Wine 101

What is Malbec and why is it so hot?

So in case you haven't heard, Malbec is the hottest wine around right now. While wine imports from other countries are declining as we weather the recession, Malbec imports from Argentina are on the rise. Why? Well, for one thing, it's new, and even wine lovers get tired of the same old, same old. For another, Malbec is an incredible value. You can spend $10-15 on a bottle that tastes like it cost two or three times that.

Malbec is actually not a new grape; it's just newish to the American palate. Originally a French grape grown in Bordeaux, the Loire, and Cahors, Malbec found its spiritual home in Argentina, where it makes dark, rich, fruity red wines with a hint of spice and chocolate. It's got all the best features of Cabernet Sauvignon--heft, balance, and longevity--and of Zinfandel--sweet spice and soft fruit--all rolled into one.

Oh, and did I mention that Malbecs are incredibly food-friendly? Argentines are famous for their barbeques, so you can't go wrong serving Malbec with a big chunk o' meat. It's also great with pizza, grilled steak salad, beef empanadas, or a hearty vegetarian dish like mushroom risotto.