A lot of folks I know associate malbec with Argentina, and for good reason. The grape does well there and a lot of delicious malbec comes from Argentina.
However, that’s not the only place producing malbec. It’s actually one of the six grapes allowed in Bordeaux. And in southwest France there’s a region called Cahors that is known for malbec.
The malbec from Cahors is typically quite different stylistically from Argentine malbec. Malbec from Argentina, particularly the cheap stuff, is very fruit-forward and of a “new world” style while malbec from Cahors tends to be more of an “old world” style, offering more restrained fruit along with more earthy characteristics. Such is the case with this wine from Domaine Du Théron.
Elegance and balance exude from this wine. The nose is brimming with black licorice aromas, as well as some blackberry, plum and chocolate. It’s delightful. The palate is silky-smooth with loads of blackberry, black cherry and chocolate flavors. While there is plenty of fruit, it’s not a fruit bomb like much of the malbec I’ve tasted from Argentina. It’s somewhat fruity and somewhat earthy. It’s balanced. The acidity is spot on. It finished with lingering fruit and spice flavors.
Wine: Domaine Du Théron, Prestige
Variety: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 91
Price: $18.00
Disclosure: This wine was received as a media sample.
