South African Malbec

It is always interesting to know how malbec is doing in some other places. Now, with the World Cup around the corner, is time to go to South Africa and learn a little bit about our favorite grape:

"... Traditionally, Malbec is used in Bordeaux blends to give the wine extra colour and density. It was introduced to South Africa in the 1920's and planted mainly in the Paarl and Stellenbosch regions. It thrives on the rich soils and warm climate offered in these areas, and produces wines that are considered rustic, with juicy flavours of plums, raspberry and mulberry fruit..."

The rustic part has to do more with Cahors in France, than Argentinian malbec. It might have to do with the type of climate, similar to the Southwest of France, warm but more humid than in Mendoza, Salta, San Juan or Patagonia, where the weather is much drier. This winery is located close to Cape Town, in the southwestern portion of South Africa.

"... Since its launch last year this fine example of Malbec is in huge demand and not surprisingly so. The wine has a velvety colour with a bouquet releasing abundant floral fragrances of violets and hints of spice. The palate is full bodied with ripe plum and blackcurrent flavours backed up by subtle tannins.
We enjoyed the wine with pastries filled with slow-cooked venison. The richness of the food was balanced beautifully by the silky fullness of the wine."

The wine is Neethlingshof Malbec 2008. 
Link to the winery here.

Link to the original story here.