What are you doing for Malbec Day?
And the Mystery of Macabeo
April 17 is International Malbec Day
This variety is grown all around the world. It is from France originally but its stronghold these days is Argentina. In Australia Malbec has grown in favour rapidly over the past few decades.
Many varieties have a day when they are celebrated, but Malbec seems to appeal to more.
And what is the best way to celebrate it? With a bottle and a few friends. You can forget the many cares of the world.
For the past few years a group of well credentialled winelovers have been meeting for a convivial session over Zoom. Subscribers are free to join us.
We usually meet for about an hour and each of us has a glass of something to sip and discuss. This month most of us will have a glass of Malbec.
I will have a glass of 2021 St Ignatius Unconquered Malbec. This wine is made by Argentinian-born Enrique Diaz. The St Ignatius vineyard is at Lamplough, just south of Avoca in the Pyrenees district of Western Victoria. Enrique also makes Torrontes, the signature white wine variety of Argentina.
So join our online session.
Login by following the link below at 5pm on Thursday 17 April.
Meeting ID: 894 2449 9103
Passcode: 343120
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89424499103?pwd=SWdaOUsvTmpNSjRFY244bkpCUk14dz09
Why not invite a friend along by sharing this post.
The Mystery of Macabeo
This is the most popular white wine varieties of Spain if you discount Arien which is used manly for distilling. But why is it absent and unknown in Australia?
In fact, this variety is rarely seen outside Spain and the Roussillon Region of Southern France. But it seems a good fit for many Australian regions. It is late budding and therefore less in danger of frost and late ripening, suitable for warmer inland regions.
I know of only a couple of Australian producers, Bassham in Riverland and urban winery Susuro in Melbourne. Do you know of any more?
Current offer from our online wine shop partner
New wave alternative cases are selling fast but still available. You can get red, white or mixed cases to really expand the range of varieties of your cellar. All at very reasonable prices, different winemakers, different regions different varieties.
