Published at 11:10, Thursday, 06 October 2011

IN my latest viticultural take on the Rugby World Cup, it’s pleasing to see both that Argentina has put some real beef into the tournament and that its wines have achieved major success in one of the world’s major wine competitions.

MALBECL: Rich, brambly

The South Americans have scooped no fewer than six international trophies in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2011.

No longer one of the wine world’s best-kept secrets, the Argentineans have made great strides for a long time and deserve a reputation alongside Chile for producing reds and whites that are not only stunning but offer great value for their own individuality.

“In its evolution as a wine-producing country Argentina is at the point where anything seems possible,” said one of the Decanter award judges. Pretty much the pinnacle of praise for a nation which produces wine at altitude – and I’d add some of the heavyweights with attitude.

Perhaps it is best known for its reds, notably Malbec from the Mendoza region. This grape’s origin is Southern France where it makes the inky black wine of Cahors.

But Argentina is rapidly making Malbec a treasure of its own. Malbec’s darkness disguises its smoothness, there’s weight with rich brambly flavours and a pretty long, lingering finish with those meaty bonfire-type aromas!

And if beef is the staple diet of Argentina then Malbec is just the job to accompany a juicy steak.

A food and wine match made in heaven? Maybe so depending on the diet – just look out for Malbec on the label, and Bonarda, too, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Agento is a very reputable brand on the shelves.

When it comes to the whites, South America also has near-perfect growing conditions for Chardonnay and Viognier to give the Aussies, French and Kiwis a run for their money.

So while the Pumas may reach the end of their Rugby World Cup pampas this weekend (they face the All Blacks), their wines have an ever-increasing allure.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk