How many red wine varietals do you know? ( By the way, for the people who lack wine vocab. - Varietal refers to a wine made from a single grape). I am guessing the average "Joe" who drinks the same wine all the time only knows maybe four. If you do know more than the common four, high five to you! Let me enlighten you: the common four red wines are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Shiraz (aka Syrah only in the states, but we'll get to this in another post!) So there you have the common reds. All wines with their own redeeming qualities, but there's so much more in the world of red wine! Here are a few others you may or may not know:

Chianti (Italy)

Burgundy (France)

Zinfandel (California)

Sangiovese (Italy)

Petite Sirah (California) - no, there isn't a GRAND Sirah

Cabernet Franc (France, Canada, Italy, Spain)

Gamay Noir (France)

Malbec (Argentina)

Those are just to name a few. Now let me get to the real point of this post. MALBEC! Malbec is a black grape variety originally from France in the Loire Valley. The grape has moved on to regions such as the Province of Mendoza in Argentina. Malbec has become Argentina's premier grape. This grape is a funny one because it needs more sun and heat for it to mature properly (unlike other red grapes). Plus Malbec grapes seem to fancy a significant difference in temperature between day and night. Its also one of those "special" grapes because so many vinters use it for blends. Its kinda like Paris Hilton or Linsdey Lohan, it gets around. Malbec is often used in Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Gamay. Many regions use the Malbec grape to create Bordeaux style blends. But the reason it is so "special" is because it is unbelieveably good just being itself. Ask Dr. Phil, he will confirm this.

Now, if you would like to try a well priced little piece of wine heaven, I suggest you try Terrazas de los Andes 2006 Malbec. Located in Lujan de Cuya, Mendoza Argentina, this grape is grown at 3,500 feet above sea level. Now if you paid attention to my last post you would know a thing or two about grapes growing at high altitudes. If you didn't pay attention, the high altitude has a lot to do with the way the wine comes out. Body, color, acidity. In this case, where this wine grows, it's surrounded by mountains (as well as being at a high altitude) meaning the wine will be well-balanced and have optimized acidity due to the growing conditions in the mountains.

Color - brilliant reddish purple color. (noting the color in wine is very important - the color should be appropriate for the type of wine it is and its age.)

Aroma - Cherries, Plums and Vanilla

Flavor - Spices and berries with a hint of vanilla

Intensity - Moderate

Body - Medium bodied

Mouthfeel - silky/smooth

Tannins - Velvety

Finish - nice and long

Lesson time for the wine-o beginners. Mouthfeel is the sensation of the wine in your mouth. The word itself pretty much says it all. Tannins are a wine component found primarily in red wines. They are mostly from the grape skins, stems, seeds and even oak barrels. They can be bitter like tea, which can add a rough texture or furryness. Tannins also act as a preservative and help age the wine. The most common descriptions of tannins are : Velvety, Smooth or Rough.

So now that you have had a little lesson, lets get back to the delicious wine.Wine is great on its own, but a wine's best companion is good food. I will get into the pairing of wine and food in another post. The food you eat with your wine can either ruin it or just be perfect! In the case of Malbec wine, you are always safe with eating a good old steak. ( moo ) It just pairs so nicely with it. Grilled Steak (seasoned to your liking) and green beans cooked in a pan with slices of raw bacon and red baby potatos with lots of dill - pairs delightfully with the Malbec. If you are not a fan of eating Daisy the cow, try it with grilled chicken. If you don't eat anything with a face, just eat the beans and potatoes....