Malbec is a traveling grape variety. Of ancient origin, particularly developed in the Cahors region of south-western France, it has long been the star grape of the Bordeaux region. But it was in Argentina that it was most widely deployed, where it established its credentials. Finally, it gradually came back into fashion in France, and can now be found blended in some very fine Corbières cuvées, such as “Versant Malbec”, the iconic wine from Vignobles Foncalieu.
Malbec is a bright red grape capable of producing powerful, rich wines. It gives the wine bright colors and aromas as rich as its tannins. It is a typical and symbolic grape variety of south-western France.
Highly reactive to climate, Malbec has shown itself to be particularly expressive in Argentina’s warm, sunny Mendoza regions. On this terroir, it develops a beautiful concentration of ripe fruit, with notes of black cherry, plum and sometimes fig. This aromatic power has made it Argentina’s iconic grape variety.
In cooler regions, such as Occitanie in France, the grape variety expresses greater aromatic complexity. It can produce more structured wines, with a palette combining black fruits and spices, but with greater acidity and tighter tannins.
In the past, Cahors wines have been criticized for their poorly mastered power, but with the passage of time and the training of winemakers, this grape variety has been better understood, and the French terroir now has an additional asset with which to build exceptional wines.
Take Versant Malbec, the signature Malbec cuvée from the Foncalieu vineyards. Paired with red meat, Versant Malbec is a real treat. It’s also great with meats in sauce, such as daubes (boeuf Bourguignon, game). If you’re still a fan of the cheese-red wine pairing, then Versant Malbec will seduce you with a Rocamadour or Cabécous.
Versant Malbec is a wine of profound aromatic complexity, with intense scents of ripe black fruits: blackcurrant, blackberry, and perhaps even a hint of black plum. Subtle touches of spice and licorice add depth. When it hits the palate, it asserts itself with roundness and fullness. The tannin is structured yet delicate, creating a beautiful harmony with the acidity that gives it a pleasant freshness.
Versant Malbec is particularly gourmet, with a lingering finish that invites you to take another sip. This is the kind of wine that goes perfectly with grilled meats, mature cheeses or even prime rib.
In short, to taste this wine is to treat yourself to a sensory experience that blends tradition and modernity, transporting you into the world of Malbec with elegance. Why not make every tasting a special moment?
If you’ve enjoyed the Versant, then you might like to try an additional Malbec tasting, such as the Ensédune Malbec from our vineyards.
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