The technical Malbek grape is popular in winemaking for the production of red wines with a high alcohol content. Today we will look at a detailed description of the grapes of this variety, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as where and how Malbec is used.
A bit of history
"Malbec" is a variety of names depending on the country. Among the most used names are: "Cat", "Cahors", "Oxerua", "Noir de Presac", "Quercy".
The country of origin of grapes is France, the region of Cahors, where it is used to this day. Until 1956, this grape variety was the cultivation leader in Europe. But it so happened that over one winter more than 75% of the bushes were frozen out.
This fact significantly reduced the popularity of "Malbec" in Europe. Winemakers did not resume plantings, as they decided to plant empty areas with more promising and frost-resistant specimens. 
In the XIX century, this grape was grown in Argentina, where huge plantations were planted. There is evidence that in 1868 the French farmer Michel Puget brought the Malbec grapes to Argentina.
In addition to France and Argentina, "Malbec" can be found in the vineyards of the United States, Chile, Australia, New Zealand.
There are several versions of the origin of "Malbec":
- according to the first version, "Malbec" turned out as a result of crossing varieties "Montpelier" and "Gayak". Brought him in France, the name of the breeder is unknown;
- according to the second version, the seedlings of this grape were brought to France by the Hungarian winegrower Malbec, so the variety was named after him.
Familiarize yourself with the cultivation of such technical grape varieties as Krasnostop Zolotovsky, Alpha, Isabella, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling.
Initially, grapes were in demand in France and was considered one of the best Bordeaux varieties, but as a result could not compete with other, more frost-resistant, fruitful and resistant to diseases, specimens. But in Argentina, "Malbec" took an honorable place among the varieties and is still actively grown to produce the best wines. 
Botanical description
The Malbec grape has its own characteristic features of the structure and appearance of the bushes, grapes and berries, by which it can be distinguished from other varieties.
Bushes and shoots
Shrubs sredneroslye, sprawling, have thick, medium-sized shoots. They are represented by a yellowish-brown color, with dark brown stripes. Nodes are medium-developed, have a more intense color.
Did you know? For wine "Malbec" In 2013, a glass with a long leg and narrowing to the edge was specially created in order to maximize the aroma of this drink.
The leaves are medium sized, five-lobed, rounded, with large notches at the end. The leaf has a slightly bubbly plate, the edges of which are slightly curved downwards. The flowers are bisexual, prone to sprinkling, which greatly reduces the yield. 
You will probably be interested to learn more about the best varieties of early, nutmeg, white, pink, black, table, unopened, cold-resistant and technical grapes.
Clusters and berries
The grapes of the grapes are small, have a conical or wide-conical shape, are friable. The berries are small, round shape, rich blue in color, with a characteristic wax coating. In a state of full maturity have the most intense, almost black. Berries grow in size from 1.4 to 1.6 cm and weigh up to 4 g.
The rind of the berry, depending on the region of growth, may be of medium density or dense. The berry contains about 90% juice. The taste of grapes is very concentrated and saturated, sweet and sour, with a bright grape aroma.
Characteristics of a variety
"Malbec" has certain features that are taken into account for making decisions about growing on plantations. 
Gestation period
"Malbec" refers to varieties of medium ripening. The ripening period is about 150 days: from the time when buds bloom to harvest.
Frost resistance
Grapes react poorly to winter frosts and spring frosts, so its cultivation is justified only in an area with a warm climate.
Disease and Pest Resistance
The variety is considered to be resistant to diseases and pests and is often affected by mildew, gray rot, anthracnose, and is moderately resistant to oidium. Often the green parts of the plant are affected by the leaf-maker In order for the plant to develop normally and be well fruited, the bushes need regular prevention of disease and pests.
We advise you to read about how to prevent and combat diseases and pests of grapes.
Yield
Given that the flowers of grapes can often crumble, it is impossible to predict the yield of the variety. The average figure of yield ranges from 40 to 160 kg of berries per 1 ha. 
Important! In argentina "Malbec" shows record yield results - about 4 tons per 1 ha.
Transportability
Variety "Malbec" is characterized by medium transportability. Such qualities of grapes as looseness of grapes and excessive juiciness of berries worsen the transportation.
Growing conditions
The ideal condition for growing "Malbec" is a hot climate, given the heat-loving plants and frost intolerance. Grapes grow well on moist sandy soils and chernozem so that groundwater does not come close to the surface.
It will be useful for you to read about whether to care for grapes during flowering, how to grow grapes from chubuk and bones, how to transplant and not damage the grapes, when and how to collect it, and also how to graft and grape properly.
Planting seedlings is recommended on elevations from the sunny side of the site. The presence of drafts is badly tolerated, therefore it is recommended to take care of additional plantings around the plantation. 
Application in winemaking
"Malbec" for the production of wine, mainly used by France and Argentina. From the French "Malbec" get dense, tannic wines. In the region of Cahors, wines produced in this area must necessarily consist of no less than 70% of Malbec.
In France, the wines from "Malbec" called "Cat". In the Laura Valley with the variety "Malbec" create blends in which the varieties "Cabernet-franc" and "Game" are added. Often this variety is used to produce sparkling wines (as one of the components).
In Argentina, attempts to actively use for the production of Malbec wines were initially not entirely successful. That is why in the 1980s, it was decided to scale the extermination of vineyards with this variety.
Only about 10 acres of all the plantations survived, but soon the winemakers regretted their decision, as the rapidly growing popularity of previously produced wine glorified Argentina throughout the world.
Video: Malbec grape wine
In this regard, the plantations began to plant again "Malbec", but it is more reasonable, choosing a landing on the hill near the mountains. Argentine wines from "Malbec" more mature, jam, easier to drink, compared to French wines.
The grape, which is located at a minimum height, has a thinner skin, a delicate taste, so that the raw materials are excellent for mass-produced red wines.
Grapes growing at a more impressive height, on the lower parts of the Andes slopes, are characterized by a thicker skin, a concentrated taste and aroma, which allows the use of raw materials for higher-quality, matured wines that differ in high prices.
Important! The most expensive and elegant wines from grapes are considered "Malbec", which grows at an altitude of more than 1000 m. Such wines occupy a leading position among the wines of South America.
Wine from "Malbec" is often recommended for steaks and other meat dishes, but few know that this drink can be very diverse. 
Drink from "Malbec" can be light, fruity, as well as dense, tart and rich. Thanks to such a variety of characteristics, the wine can make an excellent company in almost any chosen dish. It is suitable for poultry, salads, meat dishes, snacks and even some desserts.
We recommend reading about the best grapes for wine, as well as learning how to make wine from grapes at home.This drink is recommended to use with any kind of pasta, pizza, dishes with mushrooms and eggplant. For example, in British cuisine, the wine from "Malbec" is used both on holidays and on weekdays, combining this wine with ordinary sausages under mustard sauce or with blood sausage.
The advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Among the advantages of the Malbec grape variety are:
- Excellent concentrated and rich taste, pleasant aroma;
- high concentration of juice in the berry, which is a positive indicator for the production of wine;
- the possibility of combining with other varieties for the production of ideal compositions;
- easy cultivation in an area with a dry and warm climate - in such conditions, the yield is consistently high.
The disadvantages of the variety include:- unstable yield, due to the tendency to shedding flowers, if the grapes are not suitable growing conditions;
- low frost resistance;
- poor disease and pest resistance;
- heat-loving and demanding lighting, which allows growing grapes only in countries with a warm climate and a large number of sunny days.
Did you know? The most expensive wine in the world is Chateau Cheval Blanc 1947. Its price is 304 375 dollars. It includes grapes such as "Cabernet Franc" and "Merlot", and a sophisticated and sophisticated bouquet of aroma and taste give the variety "Cabernet Sauvignon" and "Malbec".
Thus, "Malbec" refers to the popular grape varieties, especially in Argentina. Despite the high quality of grape raw materials, the variety has serious drawbacks and requires special conditions that winemakers need to consider before planting shrubs on plantations. 
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