Malbecs Perfect Terroir: Argentina

Malbec, also known as Côt Noir or Auxerrois (not to be confused with Auxerrois Blanc) in Cahor, France, has found its perfect terroir – not in France, however, but rather in Argentina. What was originally planted in the Bordeaux and Cahor regions of France, Malbec was gradually replaced by Cabernet Sauvignon. Although Malbec is still found in Cahor, very little is in Bordeaux. Most Malbec is found in Argentina, which was brought into the country from France and Northern Italy, by European immigrants, before phylloxera wiped out most of Europe’s vineyards in the late 19th century. Argentine’s soil, climate and dedicated passion of the regions wine growers and wine makers have come together wholly to create a haven for the Malbec varietal, also know as, the Boom Varietal.

Boom Varietal: the Rise of Argentine Malbec is a documentary film based on the progressing popularity and quality of Argentine Malbecs. Produced by Southern Wine Group, together with Rage Productions, Boom Varietal gives an in-depth look at some of Argentina’s past and present vineyards and wineries that are known for the production of Malbec. With a history of how Malbec came to be the booming varietal of Argentina, a closer look is given to the trials, tribulations and passions of the people involved and dedicated to producing a varietal that has adapted beautifully to the terroir of Mendoza and surrounding Argentina regions. The documentary is not only entertaining and educational, but it’s culturally inspiring and motivates viewers to experience and savor the unique characteristics of Malbec: violets, dark fruits, dust, earth and spice.

Southern Wine Group is an importer and producer of wines from Latin America and Oregon. In addition to importing several different brands from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Baja California, Southern Wine Group owns and operates Bodega Calle winery in Mendoza, Argentina. Headquartered in Bend, Oregon, Southern Wine Group’s founder/President, Kirk Ermisch, under the label Ermisch Family Cellars, contracted Willamette Valley winemaker Robert Brittan to make an incredible Oregon Pinot Noir named, Erendira. I reviewed and loved the 2010 Ermisch Family Cellars Erendira.

As impressed as I was with the Erendira, and with the documentary, Boom Varietal, I was elated to have a chance to sample Southern Wine Group’s Bodega Calle Ca’ de Calle Red Blend, Bodega Calle Alberti 154 Malbec ’10, Bodega Calle Alberti 154 Torrontes ’10; along with, Carlos Basso Viña Amalia Reserva Malbec ’10 and Durigutti Bonarda ’08.

Join me again, tomorrow, for full reviews of each of the Argentine wines that I sampled from Southern Wine Group – which are high quality beauties, each under $20 dollars. Until tomorrow, cheers.