Trapiche, Pure Malbec 2013, Argentina
This review is written just in time: April 17th 2014 is ‘World Malbec Day’. Yes, I know it’s another of the faintly ridiculous celebration days that have sprung up as a means of marketing all sorts of things, but who am I to spoil the fun? This Malbec comes from Mendoza, undoubtedly a global hotspot for the variety, and the ‘Pure’ in the name refers to the fact that it is unoaked. The nose has a pleasing lift and brightness, with ashy and floral aspects and a touch of pepper over lively cherry and black berry fruit. On the palate the absence of smoothing oak is felt not just in the freshness of the fruit, but in a fairly strident backbone of tannin and acidity that means this really is a food wine. The grip and exposed structure of the wine would support the juiciness of the fruit nicely if matched to a good steak. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas. £8.99, The Co-operative.
