#malbec wine

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Malbec has been the wine of the times for a successfully long duration now. This purple grape variety tends to have an inky color and is used in the making of soft and fruity red wine. The grape varietal was primarily originated from France; however Malbec wine found a new home in Argentina because of semi-arid-desert like climate and the supply of water from the snow capped mountains, it is now claimed to be the "National Variety" of Argentina due to its prominence and adaption to the soil. Malbec grapes are also found growing in certain parts of Chile, Brazil, Spain, Australia and also along The Loire River in France.

This red wine that has a very deep and dark intense color is the most likeable wine by the people simply because; it is a wine that has a straight forward taste which is pleasant, spicy, fruity and has a velvety texture. The tannins of Malbec are soft, sweet and light that makes the wine enjoyable. It gives the consumer a new and different wine experience. Malbec wines are known for its exclusive and elegant aromas of plum, dark berry, coffee, chocolate and cherry to name a few. The key flavors of an exquisite bottle of Malbec include plum, cherry, chocolate, black pepper and dried fruits. These aromas and flavors lighten the mood of people and make this drinking experience pleasant and the taste lingers on your palette even after you have finished your glass. Malbec is aged for at least 6- 12 months in French or American oak barrels and has a aging potential of up to 10 years!

Surprisingly, these wines are mostly priced under $20 and it is a wine everyone can afford and enjoy. The intense deep garnet color of Malbec attracts the eye while the fruity and spicy hints taste is captivating from the very first sip. Malbec is a combination of high quality and affordable wine that pairs well with red meat, steak, lamb, pasta and almost anything barbequed, roasted and spicy. It is an ideal beverage that can be paired with Italian, Mexican, Spanish and Thai cuisines. Malbec can also be paired with semi-hard milk cheese because of the wine's acidity matches with the intensity of the cheese, a variety of cheese that is not salty or strong bridges perfectly with Malbec wine.

With its deep, soft, pleasant taste it is one of those red wines that make people fall in love with it! The taste could cast a spell on you, leaving a persistent flavor that stays in your memory, a true sign of a quality wine.

If you love red wine, you need to try a glass of Malbec as soon as possible. While Malbec may not be as well-known as more popular reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, its combination of a delightful flavor profile with a low price point makes it the perfect choice to accompany your next meal. However, many people are unfamiliar with Malbec, so allow us the opportunity to explain exactly what Malbec wine is by revealing five interesting facts about the red Argentinian wine.

1. Malbec is Made in Argentina and France

Malbec primarily comes from Argentina and France, although it is usually known primarily as an Argentine wine. The wine originated in France, but the grapes used to make Malbec had a tough time surviving the weather and pests of France. A French botanist took the grapes to Argentina and planted them in Mendoza, and the grapes and wine thrived!

The traditional Argentinian Malbec usually combines blackberry and plum fruit flavors with hints of cocoa, leather, and tobacco to give it a sweet taste and a smooth finish. The French Malbec is usually a little bit more tart and bitter, using black plum and mixes of black pepper, spices, and leathery flavors.

2. Malbec Leaves a Magenta-Tinged Rim

Malbec wine has a unique color, as it is a very deep reddish purple that is nearly opaque. This deep color will always leave a magenta rim when you are finished drinking a glass, so if you are ever in a blind taste test and see some magenta residue on the rim, you know the wine is Malbec.

3. A Little Oak Goes a Long Way

Malbec has a very oaky aftertaste, leading most to think the wine is kept in oak for a very long time. That is actually not the case, as most Malbec wines will only age in oak for 6 to 12 months.

4. Malbec and Steak Are a Match Made in Heaven

Malbec pairs perfectly with steak, combining a short finish with an acidic and sweet flavor profile. That is why you will find a bottle of Malbec on pretty much every table at an authentic Argentinian steakhouse. Puerto La Boca, the best Argentine restaurant in San Diego, is proud to offer a wide variety of Malbec wines to pair with our delicious steaks!

5. Malbec Pairs With More Than Just Steak

While Malbec is best paired with some red meat, steak is far from the only food that pairs perfectly with a glass of Malbec. The versatile wine also pairs with funky cheeses (like blue cheese), mushrooms, exotic spices, potatoes, and much more! If you are not sure if Malbec will pair with your meal, ask your waiter or an expert at the grocery store for assistance.

Try Malbec Wine at Puerto La Boca in Little Italy

Puerto La Boca is the most authentic Argentinian restaurant in San Diego, providing customers with delicious traditional Argentine cuisine at an affordable price. If you are interested in learning more about Malbec wine or would like to try a glass, come to our beautiful location in the heart of Little Italy. We can suggest the best Malbec to pair with your meal or the vintage that will best match your taste.

Argentina has long been one of the top wine-producing countries on the planet. The South American country is making a name for itself by releasing renowned red wines that combine a delightful taste with a satisfying finish.

At Puerto La Boca in Little Italy, we carry only the best Argentinian wine, allowing our customers to try the best Malbec wine and best red wine the region has to offer. Below, you can learn more about some of the best Argentinian wine on the market, or you can contact Puerto La Boca in San Diego by calling (619) 234-4900 to learn more about the wines we carry.

What Wine is Argentina Known For?

Argentina has a rich wine history, with the country producing an endless array of different wines such as Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, and Malbec. Out of all of the wines that Argentina produces, it is perhaps best known for creating the best Malbecs in the entire world.

A Malbec is a wine that is known for having a strong and fruity flavor and a very smooth texture and finish, allowing you to enjoy an exciting flavor that is delightful to drink. It is a rich and dark wine that some say has a flavor that can be compared to a plum.

What Are the Top 10 Wines From Argentina?

At Puerto La Boca, we carry only the best Argentinian wine. Below, we list some of the amazing wines we carry, including some of the best red wine and best Malbec wine that we have imported from Argentina to our San Diego location.

1. Achaval Ferrer “Quimera”

This Malbec comes from one of the most respected and well-known wine producers in the Mendoza region of Argentina. It is a concentrated and strong wine that is best paired with a delicious steak and chimichurri. 

2. Felipe Staiti Vertigo Blend 2014 

97 points by James Suckling -- 70% Malbec, 20% Syrah & 10% Cabernet Franc. A dense and powerful red. Lots of ripe-fruit, blackberry and spice character. Full-bodied, layered and very intense.

3. Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2015

No matter what the vintage, this wine is really more than 100 years old, born from one family's quest to produce an Argentine Malbec that is comparable to the great wines of the world. The 2015 vintage shows a saturated dark violet color, reflecting ruby. Emitting cassis, blueberry, and violet aroma, it also combines density and sweetness with light flavors of mocha, darker berries, spice, and minerals.

4. Norton “Privada”

Another Malbec from Mendoza, the Norton “Privada” is renowned for its balanced taste and a long-lasting finish. The red wine is 40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot.

5. Graffigna Reserve Pinot Grigio

The Argentine grapes that make up this fine Pinot Grigio are found in ideal desert conditions, resulting in an intense floral and fruity aroma.

6. Catena “Alta”

Catena “Alta” is a Malbec from Mendoza that is a silky-smooth delight on the palate. The wine has a complex flavor and taste, combining a biting acidity with a rich finish to create a beautiful sipping experience.

7. Terrazas: “Reserva”

This is a very fruity Malbec that hails from Mendoza. Many describe the taste of this complex wine as a mix of vanilla, caramel, raisins, prunes, and cherries.

8. Crotta (House) 

Our house red wine is rich with violet hues, carrying intense aromas of ripe fruits, with slight hints of oak. This wine is easy to sip on and one of our most reasonably priced. It’s also available for our happy hour and in Cabernet and Chardonnay as well.

9. Luigi Bosca Gala 2

This blend of Merlot, Cabernet, and Cabernet Franc makes for an intensely purple and complex wine. The nose offers up black fruits mingled with the new French oak.

10. Pascual Toso: “Reserve”

This Mendoza Malbec is aged for a year in American and French oak to give the wine a deep and satisfying flavor that resembles coffee, tobacco, and blackberries. If you are interested in drinking a delightful Malbec that can accompany a rare piece of red meat, this may be the best bet for you. 

The Best Argentinian Wine is at Puerto La Boca in Little Italy, San Diego

Creating my own Wine at San Antonio Winery!

Remember last week when I introduced you to San Antonio Winery? Well, the reason for that amazing afternoon in Downtown LA was for their “Wine Blending” class they were holding. When the invite appeared in my inbox, do you think I hesitated to say YES?!

San Antonio holds several varietals (get it?! Hehe) of classes throughout the year at all 3 of their locations: in Ontario, California, Paso…