This week’s wine comes from Cahors, France – the home of Malbec, but also the land of crumbling castles, ancient graveyards and The Devil’s Bridge. Legend has it the architect of the bridge made a deal with the devil to trade his soul for its completion, but to dodge payment, the architect tricked the devil into working on the bridge forever. Chateau Haute-Borie Malbec is the perfect wine for Halloween: no deals with the devil necessary, just a trip to the LCBO.
Tasting Notes: Malbec with a splash of Merlot, this dark, intense red is loaded with rich, black fruit and spice notes while remaining a fresh and lively wine. The tannins have begun to soften and integrate, making the wine smoother and more easy-drinking while remaining dense and full.
Enjoy With: Steak, lamb or pork dishes, and game meats like venison or boar, are ideal for Malbec. Strong cheeses like blue cheese or aged cheddars and charcuterie are great partners as well.
Style: A dry, full-bodied, red wine.
Terroir/Region: Cahors, France has been a wine region since the Romans planted vines here in 50BC. “The Black Wine of Cahors” (Malbec), brought the region its fame and was sold from England to Russia through the Middle Ages, coveted for its dark colour and strong flavour. These characteristics have kept Malbec in the glasses of the world’s wine fans to this day, and will into the future.
Producer: As Malbec from Argentina became popular around the world in the late ’90s and early 2000s, the Malbec producers of Cahors were focused on quality, including the team at Chateau Haute-Borie. Focus was put on terroir and knowledge of the vineyards, the special qualities that make Cahors Malbec impossible to replicate anywhere else. You have to taste the wine to know what special qualities they mean. Then you may have to taste it again, just to be sure.
Availability: Chateau Haute-Borie Malbec will be available in store and for online ordering on Saturday October 30, but a few stores may have it on shelf already. Pick up a bottle and have a Happy Halloween!
Check LCBO store inventory
Price: $14.95
LCBO #: 20421
Size: 750 mL
Alcohol Content: 13.5% alc./vol.
