Malbec World Day

Malbec is a type of red wine made famous by Argentina, though it originated in France. The Malbec grape is used in making red wine. It is an inky purple, thick-skinned grape that originated in France. However, a French viticulturist and ampelographer claim that the original name of the grape was ‘Cot’ and that it haled from northern Burgundy. Malbec creates such an intense, dark red wine that it is sometimes blended with wines such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Though Malbec originated in France, it experienced a decline in popularity in its home country, especially after a frost occurred in 1956, destroying 75% of the Malbec vineyards. Now Malbec is more prominent in Argentina, becoming an emblem of the nation’s wine industry, where it established a strong foothold during the twentieth century. Today, over 75% of all Malbec grapes are grown in Argentina and Malbec wine has gained popularity not just in Argentina but in countries all over the world. In 2011, the fifth largest wine producer in the world, called Wines of Argentina, established April 17 as Malbec World Day.

MALBEC WORLD DAY TIMELINE

~ 1853 – Malbec Grave enters Argentina and the Malbec grapes are introduced into Argentina.

~ 1956 – Over 75% of Malbec vineyards in France are wiped out because of frost.

~ 1990’s – Over 10,000 acres of Malbec grapes are planted in Argentina

~ 2011 World Malbec Day is created by Wines of Argentina on April 17

Malbecs are usually a smooth, fruit forward red, that go very well with steaks in particular, another thing Argentina is famous for, as well as all other red meats.

April 17 was declared Malbec World Day or Dia Mundial del Malbec, by Argentina in 2011. Malbec World Day or Dia Mundial del Malbec is observed every year on April 17 to commemorate the day the first agronomy school was founded in Argentina for the study of European grapes, including the Malbec grape. This took place on April 17, 1853, the same year that Argentina’s president, Domingo Faustino Sarmiento, asked a French soil expert to bring new grape varietals to his country.  Malbec got its name from a Hungarian peasant with the last name of Malbec or Malbeck who spread the grape all over France. While Malbec is predominantly known as a red wine, there is a popular rosé variety, which is also a crisp, fresh, and floral in flavor.

Some Fun Facts About Wines and Grapes

~Did you know that depending on the type of grape, it takes between 400-800 grapes to produce 1 bottle of wine?

~A cluster of grapes is somewhere between 70-100 grapes.

~Grapes are some of the oldest foods and fruits in the world, dating back about 65,000 years.

~There are over 8,000 different types of grapes and grape varietals, mostly coming from the Americas and Europe, though grapes are now found all over the world.

~The grape skin naturally produces yeast.

~ Grapes are high in vitamin C.

Is it just me or do these grapes remind you of blueberries? Maybe that’s why a good Malbec is so fruit forward.

I love Malbecs. Malbecs and Pinot Noirs are my favorite red wines. So I am a couple of days late celebrating. Better late than never though, right?!

There is nothing wrong with enjoying the nectars of the gods, as long as it in moderation. Trust me, I pay homage with a little bit everyday. 🙂

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.