The Friday 5 #188

Malbec that isn’t Argentinian, how good is the hottest restaurant in London and one of the best meals I’ve made with a chicken carcass

If you’re still shocked about the way the Argentinians played in the World Cup, not to mention the outrageous way they behaved after the final whistle you might want to make a small personal protest by way of buying some Malbec that isn’t Argentinian.

Of course what happened is hardly the winemakers’ fault but it’s hard to see what will have an impact on public opinion in the country other than falling sales of one of their best exports.

Besides there are other good malbecs out there which it’s worth trying, some of them extremely well-priced (hello, Aldi!). I’ve listed seven below.

Also this week, a report on a lunch at London’s hottest restaurant this summer, Café Clement, more on vermouth (we all need to drink more of it, IMO) and probably the best meal I’ve ever made with a chicken carcass …

Oh, and the next online tasting will be on Monday September 7th on either Spanish or Portuguese wines. It’s literally neck and neck at the moment but one section of my mailing list failed to get the poll so I’m resending it to them. I’ll tell you what the final decision is next week. Both would be good. We may indeed do both …

Malbec that isn’t Argentinian

Argentina isn’t the only game in town when it comes to Malbec even though it produces some of the best.

The obvious place to look is the original home of the grape, Cahors in the South West of France ,though the appellation carries so little weight these days that some producers don’t even bother to put it on the front label.

You can also find some well-priced malbec from elsewhere in France including the ridiculously well-priced Vin de France below, once of the best sub £5 wines I’ve tasted.

Then there’s Chile which is turning out some great examples and - and this may surprise you - South Africa. Another terrific malbec bargain from there.