DIVINE
  • English
    • Français
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Food
  • Family
  • Health
  • Travel
  • Living
  • Reviews
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact us
  • Instagram
  • Legal
Stay Connected
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
DIVINE
  • English
  • French
DIVINE
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Food
  • Travel
  • Living
  • Family
  • Health
  • Reviews
  • Food

Wine Wednesdays: Exploring Argentine Malbec

  • August 12, 2020
  • 4 minute read
  • Jill Schneiderman
Total
2
Shares
0
0
2

DIVINE x Wines of Argentina

In the final stop of our tour of Argentine wines, we are highlighting the wine that was perfected in the country – Malbec.  The wine is so popular, it accounts for two out of every three bottles that Argentina exports.  Malbec grapes have been the most cultivated variety in Argentina since 2011.  Argentina is also the largest grower of the grapes in the world with over 76,000 acres of vineyard planted.

Wines of Argentina: Malbec

About the Wine: Like most red wines, Malbec has its origins in Bordeaux, France, although many assume that it came from Argentina due to the popularity of their exports. Argentine vintner Nicolás Catena Zapata was the first to plant a Malbec vineyard at higher altitudes in the Mendoza region. Malbec vines continue to thrive in Argentina’s dry, high altitude vineyards.

This dark purple grape varietal is delicate and is more susceptible to pests and fungal diseases.  However, the sunny, dry conditions in Argentina’s winegrowing regions reduces these agricultural challenges. Lower elevation grapes tend to have thinner skin and are typically used for blends.  Higher elevation Malbec grapes, like those grown in the Mendoza region (between 900 and 1,600 metres above sea level), have thicker skin and distinct floral notes.  Mid-elevation Malbec wines (between 700 and 900 metres above sea level) have more fruity, peppery notes. Lower altitude Malbec’s tend to have thinner skins and are typically used for blends. The wine is typically deep red in colour with moderate acidity and tannins, making it a great wine to serve with meals.  Malbec tastes best when served at slightly lower than room temperature, ideally at 18̊° Celsius (65° Fahrenheit).

About the Regions: Over 86% of Malbec vineyards are found in the Mendoza region which is also Argentina’s largest wine producing region.  San Juan ranks second, followed by Salta, Patagonia (Neuquén and Río Negro) and La Rioja.

Malbec Pairings:

  • Cheese: Stronger, rich tasting cheeses like aged cheddar, goat cheese or even blue cheese pair well with Malbec. Milder cheeses may be overshadowed by this stronger tasting wine.
  • Mains: Dark meat whether it’s steak, lamb or poultry pair well with Malbec. Pepper is the perfect seasoning for meat if you are serving a mid-elevation Malbec. This is another red wine that pairs well with earthy, portobello mushrooms if you are a vegetarian or vegan.
  • Desserts: Some Malbec wines feature hints of cocoa or milk chocolate. Even with those flavours, dark chocolate tends to taste better.  Rich, dark chocolate truffles or a dark chocolate ganache torte with a plum compote will pair nicely with your favourite bottle.

Our Picks:

Kaiken Seleccion Especial Malbec

Kaiken Seleccion Especial Malbec comes from semi-arid Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo in the rain shadow of the Andes.  The wine has an intense violet red appearance with aromas of red fruits such as plum and blackberry, and complemented by notes of chocolate and tobacco.  The wine is intense on the palate, and very fruit-forward but delicate at the same time. It has excellent structure, smooth tannins, and a long-lasting finish.

Malbec: Kaiken

Available at the LCBO – $13.95 for a limited time

Alamos Malbec

Alamos has 100 years of winemaking behind every bottle. Their high-elevation wines are grown at 3,000 and 10,000 feet in Mendoza in the shadow of the Andes Mountains.  Alamos Malbec has layers of dark cherry and blackberry. It has violet aromas with spice and vanilla.  The balanced tannins create a velvety mouth-feel.  Alamos Malbec received 91 points from acclaimed wine critic, James Suckling and 90 points from The Wine Advocate.

Malbec: Alamos

Available at the LCBO – $14.00 for a limited time

Santa Julia Reserva Malbec

Santa Julia Reserva Mabec from Mendoza’s Uco Valley, is “Fair for Life” certified.  Fair for Life Certification ensures human rights are safeguarded at any stage of production, workers enjoy good and fair working conditions, and smallholder farmers receive a fair share.  Not only does the wine have this certification, it is also sustainably sourced. It has aromas of ripe red and black fruits including cherries,

plums and blackberries.  It is medium bodied, with soft tannins and balanced acidity.  This particular wine has a long track record of recognition from top critics with consistent scores of over 90 points.

Malbec: Santa Julia Reseva

Available at the LCBO – $12.05 for a limited time

Catena Malbec

Catena Malbec, also from the Mendoza region, is certified sustainable by the “Bodegas de Argentina Sustainability Protocol”.  As mentioned, the Catena family is a pioneer of high-altitude viticulture.  Catena Malbec is a blend of 3 vineyards at 3 different altitudes.  It has aromas of dark raspberry, blackberry, green plum, violet, tobacco and herbs, plus a hint of leather. It delivers pure dark fruit flavours with a hint of pepper.  Catena was awarded Drinks International World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2020.

Malbec: Catena

Available at the LCBO – $17.95 for a limited time

Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Organic

Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Organic is certified organic and is vegan friendly.  In every phase of the production process, Masi bases its own activities on social, ethical and environmental values. Care and respect for the environment are part of the Masi culture and philosophy.  This particular wine is 85% Malbec, 15% semi-dried Corvina.  It is dark red, almost completely opaque, and viscous. It has aromas of  plums with hints of sweet spices and cocoa. This is a full-bodied wine with soft tannins and balanced acidity.

Malbec: Masi

Available at the LCBO – $13.00 for a limited time

This content is intended for adults 19+ years of age. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and in moderation. For more information about how to moderate alcohol consumption, visit the Government of Ontario’s website.

 

 

 

Total
2
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 2
You May Also Like
Woman Dinner: Living room with two bottles of wine and a burger on a TV tray
    • Food

Step Aside Girl Dinner, Woman Dinner is the Grown-Up Way to Indulge

  • divine.ca
  • May 21, 2025
Related Topics
  • Argentina wine regions
  • Argentine Red Wines
  • Argentine Wines
  • Catena Winery
  • food and wine pairings
  • LCBO
  • malbec
  • Malbec Argentina
  • Malbec Tannins
  • Malbec Taste
  • Malbec Wine Brands
  • red wine
  • Red Wines
Jill Schneiderman

Jill Schneiderman is a publicist and editorial director/partner at DIVINE.ca, where she blends her extensive experience in media with her passion for storytelling. An award-winning marketing professional, Jill has dedicated her career to crafting compelling stories and campaigns in the media landscape for both blue chip clients and the stable of lifestyle experts that she now works with.

Previous Article
The Summer
  • Health

Ways to Look After Your Eyes in the Summer

  • August 11, 2020
  • divine.ca
View Post
Next Article
  • Health

Getting Fit and Eating Well in the “New Normal”

  • August 13, 2020
  • Jill Schneiderman
View Post
Search
Featured Posts
  • Montreal to Paris: Airplane window overlooking wing

    Exploring the Best Travel Experience from Montreal to Paris

    • 3 min
    View Post
  • Sake: Sake Rice Bale with wooden boxes etched with Japanese characters

    An Introduction to Japan’s National Spirit by a Sake Samurai

    • 4 min
    View Post
  • Year of the Snake: Artistic Rendering of a Gold Snake on a red background

    6 Lunar New Year Gifts to Celebrate Year of the Snake

    • 3 min
    View Post
Get in on the Fun
Top Posts
  • Hearing Health: hands holding a hearing aid 1
    4 Surprising Factors Affecting Your Hearing Health
    • 2 min
  • Reflective Practice: Woman looking at her reflection in the mirror 2
    How Reflective Practice Can Help You Make 2025 A Year Of Success
    • 3 min
  • Fashion Essentials: Woman standing in front of a bridge in a blue button down top 3
    5 Canadian Fashion Essentials for a Stylish and Versatile Spring
    • 2 min
Stay Connected
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Featured Posts
  • Mother's Day Gift: Heart shaped pancakes with MOM letters. Mothers Day breakfast concept. Top view table scene with a white wood background.

    Mother’s Day Gift Guide: Our Top 6 Last Minute Gift Ideas

    • 3 min
    View Post
  • Montreal to Paris: Airplane window overlooking wing

    Exploring the Best Travel Experience from Montreal to Paris

    • 3 min
    View Post
  • Downsizing: Living Room with love seat and table

    How to Survive Downsizing Homes Without Losing Your Mind

    • 3 min
    View Post
about
DIVINE Magazine

Canada's Online Women's Magazine

DIVINE Magazine is the bilingual online destination for Canadian women. Bringing you trending features that are relevant and interesting to Canadian women, DIVINE is the place to visit for useful, practical and entertaining content.
Subscribe
Partner Network
SWAGGER Magazine, North America’s
Online Men‘s Luxury Lifestyle Magazine.Ohlala.ca, Canada’s Destination for Everything You Need to Know About Dating & Sex.
about
Stay Connected

Follow along on Instagram @DIVINEdotca

Kick your feed up a notch with the hottest beauty, style trends, recipes and more! It's not too late, follow along today and you might just catch the behind-the-scenes of our next shoot or even a contest. You can thank us later. ;) #Divinistas
Follow Us
DIVINE
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Making your life a little more DIVINE.

Copyright © 2022 Divine.ca · All Rights Reserved

Input your search keywords and press Enter.