Happy almost Easter! Or shall we say, Happy almost Malbec World Day. Yes, we have two wonderful reasons to celebrate April 17 this year. For the uninitiated, April 17 is celebrated as Malbec World Day (NOT World Malbec Day, as was pointed out to us by Wines of Argentina).
Given this Argentinian wine’s rapidly raging popularity, it makes sense to honour the World of Malbec. The grape varietal, after all, has been gracing us with incredibly fruity and spicy full-bodied reds- whether working as a solo star in the wine or as a supporting, flavour-enhancing addition.
Incidentally, we have Wines of Argentina, the organization supporting Argentinian wineries and promoting Argentinian wines since 1993 for Malbec World Day. It was them who decided to declare April 17 as the day we pay homage to this iconic red.
And the very best part about this year’s Malbec World Day is that Willow Park Wines & Spirits, in collaboration with Wines of Argentina (WOFA), is running a major Malbec sale. So, expect to get some seriously sweet deals on popular Argentine wines. Yes, really!
Here, check out the list−
#1 Finca Decero
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Notes: intense violet aromas over a core of red fruits with notes of cherries and raspberries; rich body, fresh acidity, supple and elegant tannins that benefit from 14 months of maturation in French oak barrels
Pairing: grilled dark meat poultry or sirloin beef steak served with chimichurri sauce and root veggies roasted with thyme
#2 Bodega Luigi Bosca Finca La Linda Old Vines Malbec
Notes: intense aromas of wild berries and fresh spices, with ripe fruit; smoky aftertaste from its ageing in oak barrels
Pairing: great with braised lamb, pasta with tomato sauce and hard cheeses
#3 Bodega Luigi Bosca Malbec
Notes: aromas of cherries and strawberries, subtle spicy and smoky notes appear in the end.
Pairing: complements and contrasts the salty and earthy components of a charcuterie board with its fresh acidity and bright flavours of red berries
#4 Trivento Reserve Malbec
Notes: aromas of cherries and strawberries, subtle spicy and smoky notes appear in the end.
Pairing: complements and contrasts the salty and earthy components of a charcuterie board with its fresh acidity and bright flavours of red berries
#5 Zorzal Terroir Unico Malbec
Notes: very fresh on entry, with great volume and texture; tannins are somewhat edgy and the finish is a long one.
Pairing: cheeses, mushrooms, meats and pasta, due to their acidity and texture
#6 Bodegas Salentein
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Notes: in the nose, it is intense and complex with outstanding aromas of red fruits, blackberries, as well as delicate floral notes; on the palate, balanced and complex wine with flavours of redcurrants, black cherries and cinnamon
Pairing: well-matched with barbecued meats, robust pasta entrées, baked ham, pork chops and sharp cheese
#7 Santa Julia Reserva Malbec from Zuccardi Santa Julia
Notes: deep red-purple colour with aromas of plum, blackberry and cassis; notes of honey, chocolate and blood orange; dry, medium-plus bodied; rich and plush on the palate, with balanced tannin structure; flavours of ripe black plum with notes of black currant, honey, coffee and citrus
Pairing: hard cheese such as Reggiano, Parmesan, Gruyere or Manchego, grilled red meats, game meats, pasta with tomato sauce
#8 Zuccardi Q Malbec 2018 from Zuccardi Santa Julia
Notes: deep purple Malbec with juicy tannins; aromas of fresh red fruits and herbs laced with spicy notes. Uncork now or cellar for 10 years or more
Pairing: hard cheese such as Reggiano, Parmesan, Gruyere or Manchego, grilled red meats, game meats, pasta with tomato sauce
#9 Alamos
Notes: robust symphony of dark fruit that captures the complexity of Mendoza’s iconic varietal; pronounced notes of black cherry and blackberry integrate with finely grained spice and vanilla oak; notes of wild berries and round tannins fill out the palate, leading to a long and velvety smooth finish with a touch of dried herbs
Pairing: spice-crusted hanger steak, classic ribeye with chimichurri and roasted vegetables or beef empanadas
#10 Amalaya
Notes: aromas of strawberries, raspberries, a touch of pepper, spices and elegant florals; flavours of red fruit, spice and hints of vanilla from ageing in French oak; round, soft tannins lead to a delicate, lingering finish
Pairing: ideal with dark meat poultry, rosemary lamb chops, and leaner cuts of red meat such as grilled skirt steak; for veggie lovers, think umami-rich dishes, such as stuffed peppers or mushrooms topped with blue cheese or provolone
Ready to stock up on these red Argentinian beauties? See you at Willow Park Wines & Spirits!
