbec, comprising 100 per cent Malbec grapes, also earned a Gold medal at the Global Malbec Masters 2024 awards event. This wine offers intense colours from high-altitude viticulture, a very good balance between fruit, oak, and elegant tannins. Aromas of black and red fruits such as blackberries, plums, and cherries are appreciated, combined with floral notes such as violets and mint, characteristic of the varietal. Accompanying notes are cocoa and vanilla, contributed by its long oak aging.

Viña Cobos Bramare Luján de Cuyo Malbec is a 100 per cent varietal wine that earned for itself a 95 point score along with a gold medal at the 2024 Sommelier Wine Awards, the UK’s only on-trade wine competition focused on wines aimed at the hospitality sector, while acting as a benchmark for on-premise buyers and sommeliers. It is a deep ruby red with violet tones, exhibiting aromas of pepper, cloves, cinnamon and other spices, along with black fruits and roses.The palate is round and balanced, with sweet, juicy tannins.

Malbec’s tale is one of reinvention: From its noble birth in France, near-extinction, and triumphant return via Argentina, it embodies the spirit of adaptability and passion. More than a varietal, it is a symbol, a celebration and a lens through which we understand the power of place, the role of craftsmanship, and the joy of sharing.

So this April 17, whether you’re pouring a glass from the Andes or the Loire, pause and savour the journey in your glass, discovering not just a wine, but a world of culture, history, and heart poured into every bottle. Cheers to Malbec, the grape that conquered the world not by domination, but by devotion. Salud!

Andre Reid logo.