LOVING MALBEC OVER CABERNET OR SHIRAZ
Wine drinkers follow fashion trends like everyone else. We love something for a period, then drop it for a new love. I guess it’s human nature to enjoy change ““ but “˜how much’ change do we want? My observation is “˜very little’, at least in wine. We are more into the notion of change, so we’re not seen to be stick-in-the-muds.
Argentina Malbec is the most recent fashion in red wine. Even my brother drinks it. Won’t touch another red. “Sorry, but I only enjoy Malbec.” He’s not alone judging by the number of people I hear diss Cabernet or Shiraz in favour of Malbec. So what is it that draws them to Malbec ““ why is it so popular? Trendiness is the only explanation I can offer as there is little or no difference between Malbec and the has-been gang of Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet. We’re still drinking the same-old-favourite, but with a new name.
Pascual’s wine has the density and heft of Cabernet, the fullness of Merlot, along with some of the spicy sweetness/smoothness that drew people to Shiraz. So, the same popular characteristics ““ but with a different name. I hear that the next fashion in red is blends. A return not only to Cabernet and Shiraz, but Merlot. And how will it taste? A lot like Malbec, of course.
PASCUAL TOSO 14 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina 35170 $13.95
