MARTA'S VINEYARD 2011 RESERVE MALBEC
MENDOZZA, ARGENTINA
By: Ed "The Wine Guy"
The Malbec grape originated in France, as most grape varietals did. For this, we owe France a huge debt of gratitude. In France it was, and still is, a blending grape in the region of Bordeaux. Over the years, other countries have taken the original varietals from France and produced quite a different taste than was possible or even desirable in France: Cabernet Sauvignon in California; Merlot in Columbia Valley, Washington State; Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand; Malbec in Argentina, to name just a few. The difference of taste is due to terroir: the environmental conditions, especially soil and climate, in which grapes are grown and that give a wine its unique flavor and aroma. Malbec found a home in the Mendoza region of Argentina (the USA cultivates 3, 400 acres of Malbec; Argentina 76, 700). It is in Argentina that it reaches its full potential. As all good Malbecs have, Marta's Vineyard Reserve 2011 has bold flavors and richness, exhibiting aromas and flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry, with hints of chocolate, leather, spice, and smoke.