Why is Argentinean Malbec so unknown and Chilean Merlot so popular?!
Why is Argentinean Malbec so unknown and Chilean Merlot so popular?
9 times out of 10, I'd take an Argentinean wine over a Chilean!
Answers:
no one knows was malbec is. In fact, labels outside of merlot, cabernet sav. and chardonney are generally unknown. Having said that, malbec is not an easy grape for most people to get accustomed to. Merlot is so fruity but boring, while malbec is drier with more complexities. I'm with you though, I like malbec alot.
Argentine is a dictatorship.
Please feel free to move there.
Bigots we have enough.
Malbec was orginally a french grape also as Auxerrois. However, malbec grapes are ver sensitive to frost and tend to shatter or coulure. France's climate is temperamental and the grape doesn't thrive in France
Malbec truly thrives in Argentina, where it is the major red varietal planted. Much of the Malbec vines there were transplanted from Europe prior to the outbreak of phylloxera a bug that feeds on the roots of the vines, usually in commercial vineyards. Sadly, over the years, the bug has infested Argentina, too, and vineyards are being replanted on resistant rootstock. Malbec is very hard to maintain and the grape yeilds from Malbec vineyards is small. Due to the small yield, it is usually blended with other red varietals in these countries.
Successful Argentine Malbec growers claim that, in order to develop full maturity and distinction, Malbec needs "hang time" even after sugar levels indicate ripeness. Otherwise, immature Malbec can be very "green" tasting, without its characteristic notes of plum and anise.
All in all, its a hard grape to grow and it takes a while to be grown correctly. Malbec needs more sun to harvest than a cab or merlot. Commerical vineyards are profit based and tend to harvest grapes that aren't problem children.