Malbec

Argentina may have become its spirtual home, but malbec's origins lie in France

The Grape

Today, one country springs to mind for this grape: Argentina. Its origins are in France, however, where it's known as either ‘Auxerrois’ or ‘Cot’. Its darkness led to it being labelled the ‘black wine of Cahors' but in Argentina it found its spiritual home, with the grape thriving in diverse terroir and high-altitude vineyards.

The Taste

A beefy wine that’s big on the tannins, yet still soft and rounded in mouthfeel, with a long finish. Amid the full-bodied flavours you'll find plums, cherries, blackberries and violet; sweeter nods of vanilla and chocolate; earthier, gamey undertones; and even some spice - back pepper, cloves and nutmeg.

The Pairings

It famously matches well with steaks for good reason, similarly beef ragù, venison, pork, or any barbecued meat, really. With bottles that are big on the red fruits, you can pair with blue cheese, roasted vegetables and mushrooms. A dark chocolate tart can stand up to its intense flavours, too. An old school post-dinner pairing? Try a cigar.

The Vines

The high altitudes of Mendoza produce many of Argentina's malbecs, but you'll also get fine examples further north from Salta and the deep south of Patagonia. Wine makers in South West France still grow the grape, but often use it blends, and you'll also find malbecs from New Zealand, Australia, California and, of course, Chile.

The Bottles

Xavier Sockeel, head sommelier at London’s Maison François, chooses four of his favourite malbec-based wines