Malbec [mahl-BEHK]
A French red-wine grape grown in Bordeaux, in parts of the Loire valley, and in Cahors. In Bordeaux, where Malbec is called Cot or Pressac, it plays a subordinate role to and is usually blended with Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. In the Loire Valley, Malbec again plays a lesser role because it’s blended with Gamay and Cabernet Franc. However, in Cahors, where dark-colored, full-flavored, tannic wines are produced, Malbec is the prominent variety, usually blended with small amounts of Merlot and Tannat. In Cahors, Malbec is called Auxerrois, which causes some confusion because it’s unrelated to an entirely different variety—Auxerrois Blanc. Malbec is widely planted in Argentina, where it is sometimes called Fer, and Chile but has only modest acreage in Australia and the United States.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.