The malbec red grape was created in the Bordeaux region in France and was once widely popular, but the grape is very sensitive to frost and was nearly wiped out in 1956 by a devastating frost. Besides the frost Malbec wine declined in popularity because it became known by so many different names that it lost its distinction, but it is still grown in France to this day.

It is grown in portions of Bordeaux and in the vineyards of Cahors in the south of France. The wines made in Cahors are made from one-hundred percent Malbec grapes which has a fruity flavor very similar in taste as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. In Cahors these wines are called Cot.

The Malbec red grape is extremely popular in Argentina and Chile. It the number one grown grape in Argentina and the third most grown grape in Chile, but it is also grown in South Africa, Long Island New York, Australia, New Zealand and in parts of California but they are mostly used for blending with other wines in these regions.

Mainly it is so popular in Argentina because there is not much competition in the region or from other countries with the exception of Chile. The Malbec wines of Argentina are aged and are mostly medium bodied wines with lusher and softer flavors unlike any others being produced.

Even though Malbec is grown in other regions besides Argentina it has made quite an impression with Argentines and has become a very popular red wine there and it seems it will continue to be well-liked, but it has slipped a little in popularity and has begun to see some competition from Chile in recent years.

Still there is other region creating Malbec wines quite as exciting or flavorful as those found in Argentina which are described as being medium to full-bodied wines laced with an earthy wood-like aroma and enriched with distinctive fruity flavors such as blackberry, cherry and plum.

Interesting links:

Wine Micro Blog

Argentina Micro Blog

Food Micro Blog

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