Did you know that this Sunday (April 17) is Malbec World Day?
It may have started off as a marketing event by the Argentinian wine industry, but it’s a great excuse, we say, to reacquaint ourselves with this ever-popular and very drinkable red wine.
Although it has its origins in France, Malbec has flourished in Argentina where the grape variety was first taken in the mid 1800s. And while countries in both North and South America, New Zealand and South Africa are among those who have planted the grape variety, Argentina is now the best-known producer.
The inaugural Malbec World Day was in 2011 and the close ties between Argentina and Malbec has grown from strength-to-strength ever since.
If you’ve not familiar with Malbec what can you expect? It has been described by many as fruity with the flavours of damsons, plum and blackberries, and with a subtle pepper spice. It goes well with meat as well as tomato-based dishes.
Of course Chester has a brilliant range of wine bars, pubs and restaurants that offer Malbec. We asked those in the know about the Malbec they’d recommend to their customers and this is what they said…
Artezzan
CHRIS HOLLAND is a bar specialist at this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar. He recommends the *Cahors Malbec Chateau Labrande.
Chris says: “As Argentina is rightly placed on the top table regarding Malbec it’s often overlooked that historically Malbec is an indigenous French grape variety.
“Cahors is one of very few places in central Europe that really encapsulates a fantastic expression of what the Malbec has to offer. It is one of the oldest wine regions in Europe and vines have been planted here since Roman times.
“It has intense flavours of raspberry, blackcurrant and blackberry with a full fruity palate and soft tannins that give a velvety smooth finish,” he adds.
*Cahors Malbec Chateau Labrande is available at Artezzan by the glass and by the bottle:
175ml: £8
250ml: £10.50
Bottle: £30
Find them:
Artezzan
2 St John’s Court
Vicar’s Lane
CH1 1QE
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
Chez Jules
It stands to reason that this extremely popular, independent French restaurant should know a thing or two about Malbec. It’s also no surprise that ANDRE at Chez Jules recommends a bottle from Cahors, in the South of France.
“Chateau Pineraie Tradition is the orginal Malbec”, says Andre.
“It has Intense cherry fruit, blackcurrant and lots of spicy oak. Characterful and complex with a moreish balance of attractive chalky tannins and acidity.”
It is ideal with red meats, game and mature hard cheeses, he adds.
*Chateau Pineraie Tradition is £29.95 a bottle.
They also offer an Argentinian Malbec: Nieto Don Nicanor Malbec from Mendoza at £33.95 a bottle, as well as La Vigne Malbec from Languedoc, France at £21.95 a bottle. La Vigne is also available by the glass:
125ml: £4.15
175ml: £5.85
250ml: £7.85
375ml:£12.15
Find them:
Chez Jules
71 Northgate Street
CH1 2HQ
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
You can also enjoy a glass (or two) of Malbec in Chester at these great places…
Paysan
Paysan is well-known for its great range of wine from all over the world. You can enjoy a glass or two of whatever takes your fancy while keeping the hunger pangs at bay with a cheese or charcuterie board.
Wines, beers, coffees, cheeseboards and snacks are always available, while hot food options are served Thursday to Sunday from 1pm.
They’re open from 1pm today, Good Friday, and Easter Monday. For all other opening times, take a look at their website. They don’t take bookings so you can just walk in off the street.
Find them:
61 Bridge Street Row
CH1 1NW
Popcorn
Popcorn offers Paz Malbec, which has been described as rich and intense with notes of vanilla, oak and chocolate.
It’s a perfect fit for the Popcorn mission to bring fun, friendship, harmony and peace to the people of Chester (and beyond).
Paz is available by the glass or bottle:
175ml: £5.50
250ml: £7.80
Bottle: £27.50
Pop in on Sunday evening and you can enjoy a glass while taking part in an Easter Sunday quiz! The fun starts at 7pm!
Find them:
1 St John St
CH1 1DA
Assembly
France is the country of choice at Assembly, where they offer Terre Rouges Malbec Chateau de Cedre 2018, from Cahors. They describe this organic wine as having ripe, dark fruits with great balance.
Go for breakfast, brunch and barista coffee in the day and return for evening drinks and tapas washed down with a glass of organic wine, a cocktail or a beer.
Terre Rouges Malbec Chateau de Cedre 2018 is available by the bottle for £33 and also by the glass:
125ml: £8
175ml: £10
250ml: £12
Find them:
55 Watergate Street
CH1 2LB
Palm Cocktail Bar & Eatery
It’s Argentina all the way for this unmissable pink bar that lights up Watergate Street.
On the drinks menu is Osado Malbec, described as a light and fruity red that explores flavours of blackberry, cocoa, red plum and vanilla. It costs £16.95 a bottle and comes by the glass, too:
175ml: £4.95
250ml: £ 5.95
Palm offers cocktails galore as well as wines, beers and spirit. If you can’t make it in the evening, stop by for a bottomless brunch, an afternoon tea or even just coffee and cake.
Find them:
31 Watergate St
CH1 2LB
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
Vin Santo
This wine bar and wine shop is housed in the city centre’s historic 13th century crypted cellars.
The wine bar is open from noon throughout the week. They offer a carefully curated selection of wines from around the world which changes weekly.
Find them:
21 Watergate Street
CH1 2LB
Bar Lounge
You can definitely eat, drink and be merry at Bar Lounge where there are bites, boards, Sicilian-style pizzas and a huge range of drinks to choose from – including Malbec from Argentina – to be enjoyed either inside the restaurant or out on the terrace.
On the drinks menu is Mi Terruño, Expresión Malbec from Mendoza, at £33 a bottle. You can also buy it by the glass at £8.75 for 175ml.
Find them:
75 Watergate St
CH1 2LB
🔵CHESTER GIFT CARD ACCEPTED HERE
* To find out more about Malbec World Day visit https://malbecworldday.com/
** Looking for an Easter gift? We’ve had a look at the toys and treats everyone will adore, or if it’s chocolate you’re after, have a look at these…
Happy Easter everyone!
