Wines of the week: Valcheta Seleccion de Familia; Château Les Croisille Cahors; Bio Bio Valley Malbec
Terry Kirby on the best bottles to buy this week
Sunday lunch
Valcheta Seleccion de Familia 2010
The first of three Malbecs, here's one from the Mendoza region of Argentina, west of the Andes, where the Malbec for this bottle is grown at high altitude on stony soils, delivering big, dark, elegant, concentrated, silky wines that remain remarkably fruit-forward. The best companion? The finest piece of rare steak or roast beef. £13.35, jascots.co.uk
Midweek meal
Château Les Croisille Cahors 2011
Originally used in Bordeaux blends, but long out of favour, most French Malbec is now grown in Cahors in the south-west, to make intense, though highly accessible inky-black wines. Soft, with rounded flavours of damsons and dried fruits and a little tar, this is great for hard cheeses, grilled lamb or lasagne. £9.99, Marks & Spencer
Bargain basement
Bio Bio Valley Malbec 2012
Chile's main claim to fame is Carménère, but there are also increasing amounts of Malbec, also known as Côt, grown here at altitude in the cooler southern region of Bio Bio. Smooth, some light floral touches, lovely berry fruits, fresh and highly drinkable. Suitable for all red meats and charcuterie, but also pork dishes. £6.99, Co-op stores
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