In 2003, Solana Farms grafted over 5 acres of the original Cabernet / 5 BB rootstock with Malbec on the original 11' X 6' spacing. Under moderate growing season temperatures averaging 65° F. and consistant drip irrigation practices, an excellent, thin skinned Malbec winegrape makes a memorable blending stock as well as a stand-alone wine. Previous harvests of these grapes have been used by home winemakers and wineries from LA to Monterey County.
Malbec is considered one of the traditional "Bordeaux varietals" and is most often used as blending stock with other wines in that region. Also known in France as Cot, Medoc Noir or Pressac, this varietal is early midseason maturing, has a low acid content, creates an intense, inky red wine with ample tannin and possesses plum-like and blackberry flavors. It is often blended with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon to mimic the renowned red French Boreeaux "claret" blend. It is the dominant red varietal in the Cahors area where it is know as Auxirrois and where the wines are dark, rustic, full and soft, with earth tobacco aromas.
Malbec is the major red varietal planted in Argentina where the hot, dry climate and a longer "hang time" produce a softer, lusher structure and complexity like New World Merlot and similar flavors to those made in Europe. Malbec grapes may require longer hang times to develop full maturity and distinction.
There are 14 North American AVAs producing Malbec wines. In 2006, 1,332 acres of bearing and non-bearing Malbec grapes were standing in California. Excellent, single varietal wines noted in several recent publications, have been produced from Malbec grapes grown in Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
