Choice of great Malbec from South America

Aug 29 2008 The Journal

AN ever-increasing choice of great Malbec from Argentina and a few tasty bottles from Chile helps to compensate for the dearth of fine Cahors on the wine shelves.

Not for the first time, Majestic and Oddbins fight for the honours of boasting the most tempting range. There are gallons of inexpensive Malbec to enjoy. My favourites include Argento 2007 (£5.99 in Majestic) and even better, Norton 2007 (£5.29 from Oddbins). Both have a great depth of juicy damson fruit. (Damson is the typical flavour of Argentinian Malbec – that from Cahors is more often like sweet plum and bramble with less slightly sour damson acidity).

Their pink is Malbec too – a straight choice between Otra Vida Malbec Rosé (£4.19 in Oddbins) and Tierra Brisa Rosé 2007 (£4.79 in Majestic, but buy two and save £1).

Then there are the more “serious” bottles. I very much like Catena 2006 (£10.99 from Majestic), but their quality level is consistently high around this price. But don't be confused by Château Malbec 2004 (£8.99 from Oddbins). This is an honest bottle of red Bordeaux – with not a drop of Malbec in the blend!