This dark purple grape varietal is delicate and is more susceptible to pests and fungal diseases.\u00a0 However, the sunny, dry conditions in Argentina\u2019s winegrowing regions reduces these agricultural challenges. Lower elevation grapes tend to have thinner skin and are typically used for blends.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Mid-elevation Malbec wines (between 700 and 900 metres above sea level) have more fruity, peppery notes. Lower altitude Malbec\u2019s 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.\u00a0 Malbec tastes best when served at slightly lower than room temperature, ideally at 18\u030a\u00b0 Celsius (65\u00b0 Fahrenheit).<\/p>\n
About the Regions: <\/strong>Over 86% of Malbec vineyards are found in the Mendoza region which is also Argentina\u2019s largest wine producing region.\u00a0 San Juan ranks second, followed by Salta, Patagonia (Neuqu\u00e9n and R\u00edo Negro) and La Rioja.<\/p>\n Kaiken Seleccion Especial Malbec comes from semi-arid Mendoza\u2019s Luj\u00e1n de Cuyo in the rain shadow of the Andes.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n Available at the LCBO<\/a> – $13.95 for a limited time<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 Alamos Malbec has layers of dark cherry and blackberry. It has violet aromas with spice and vanilla.\u00a0 The balanced tannins create a velvety mouth-feel.\u00a0 Alamos Malbec received 91 points from acclaimed wine critic, James Suckling and 90 points from The Wine Advocate.<\/p>\n Available at the LCBO<\/a> – $14.00 for a limited time<\/p>\n Santa Julia Reserva Mabec from Mendoza\u2019s Uco Valley, is \u201cFair for Life\u201d certified.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Not only does the wine have this certification, it is also sustainably sourced. It has aromas of ripe red and black fruits including cherries,<\/p>\n plums and blackberries.\u00a0 It is medium bodied, with soft tannins and balanced acidity. \u00a0This particular wine has a long track record of recognition from top critics with consistent scores of over 90 points.<\/p>\n Available at the LCBO<\/a> – $12.05 for a limited time<\/p>\n Catena Malbec, also from the Mendoza region, is certified sustainable by the \u201cBodegas de Argentina Sustainability Protocol\u201d.\u00a0 As mentioned, the Catena family is a pioneer of high-altitude viticulture.\u00a0 Catena Malbec is a blend of 3 vineyards at 3 different altitudes. \u00a0It 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. \u00a0Catena was awarded Drinks International World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2020.<\/p>\n Available at the LCBO<\/a> – $17.95 for a limited time<\/p>\n Masi Tupungato Passo Doble Organic is certified organic and is vegan friendly.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 This particular wine is 85% Malbec, 15% semi-dried Corvina.\u00a0 It is dark red, almost completely opaque, and viscous. It has aromas of\u00a0 plums with hints of sweet spices and cocoa. This is a full-bodied wine with soft tannins and balanced acidity.<\/p>\n Available at the LCBO<\/a> – $13.00 for a limited time<\/p>\n 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\u2019s <\/strong>website<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ArgentinaWineRegionsMap.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMalbec Pairings:<\/h3>\n
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Our Picks:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Kaiken Seleccion Especial Malbec<\/h4>\n
![\"Malbec:](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Kaiken_SELECCION-ESPECIAL_MALBEC_2017_SCREW.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAlamos Malbec<\/h4>\n
![\"Malbec:](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/ALAMOS-BOTTLE-SHOT.png\")
<\/p>\nSanta Julia Reserva Malbec<\/h4>\n
![\"Malbec:](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Bottle-Santa-Julia-Reserva-Malbec-2019_SC.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCatena Malbec<\/h4>\n
![\"Malbec:](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Catena-MB-Canada.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMasi Tupungato Passo Doble Organic<\/h4>\n
![\"Malbec:](\"https:\/\/divine.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Passo-Doble-2018.jpg\")
<\/p>\n