I wanted to go away from the pairings this week .I needed a nice break from the same old same old. So I decided to talk Malbec.

This is a grape that has such a rich history and the only Malbec people know consistently is the grape from South America, usually from Argentina. Some do know it as a blending grape from Bordeaux if they know their 5 grape blends…but little do people realize there is a little known place in Southern France called Cahors where Malbec originated.

I know there are other blogs and writings on this particular grape, but I wanted to give my own two cents on the subject.

A while back a few of us from ABC had a chance to go to a wine tasting with Riedel glassware—and meet Riedel! Well, I had to ride over to Orlando and got to spend some time in the office before the tasting. Our wine buyer just happened to have a few bottles of Malbec from Cahors that he was deciding on for ABC, and I was there to learn all about it! I had tasted many Malbecs along the line, but I never felt one was particularly right for me.

Cahors Malbec & Riedel glassware

I was so entertained to be a part of this day and taste something I had never tasted. I laughed when I tasted the grape from Cahors and I think I actually said “So this is what Malbec is supposed to taste like.” After that, I was hooked! We carry a few from the region, including Gouleyant (which is one of the ones I tasted that day), and Lionel Osmin Cahors Malbec. Both are great flavors of that region. I think I’m just a sucker for a European red wine…with nearly black color, aromas of raspberries and currants, a rich fleshy middle and supple finish. It’s a super match for the foods of southwest France. Drink it with duck, goose, lamb, or anything else you can think to put it with!

As always, if you want a great selection go to your local ABC and talk with your store’s wine consultant.

Kathleen Anderson, North/West Wine Supervisor. Follow me on Twitter: @ABCwinekat