Malbec, Salta

The Malbec grape is native to the south-western area of France, in particular from Cahors. Known in antiquity as Cot or Noir de Pressac, it later takes its name from the winemaker Malbeck who spread it widely. From the DNA analysis it seems that it derives from the spontaneous crossing between Prunelard and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, an old French variety, also ancestor of Merlot.

The Malbec grape was introduced in Argentina towards the middle of the 19th century, where it found ideal conditions to express itself on interesting qualitative levels. In particular, the cultivation at high altitudes has brought to light a profile of greater finesse, with more elegant tannins and great aromatic concentration. Today in Argentina it is cultivated on over 26,000 hectares and is the most widespread red grape variety of all, while in France there are only about 1,000 hectares left, cultivated in the Medoc area, where it is used in a small percentage in Bordeaux blends.

It is a plant that produces quite large clusters, with berries with a dark blue, almost black skin. The wine has an intense ruby red color. The nose expresses a bouquet with notes of plum, red fruit and slightly vegetable scents. The taste is rich, warm with an important tannic texture and moderate freshness.

Located in the northernmost part of Argentina, the Salta region includes extreme vineyards both in latitude, close to that of the Equator, and in altitude, reaching up to 3,000 meters above sea level. The high temperatures typical of these geographical coordinates meet the colder ones due to the considerable height, generating an ideal climate for quality viticulture. The mountain ranges hinder the passage of heavy rain clouds resulting in clear skies and low rainfall, but also provide the necessary irrigation through melt water from the snow-capped peaks. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Tannat are the most important red berried varieties of the region, while Chardonnay and Torrontés stand out among the white berried varieties. Salta's main wine areas are Cafayate and the Molinos vineyards. Cafayate, in particular, is rapidly gaining an international reputation for the high quality of the wines produced there, as well as for the peculiarities of its terroir.