Whats to explain the sudden interest in Malbec wines from Argentina and Chile?
They’ve been around for a while, but are just now starting to hit the mainstream in the U.S. Sudden is a relative term. Wines made with the Malbec grape have been regulars on the shelves of the better, more eclectic wine shops for many years, but now a convergence of factors have raised its profile in the U.S. dramatically. As the euro pulls ahead of the dollar, European wines become more expensive. Wines from South America, where currency compares more favorably to the beleaguered dollar, have emerged as a shining value. In Argentina especially, the higher demand from U.S. consumers has sparked greater investment in both production and marketing, setting up the classic self-fulfilling prophecy. “The $7 or $8 Malbec is replacing the Cotes du Rhone or Chianti you were drinking five years ago,” says Smith at Cork & Bottle. Of course, all this would amount to little more than a warehouse of Boone’s Farm if it weren’t for the fact that Malbecs can be excellent, versatile wines. Dear Deep C
