Upon his arrival to Argentina in the early 1990’s, Bordeaux-born Frenchman Hervé J. Fabre set about acquiring old Malbec vineyards in the country, some dating as far back as 1908, when Malbec was viewed as little more than a blending partner. Seeing the incredible potential of the Argentine terroir, Hervé then built his first winery, Fabre Montmayou, in Luján de Cuyo in 1992. He would then go on to launch Viñalba in 2007, having spent the 15 years prior identifying a number of different vineyard sites in the Valle de Uco which offered perfect conditions for Malbec and other varieties. Fabre’s upbringing in Bordeaux influenced the elegance and subtlety expressed in his winemaking, and it is this “savoir-faire”, dedication and passion as a vintner since 1992, that led him to becoming the first winemaker to produce a single varietal Malbec in Argentina. Herve's journey began in the heart of Bordeaux, France, where the art of winemaking flowed in his veins, but he yearned for more th...

Mendoza, Argentina’s beating heart of viticulture, is a region defined by dramatic landscapes, soaring Andean peaks, and a climate that transforms grapes into some of the world’s most exquisite wines. Nestled within this winemaking paradise is  Bodega Ruca Malen , an estate that marries tradition with innovation, crafting wines that encapsulate the spirit of the land. What makes Bodega Ruca Malen truly special is a question that finds answers in its story, its soil, and its steadfast pursuit of excellence. Every great winery has a beginning rooted in passion, and the story of their beginning and current place among the world’s best vintners, is no exception. With vineyards located in the Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley regions of Mendoza, this winery has masterfully harnessed the benefits from a microclimate that is ideal for viticultural excellence.  Founded in 1998 by Jean Pierre Thibaud and Jacques Louis de Montalembert, two Frenchmen with deep ties to the wine industry, the e...

  In the vast world of wine, each grape variety carries its own unique story, distinct flavour profile, and a cultural heritage that resonates across borders. Among these illustrious grapes, Malbec stands out as a symbol of resilience, refinement, with a rich, storied tradition. Yesterday, on April 17th, wine enthusiasts around the globe celebrated World Malbec Day 2024, raising a glass in honour of this noble grape and the remarkable wines it produces. To truly appreciate Malbec is to learn its origins and, while it has gained fame as Argentina's flagship grape, its roots stretch back to France, specifically the Cahors region in southwest France.  Originally known as "Cot" or "Auxerrois", this grape has played a significant role in the French region's winemaking since at least the Middle Ages. The story of Malbec's journey to Argentina is one of serendipity and adaptation when, in the mid-19th century, French agronomist Michel Aimé Pouget brought Malbec...

  World Malbec Day was commemorated earlier this week on Monday April 17, 2023, and today, Thursday Food introduces you to two flagship Malbecs from a new bodega that is the first to launch a wine with a label designed through artificial intelligence (AI). Cimarrón Wines, which is located in the Mendoza province of Argentina, is a winery by agronomist Lucca Stradella, a fourth generation member of the Bianchi family. Globally, the business, manufacturing and service industries have been revolutionized by the spread of artificial intelligence. In fact, it has become increasingly rare to find an industry that has not been profoundly impacted by the introduction of AI. Cimarrón Wines took the bold step to use AI technology to design the labels for their Entre Gallos y Medianoche Malbec, which was made from grapes grown at vineyards in San Rafael and the Uco Valley, in an unprecedented combination of two terroirs.  Bodega Cimarrón, founded in 2005, is known for producing some o...