Guide to Malbec
The Malbec Marvel
Once an unassuming French export, Malbec has carved a sultry niche as the brooding star of alternative reds – Frankland River’s cool, maritime climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the region is now producing some of the World’s finest Malbec with an intriguing minerality and plush fruit weight.
Malbec has a very long history indeed with the first mention of the grape in 150 A.D in the city of Cahors, known as Divona at the time, and was the Roman capital of the province of Quercy in what is now France.
Praise for the ancient wine of Cahors can be found in the Odes of Horace and in Virgil’s poems.
Pope John XXII (1244-1334) from Cahor even declared Malbec his preferred communion wine.
A Super Food
Unlike it’s red cousins Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Malbec boasts three to four times more antioxidants, including a generous dose of resveratrol. These antioxidants improve the body’s cardiovascular health and boost immunity. This compound, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory properties, is linked to cardiovascular health.
According to winemakers and sommeliers, Malbec isn’t just a drink – it’s an elixir. By pairing Malbec with a Mediterranean diet like olive oil, feta cheese, Manchego cheese and Parmessan Reggiano with walnuts, it amplifies the health benefits. The antioxidants of Malbec joins forces with the healthy fats and polyphenols in these particular foods to creating a wellness powerhouse.
“Malbec is the mindful drinker’s choice” says Lucy Meza Ortega, Head Sommelier at 67 Pall Mall, Verbier, Switzerland.
The minerality of Malbec from Frankland River gives it a distinctive structure – an underpinning of crystalline purity that compliments its rich fruit profile. It’s a wine that dances between dark berries, spice and earthy tones, all framed by the fine, stony backbone that the region’s soils impart.
Cooking with Malbec
Malbec isn’t just for drinking; it’s also a wonderful ingredient in Mediterranean cooking. Use it to:
*Deglaze a pan for a red wine reduction sauce to drizzle over roasted vegetables and meats.
*Enhance the flavours of stews or braised dishes like osso buco or lamb shanks.
*Marinate proteins like chicken or beef with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a splash of Malbec for a Mediterranean twist.
Estate Reserve Malbec
Concentrated fruit flavours of cherry and raspberry. Fresh fruit flavours are complemented by liquorice and a medium tannin finish.
Orchid King Malbec
A rich and intense Malbec with generous blackberry mid-palate and hints of violet. Silky tannins and French oak nuances convey a delicious cigar box and toasty cedar finish.
