In Search Of South African Malbec Wines: Blaauwklippen Cultivar Selection Malbec

Malbec is now so popular; the grape has its own holiday. International Malbec Day, which is also known as #MalbecWorldDay and its celebrated every April 17.

Malbec grapes originated in France and play a big role in the wine production of Argentina. The flavours and aromas of wines made from Malbec grapes include blackberry, cherry, plums, and chocolate. Other characteristics of Malbec wines include inky-black colouring, soft or high tannins, and high acidity.

Malbec wines aren't as popular as wines made from other red grape varieties, but their popularity is growing as wine drinkers seek out new and different wine experiences.

Malbec is also cultivated in South Africa. Although most of the wine makers use it in a blend or a Bordeaux-style blend, there are also wine estates that make a 100% malbec.

With Malbec World Day in mind, WineTourismZA went Malbec-hunting in the Cape Winelands and found the following vineyards that produce Malbec wine:

Blaauwklippen Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)

Blaauwklippen Cultivar Selection Malbec

Lauren Clarke at the wine tasting room introduced me to their 2016 Cultivar Selection Malbec.

Blaauwklippen Cultivar Selection Malbec: Savoury/meaty notes combine with rich plum, cherry pith and blue berry aromas. Lush chocolate and liquorice nuances are supported by smooth, velvet tannins, mid palate weight and a creamy finish.

The Blaauwklippen Tasting Room is a wine lovers’ paradise and there is also a Spirits Room that features a selection of premium spirits waiting to be tasted.

The historic Cape Dutch manor house at Blaauwklippen.

Blaauwklippen was founded in 1682 by Gerrit Jansz Visser, but it wasn’t until 1688 that the first vineyards were planted in the fertile soil of the estate.