Malbec — A Great Value Wine
Dining out can be a great experience with food and friends. In a restaurant, the challenge can be finding an excellent wine that is well-crafted and ready, but which won’t break the bank. We all know that while food margins may be small, the margins on wine can be quite big. Some restaurants may charge twice the retail cost — sometimes more. What then is a good choice in those situations??
A good option many times is Malbec. It’s grown in France (the grape’s birthplace is in Bordeaux), Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina. It’s growing in popularity, and South America is leading the way in production and quality. At its best, perhaps in Argentina, it has a dark purple color and violet aromas. It has been described as lush, with a rich fruit flavor and a soothing, ripe tannic structure.
The challenge with Malbec is that it may be “shut down” or reticent when it is young and not provide the thrill of fruit you may be looking for, but it’s still worth a try. The advantage being that this wine may provide a more affordable experience. Here are a couple of well-rated and approachable-now wines (courtesy of Wine Spectator) that will be well priced in a restaurant. These are $20 wines at retail (probably twice that in a restaurant) that will provide a great accompaniment to dinner with meat entrees.
BODEGA NORTON Malbec, Mendoza Reserva 2011 • $20
Toasty yet ripe, with ample mesquite and mocha to the raspberry ganache and rich plum fruit. Silky tannins line the dark, cream-tinged finish. Drink now through 2018. 60,000 cases imported.—N.W. Wine Spectator Rating – 92
BODEGA CATENA ZAPATA Malbec, Mendoza 2011 • $24
Dark and jammy, with enough acidity to propel the roasted plum and wild berry compote notes. Layers of smoke, toasted spice and espresso emerge on the rich finish. Drink now through 2016. 90,000 cases imported.—N.W. Wine Spectator Rating – 91
So give Malbec a try next time you’re eating out. Or don’t wait for the next dinning out experience – you should be able to find these locally, based on the number of cases imported. You can rush right out and try one at home for usually half the price than you’ll pay in a restaurant.
Enjoy!