Vine & Cheese

Hey Folks,

Massimo Malbec is probably one of the best values in red wine that I have tasted recently. The name means "massive" as you might expect and I am here to tell you that it is. It is not especially tannic but it is really slow to open up, so get out your aerators! Here is a paragraph on Malbec followed by one on this wine in particular.

Argentine Malbec, like most other fine new world wines on the market, originally had its home in France. It is part of the supporting cast in the red Bordeaux blend but has recently become best known as the principle grape of Cahor. This is all anecdotal though because the finest Malbec comes from Argentina where its acclaim is without question. It is one of the great wines of the world and has become the hottest selling varietal worldwide currently because of its popular pricing. Typically Argentine Malbec displays black currant, damson, and spice in its flavor profile and finds its finest terroir in Mendoza, the undisputed capitol of fine wine production in Argentina.

Massimo is a product of DFV wines of California which probably deserves an article itself because of the fine quality of their wine portfolio. Massimo is made at O. Fournier, a state of the art modern facility in Valle de Uco, Mendoza, under the guidance of winemaker Gale Sysock of DFV in cooperation with Julia Holupczak of O. Fournier. The winery is 100% gravity flow at a 4000ft elevation. The altitude mitigates the heat and allows for a longer ripening season.

The 2009 vintage is the first release of this label and displays dark garnet color with purple edges. The taste is blueberry and plum with violet and spice and an appropriately long finish. The grape composition is 95% Malbec and 5% Tempranillo. Enjoy this wine with steaks and other hearty red meats. The price is $10.99/btl so jump on it, folks!

Don