Malbec World Day
Malbec World Day Saturday 17th April!
In preparation for Malbec World Day (yes it's that way round!) this weekend, we thought we'd tell you a little bit about why this grape variety has become so very popular and why it is celebrated on the 17th April.
Malbec is a red grape variety originally from the Southwest of France. In this area it was formerly called Cot, amongst other names, but now it is most commonly called Malbec. It is used in the Cahors and Loire regions as a varietal and in the Bordeaux area as a component of blends.
Malbec arrived in Argentina in 1853 in the hands of Michel Aimé Pouget (1821-1875), a French agronomist (an expert in the science of soil management and crop production) who was commissioned by Argentine journalist, politician and statesman, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento to carry out the management of the Agricultural Quinta de Mendoza. Modelled on France, the initiative proposed adding new grape varieties as a means to enhancing the national wine industry.
On 17th April, 1853 the first agricultural school in Argentina was founded, in the hopes of adapting French grapes to the soils of Mendoza. This date is a symbol of the transformation of Argentina's wine industry and the starting point for the development of Malbec, now an emblem for Argentina worldwide.
But back to the name.... The name "Malbec World Day" translates from the Spanish "Día Mundial del Malbec," meaning "Malbec throughout the world". The name stuck and continues to confuse English speakers to this day, as most refer to it "World Malbec Day" or "Malbec Mondo" for those who like the alliteration.
Today over 75% of all Malbec grapes are grown in Argentina!
Below I have created a lovely mixed box of Malbecs to wet your appetite. So let's raise a glass or two this weekend in celebration of an exceptional wine with a great success story!
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