Not too long ago I got the chance to attend the Malbec tasting of mostly Argentina versus a lonely Australian example. The variety of styles of one grape is incredible. This is also a great reinforcement of how well Malbec does at higher altitudes, and with more sunlight than native France allows. Malbec is very versatile, from light sparkling examples to savoury rose styles to the lighter reds that goes so well chilled in summer to it’s ultimate expression of big hitting reds.

Argentina has cornered the style of the big Malbec but thankfully they are also experimenting with alternatives. Less to no oak, sparkling effervescence to stainless steal for that almost but not quite rose style. Malbec has a lot to offer, with its incredible diversity of aromatics and fruit. Don’t be afraid to try a different style of Malbec next time you see it. And frankly, I think Australia is equal to greater to what Argentina can bring to the table…at a fraction of the price of imports.

Lujan de Cuyo Rose
A: very pale
N: muted nose
P: sharp acid, high, with cranberry core, strawberry highlights and black fruits on the finish. There’s a hint of spice.

Lujan de Cuyo Sylvestra (unoaked)
A: deep ruby with purple hints, quite pretty
N: aromatic, floral perfume with a sweet fruit core
P: full body, low tannin, sweet spice, medium intensity, dark fruits, cinnamon, hint of dirt and earth and horse. Easy drinking style

Tupungato Bressia Monteagreto 2014
N: aromatic, spicy with blue flowers and plums
P: full, lush, runes, fine tannins, medium+ acid, chocolate, oak, cinnamon bark, cloves. Long finish. High alcohol. Mostly balanced.

Luigi Borsa 2014
N: pronounced nose tending to tomato bush but dark savoury fruits and warm spice
P: palate is balanced, dark fruit, high acid, high tannin, bitter chocolate notes on the finish, notes of tomato bush. Hot.

Viniterra Single Vinyard
N: medium+ intensity, spice, mulberry and plums
P: full body, rich extract, full bodied with dark fruits, spice, high alcohol and good depth of flavour. Great drinking, nice balance and good texture.

Marcelo Pelleriti 2011
N: extreme extraction, bordering on amarone style
P: rich, lush, almost liquerice. attractive, fine but huge tannins. Decadent.

Altamana 2012 Maule
P: quite green tannins, spicy, raw oak

Taylor Made Malbec 2016 Clare Valley
N: perfumed, floral, plums, raspberries and jubilant
P: palate is rich, clean and smooth, darker fruits balanced by red, good firm tannins with sweet spice. Slurpable. Very good.