Malbec
Argentina's star grape and a Bordeaux blending partner: plush and inky, with plum and blackberry. It grows well in Washington, southern Oregon, California and Virginia.
Malbec comes from Cahors in southwest France, where it's called Côt. It was once a minor blending grape in Bordeaux, but it found worldwide fame in Argentina's high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. American winemakers grow it both as a plush single-variety wine and as one of the five classic Bordeaux blending grapes.
What It Tastes Like
Malbec is deeply colored and fruit-forward, with plum, blackberry and black cherry, plus violets, cocoa and a little tobacco. Tannins are soft and the texture plush, which makes it easy to enjoy young. Cooler sites give more acidity and floral notes.
Where It Grows
Washington's Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley make excellent Malbec, as do southern Oregon's Rogue and Umpqua valleys. California grows it in Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles, mostly for Bordeaux blends. Virginia, Texas and Idaho have notable plantings too.
What to Look For
Where to Find Malbec
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Malbec is grown or poured: