Tasting Texas Wines: Malbec

Most people think Argentina when they think of Malbec wines (sometimes called Malbeck in Argentina.) Malbec grapes are also used to make a blending wine for French Bordeaux wines. But what many people don't know is that Malbec wine grapes grow especially well in both the Texas High Plains and Texas Hill Country, as well as other Texas wine regions. Malbec wines are rich and delicious, usually medium- to full-bodied with a flavor that is described as falling somewhere between a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Malbec can stand up to hearty, spicy dishes, and is great with beef, pork, and lamb. If you are interested in trying some delicious Malbec wines made right here in Texas, try sampling some of the wines from the Texas wineries and vineyards below.

Becker Vineyards. Becker Vineyards is located in the Texas Hill Country, where Malbec wine grapes (one of the eight varietals grown here) seem to thrive. Their 2009 Malbec is a lovely, medium-bodied red wine, with aromas of black cherry and plum, followed by flavors of blackberry touched with chocolate. Serve this red wine with any kind of steak; it especially complements London broil and New York strip steak. Becker Vineyards also has a beautiful tasting room, as well as a lovely bed and breakfast. For more information on this Texas winery and its Malbec wines, click here.

Haak Vineyards and Winery. Located in Santa Fe, Texas, Haak Vineyards and Winery is the first and only winery in Galveston County. This Texas winery produces many award-winning wines, most recently taking several medals at the 2011 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Their 2009 Malbec is an outstanding, full-bodied red wine, with aromas of licorice and violets, and flavors of cherry and a hint of black pepper. Serve this terrific red wine with baked ham, pork chops, or a slow-cooked pork loin. For more information on this Texas winery and its Malbec wines, click here.

Texas Legato Winery. Another great Texas Hill Country winery, Texas Legato is located in Lampasas, Texas. They produce outstanding wines, and their 2005 Malbec is no exception. This medium-bodied red wine is loaded with fruit, from its aromas of blackberries and plum to its flavors of cherry and black currant. This wine goes very well with barbecued chicken, especially wings, although it will complement almost any chicken dish. For more information on this Texas winery and its Malbec wines, click here.

Sunset Winery. The handcrafted wines of this Burleson, Texas winery are some of the best you'll ever taste. They have two acres currently planted with Malbec grapes, and their 2005 Twilight Tango Malbec wine is as fun and delicious as its name implies. Like most Malbec wines, its aromas are heavy with black fruits, especially black cherry, with a note of roasted coffee beans as well. These are followed by flavors of vanilla and oak. This is a terrific red wine to serve with tacos, nachos, and all kinds of Tex-Mex dishes. For more information on this Texas winery and its Malbec wines, click here.

Source list:

Personal source
http://www.beckervineyards.com/index.htm
http://haakwine.com/
http://texaslegato.com
http://www.sunsetwinery.com/ourWines.php