Make Room for Malbec

Any of the people who hang out with me know I adore a good glass of RED wine. I believe I’ve developed a pretty discerning taste based on “practice, practice, practice.” It doesn’t have to be an expensive bottle, just decent with a nice finish. Most of the time I order a Cab (Peju… yum) or a Pinot (La Crema… yum), but recently, when ordering by-the-glass, the first thing I scan for is a Malbec.

Malbec is an inky dark, full-bodied (dare I say intense) red wine with a plum and peppery taste. I read that the Malbec grape is one of the six grape varieties “allowed” in the blend considered red Bordeaux wine, so it began in France. However, now most of the menu offerings I’ve come across have been Argentine (and a couple South African).

I wanted to make a couple recommendations for you so that you could “dip your toe” into Malbec tasting and have an awesome experience your first time. I even did a little detective work and called up the Sommelier at the SW Steakhouse at the Wynn Hotel in Vegas (he and I are tight) to find out the amazing and moderately priced Malbec I had during my recent stay. The prices I listed are per bottle and can be found on http://www.whwc.com

Malbec loved by the Wynn Las Vegas (um…and Chels): Gimenez Riili Malbec Mendoza 2008 Argentina $15.99

Trapiche Malbec Mendoza Bibiana Coletto 2006: This has a 95 points rating! A joy to taste at $46.99

Norton Malbec Mendoza Reserva 2006 Argentina: 90 Points! $14.99

Tikal Patriota Mendoza 2008 Argentina: A 92 Points rating and a label worth conversing over. $17.99

I highly recommend picking up one of these for your next gathering. They are wonderful with or without food and there is nothing better than great friends, amazing conversation and a nice bottle of Malbec to top off the time. Do you have any “go to” varieties? I would love to hear and as always… keep counting.