According to an article in the San Francisco Business Times Argentine wine imports were up substantially last year. This comes despite the economic crisis facing much of the United States. Vine Connections, a Sausalito-based importer said Malbec imports increased 60.9% in value and 60.4% in volume based on data from Argentina’s Department of Customs.

Currently, Argentina is the fifth largest wine-producing country. Overall, imports of Argentine wines were up 43.2% in value and 34.1% in volume last year.

In the evenings, I’ve been flipping through The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil in preparation for our trip to France. In particular, I’ve started on the Bordeaux section. I must say this book is packed with good information! Recently, we tasted several white wines from Bordeaux and really enjoyed those. The white grapes of Bordeaux include:

 

Muscadelle: Usually used for blending. Adds light floral character to the wine.

Sauvignon Blanc: A major grape with crisp and lively herbal freshness.

Sémillon: A major grape that’s dry and clean. It provides weight and depth to the wine.

Ugni Blanc: Another blending grape used in inexpensive wines.

 

“Dangers in the Shiraz Aisle: Midprice Bottles of the Popular Australian Varietal are Woefully Inconsistent”

The Australian wine industry may have hit hard times. Exports dropped more than 13% last year, and the country currently sits on a wine surplus. Two questions come to mind: First, why the slump? Secondly, are there any bargains for consumers? Looking at why Australia may be slumping can be traced back to a few factors. First of all, they might be a victim of their own success. The Aussies taught Americans that good wine can come from other places than the states and Europe. They introduced new wines at affordable prices. Now, other countries, especially in South America, are following this success thus causing a drop is Australian sales. Secondly, more emphasis was placed on the clever and attractive bottle labels than the wine. The quality of the wine began slipping especially in the midpriced popular bottles.

 

While, more expensive bottles of Shiraz exhibit more spice, blackberries and richness. The midpriced bottles offer inconsistency, making it difficult for the average consumer to stroll down the Shirazaisle and pickup a quality bottle. Consumers must search for good midpriced bottles of Shiraz or trust their wine merchant.

 

“Malbec Beckons – Heed the Call: Argentina’s Signature Red Deserves its Wild Popularity, Offering Zing and Boldness for Modest Prices”

One of the hottest wines on the scene right now is the Argentine Malbec. Consumers get a tasty, interesting wine with spicy, black pepper tastes, some blackberries, good acidity and crisp edges, when it’s done right. Plus, there are some real steals to find on the Malbec aisle. Great wines can be found for $10-$15! However, as popularity rises, will quality remain the same? This has been a problem for so many wines in the past. Suddenly, everyone wants to get in on the latest craze and plants vines in less than desirable locations, using shortcuts to produce the wine. Wine quality drops and so does consumer popularity. Here’s hoping Malbec producers continue making great wines.

Malbec started as a blending varietal in the Bordeaux region of France. However, Malbec grapes found their own home in Argentina. Here, they are planted like the grapes are going out of style, and Malbec is quickly making a name for itself.  

 

Traditionally, Malbec wines possess characteristics somewhere in between that of a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot. They ripen about a week after the Merlot grapes are harvested and exhibit deep colors, medium to full body and aromas of raspberries, chocolate, plums and spice. Immature Malbec’s can taste green and lack the characteristic plum aromas.

 

Malbec originated in the Bordeaux region of France, but were prone to frost. The grapes flourish in the warm, dry temperatures of the Andes foothills of Argentina. The Andes Mountains work as a shield, protecting the grapes from clouds and rain. This creates arid and sunny growing conditions, allowing the grapes to flourish. Irrigation comes from the snowmelt in the mountains.

 

It’s easy to find a reasonably priced, high quality Malbec. However, there are still several inexpensive bottles that provide drinkers with an excellent wine.

 

Winery: Don Miguel Gascon Winery

Wine: Malbec 2006

Location: Mendoza, Argentina

Purchased: wine.com

Price: $10.99

 

 

My husband and I found this wine to be extremely drinkable. It’s the perfect wine to have a glass while cooking dinner or relaxing after dinner. It’s not overpowering, but smooth and pleasant. The Gascon Malbec offers a deep garnet color with just the slightest hints of purple.

 

As one jumps into the nose of the wine, the Malbec extends layers of spice, blackberries, dark cherries and mocha. The fruit flavors seem rather intense while the others present just subtle hints of their presence. This wine doesn’t offer much complexity, but it offers balance to the drinker. It’s a simple wine, but a nice wine with or without food. We paired this Malbec with a tuna steak and steamed broccoli. It actually highlighted the tuna very nicely.

 

While there was nothing that made this wine standout above other Malbecs, there was nothing that took away from it’s quality. It was pretty standard. Not a bad buy for the price.

 

Don Miguel Escorihuela sailed from Spain to Argentina in 1880. Four years later, he purchased 42 acres that would become the cornerstone of his winery. The Gascon vineyards are situated along the Cordillera of the Andes Mountains. Gascon wines are known for their consistency and the unconventional undertakings that go into making the wine.