Wine Of The Week – Vinalba Gran Reserva 2008/2009

When you hear the word Malbec you instantly think Argentina, however it was France where the great grape variety first came from. The Romans first cultivated it in the south west, in the vinyards of Bordeaux.

In the mid-19th century the grape made its way to Argentina, where the climate was and is perfect for this type of grape. Due to Argentina’s mountainous landscape and the different altitudes to which Malbec is grown, each part of the country produces a different tasting Malbec.

Malbec is a wine where the demand continues to grow and grow. This is due to its accessibility, but also its complexity and people love the range of different wines produced from this grape.

Vinalba Gran Reserva comes from Mendoza’s Lujan de Cuyo region and was created by Hervé Fabre, who was one of the first Bordeaux-schooled winemakers to come to Argentina and recognise its potential.

In terms of taste, it has a very generous nose of warm plum pudding-like fruit, lifted by soft vanilla and flower petal notes. It has a muscular Tannis, however still smooth and velvety and the finish is long. Enjoy with red meats such as steak and venison. From £12.99 majestic.co.uk

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