Malbec is native to Cahors in France where it is often known as Auxerrois or Côt Noir. AOC regulations stipulate that 70% of a Cahors wine must be Malbec - giving the wines their dark colour and depth.

In some ways Malbec tasting is a tale of two worlds - the old and the new. Argentinian and French expressions are interesting, distinctive and yet still unmistakably Malbecs.

Generally wines from Argentina are fruitier and those from France are drier, more tannin-rich and complex. But that’s an over-simplistic view. As always with wine, the characteristics depend on factors including climate, soil, altitude, cultivation and the techniques of the winemaker.

Pour a glass of Malbec and you will notice its deep purplish colour. Tilt the glass and reveal a magenta rim. On the nose you will get a hit of ripe fruit and berries, perhaps with subtle notes of chocolate.

The basic palette is ripe fruits and a velvety texture without much aggressive acidity or tannins. From there, there are endless possibilities. Blending wines from different altitudes and using different fermentation and maturation processes all go towards the winemaker’s vision and preferred balance of fruit, acidity and tannins.