"An increasing number of quality-conscious estates in Cahors", writes Roger Voss in the detailed article of the 2008 October issue of Wine Enthusiast. Historically speaking, Malbec is of French origin, including the famous Argentinian Malbec. "Stylistically, writes Michael Schachner, "Malbec reflects its terroir like a mirror. In Cahors, for example, it can result in taut-structured wines with biting tannins - a direct response to continental Europe's more northerly locale. Conversely, in sunny Argentina and Chile the wines tend to be high in alcohol (14 to 15.5 percent), rich and jammy, and, if exposed to too much sun, stewy or mushy."

Saying that Malbec is now well recognized as a rising varietal is no scoop. "Malbec is widely known today, says Schachner, "as a potentially rewarding wine with deep color, rich black-fruit flavors, medium-to-solid tannins and reasonable midterm ageability."  Because of the climatic differences, the two countries now produce very different wines but all of high quality. Malbec was known and cultivated in France for many centuries before it reached Argentina. It went trhough ups and downs and many hardships over the centuries. The rise of its "little brother" in Argentina created a strong and positive trend in Cahors, especially because "In today's fruit-driven wine world, Cahors has had to reinvent itself".

"Quality conscious estates" are now the leaders of the Cahors appellation: Clos Triguedina, Château du Cèdre, Château Lamartine or Château Lagrezette are among the best. They produce dark and tannin wines, with strong differences between vintages and many different styles.

French Malbec is now a leading and recognized wine in the new wine world. That is why Cahors wines are the guest of honor in Argentina for the Second International Malbec Days in November.

Names of various grapes may differ from one country to an other one. Not only Malbec, but also Pinot, Chardonnay or other grapes have many, many names. How can you identify what's in your glass? Follow Oenochick's bol on the Milwaukee Daily magazine on line, Onmilwaukee.com.

Enjoy your reading!

Michel Rolland gave an interview to Richard Woodard, from the magazine Drinks International, on Malbec from Cahors and Argentina:

"Rolland has maintained his connection with both and there is one common factor - Malbec. More readily associated with Merlot and Cabernet thanks to his consultancies in Bordeaux, Rolland has spent years observing one of the Médoc's all-but forgotten varieties in the sun-baked vineyards of Mendoza and the rolling hills surrounding Cahors in south west France."

Drinks International Article

From the blog drvino.com

Rustic, is it good or bad for a wine?

I think of rustic mostly as a good thing. When discussing good value wines, I think of it as off-the-beaten-path varieties or regions that maybe have some quirks or rough edges but also have a certain undeniable charm, particularly in the face of a pasteurized, homogenized wine in an "international" style.