Tinto Negro Limestone Block Malbec

Description

Does anyone know that Malbec's history originates from France? Historically grown in Bordeaux and part of the blend (technically, 26 varietals were allowed in the famous blend) Malbec got a bad rap when it didn't graft well when Bordeaux was attacked by phylloxera way back in the day, which got it kicked out of the region. Malbec represents less than 2% of plantings in Bordeaux today. But it was also the grape that was grown in Cahors - 100% Malbecs are still produced there and yield a very different style of wine than what we are used to seeing come from Argentina. Immigrants brought this grape over to the New World and it thrived in the dense hot climates of the Southern Hemisphere. This Malbec was co-fermented with 12% Cabernet Franc in the blend and all the fruit hails from the Uco Valley where the vines rest in rocky sandy silt soils that have traces of calcium carbonate. Aged for 12 months in new and slightly used oak barrels this wine imparts notes of red plums, fresh thyme, violets, and crushed blueberries, with hints of anise and fresh mint. Full bodied and rich on the palate with a dense core. 

Pairing

Malbecs pair well with BBQ, charcoal-grilled foods, bison blueberry sausages, and roasted eggplant.