Uncorked

Although malbec has been grown for centuries in France, it has little presence there these days. Malbec was viewed as a blending grape, an important part of the six wines that comprise red Bordeaux. It is still occasionally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley.

Once malbec migrated to the dry foothills of Argentina's Andes, the variety came into its own, yielding wines with deep purple colours and fat, dense, ripe fruit. The significant daily temperature variations in Argentina's Mendoza region allow the variety to ripen well and at the same time retain a refreshing acidity. Malbec is comparable to shiraz but with shockingly dry tannins, so is best served with food.

Drop of the week:

Bodega Mendel Unus 2006, Mendoza

Roberto de la Mota is one of Argentina's winemaking superstars, best known for his former involvement in Cheval des Andes, the collaboration between Bodegas Terrazas de los Andes and Bordeaux's Chateau Cheval-Blanc. Bodega Mendel is his joint venture with the Sielecki family. Undaunted by a car accident in 2007 that left him in a wheelchair, de la Mota's deft touch is evident in this elegant wine.

Intense black, dark berry and black cherry fruit with green-leafy hints. Full range of fine, ripe, mouth-coating tannins, evidence of smart winemaking and a portion of cabernet sauvignon in the blend. Excellent fruit concentration, weight and balance with exceptional length.