Malbec is a black-skinned grape variety native to south-western France (specifically the area around Cahors), but now better known as the iconic wine grape of Argentina. Through its success in the vineyards of Mendoza, in a few short decades Malbec has shot from relative obscurity to international fame, simultaneously bringing new-found attention and respect to Argentina as a wine-producing nation. Malbec typically ripens midway through the growing season and produces small, intensely colored grapes. As it is so sensitive to its growing environment, the level of ripeness has a considerable effect on the structure of the eventual wine. Broadly speaking, French Malbec tends to be more meaty, rustic and tannic, while examples from Argentina seem to be uniformly rich, ripe, jammy and juicy. On both sides of the Atlantic, Malbec wines are generally aged in oak to enhance the wine’s structure and aging potential.   Chateau Vincens Cahors MalbecSouthwest France2 x 75cl BottlesPlum, tangy blackberry and savoury spice aromas are matched to dusty tannins and firm acidity in this medium-bodied red. Dark currant and dried floral accents linger on the finish.                                                                 Santuario Malbec Mendoza, Argentina2 x 75cl BottlesIn Argentina the Malbec grape is the vinous equivalent of Messi or Maradona. Santuario pays tribute to this Argentinean wine obsession. This wine over delivers on every front showing why Argentina leads the world in quality Malbec. Santuario is a classic Malbec at an affordable price. Plum, blueberry and blackcurrant with plenty of complexity and a harmonious finish.   Piedra Negra Malbec Menzoda Malbec 2 x 75cl BottlesChief Winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia, said: “this is a project very close to my heart and I have a lot of faith in the potential of quality organic wines from Argentina.” Earlier this year, the company extended its range with the launch of a ‘pioneering’ organic single vineyard Malbec.   Catena Malbec - 93 Points James Suckling, 91 Points The Wine Advocate, 91 Points Tim AtkinMendoza, ArgentinaRRP: €20 per bottle2 x 75cl bottlesAccording to Jancis Robinson, Nicolás Catena Zapata is the man credited with putting Argentine Malbec on the global wine map. Founded in 1902, Argentina’s Bodega Catena Zapata is known for its pioneering role in resurrecting Malbec and in discovering extreme high altitude terroirs in the Andean foothills of Mendoza. The Catena wines are a special blend of vineyards at the higher altitude. The wine is made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. This wine is made from fruit sourced from four different vineyards. The grapes are divided into lots that are harvested at different times. All the vineyards are found at high altitudes: Alamos Malbec  2 x 75cl Bottles                                                Mendoza, Argentina                                                                                      *** Silver Medal at Mundus Vini *** *** Bronze Medal at International Wine Challenge *** The Alamos Malbec presents a deep, opaque violet colour with purple hues. The nose is intense and complex, with ripe black, fruits, sweet spice and a touch of violets. The mouthfeel is sweet and supple, with black cherry and cassis flavours mingled with spicy black pepper and a touch of leather. The finish is long and persistent with soft, sweet tannins.   Mont Rocher MalbecLanguedoc, France 2 x 75cl Bottles Deep in colour with ripe plum, blackberries and cherries on the nose. This is rich and rounded wine with perfectly balanced tannins. The long finish is smooth and succulent.   Total RRP: €225.00 Mixed Case Price: €185.00  Save €40.00 on this case!   *From time to time vintages/wines may become unavailable, it is rare but in this instance we will replace the wine with a similar wine of equal or greater value.