Malbec from France? Well, actually Malbec originates from France (not from Argentina as many think) and has traditionally been blended with other varietals. Recently, it seems as though I have been seeing a few 100% Malbec wines from France on the shelves of local wine stores. Over the weekend I uncorked a bottle of Rigal ”The Original” Malbec 2010. After the first sip, I realized that it was remarkably different from most of the Argentinean Malbec I have tried.
The wine is much lighter and more elegant than the Malbec generally produced in Argentina. An overall earthy palate with tastes of raspberries, strawberries, plums, and a hint of spice. A straight-forward, easy sipping wine. I would suggest chilling slightly before pouring and keeping an open mind because this is not the Malbec you were probably expecting! (B-, $10, 13%)
