Most grape varieties first became known in a classic growing region in Europe before they achieved success in the wider world. Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, was initially the backbone of Bordeaux cuvées in the Médoc before it could produce cult wines in California's Napa Valley. Chardonnay established itself as the grape variety for white wines in Burgundy and is now planted from Chile to China. Malbec's career has been somewhat different.

The variety has long played an important role in the wines of the French region of Cahors. However, it only achieved world fame when it found a new home in Argentina at the end of the 20th century. Argentinian Malbecs impress with their ripe fruit aromas, concentration and smooth tannins. This was not how the wines from Cahors were known in the past. But the Old World can also learn from the New. Today, wines from Cahors are much more accessible, as the wine from Le Vent des Jours recently showed me.

Laurent and Francois cultivate their vineyards in Cahors without insecticides and weedkillers and do not add any sulphur to their wine. This Malbec is classic Old World without being old-fashioned. Its aroma is spicy and intense and on the palate it combines power and freshness with 12% alcohol.

The wine smells of blackberries, elderberries, and black olives. It is fresh and lively on the palate, with grippy tannins and a juicy finish.

90/100 points Konstantin Baum