A good Argentinian malbec

When it comes to finding a wine to partner a big juicy steak, then malbec is your man. Only metaphorically of course, as malbec is a variety of grape and grapes do not have a gender.

Having said that, malbec is quite a masculine grape, as it tends to make for bold and muscular wines, with plenty of body. Yet it has a feminine side too, with notes of violet being a common floral characteristic.

Syrah is better in my book though, I think it is a more complex variety and just as good with beef. I am always happy with a good Argentinian malbec however and come to think, I am not opposed to Lemmy’s dulcet tones either.

The Co-ooperative Truly Irresistible Malbec 2014 from the Famatina Valley, is a ripe and juicy, almost jammy, example that doesn’t cost the earth. It is textured stuff, packed with flavours of cassis, brambles, vanilla, violets, spice and subtle hints of oak. All that sweet-edged fruitiness will partner spicy dishes, such as a steaming bowl of chilli beef.

If you have a tenner to spend on a bottle of red then you could do far worse than Trapiche Estacion 1883 Malbec 2011. Bold and full bodied, with a silky mouth-feel, it delivers plenty of forward fruit flavours, brambles, bilberry and raspberry, with violet and spicy after notes.

Or splash out on Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2012. It’s from the Viña Montes stable, more famous for its wines from the other side of the Andes.

The Ultra label malbec delivers flavours of Morello cherry and cassis, with vanilla, coffee and dark chocolate, held together by firm tannins. It’s good to drink now but will become a more rounded wine if carefully cellared.

The Co-operative Truly Irresistible Fairtrade Malbec 2014, Famatina Valley, £8.49 at The Co-operative 18/20
Trapiche Estacion 1883 Malbec 2011, Mendoza, £9.96 from Winedirect.co.uk 18/20
Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2012, Mendoza, around £14 from bcfw.co.uk and corkingwines.co.uk 18/20