Famous for its deep purple color and spicy, savory flavors, Malbec wine is a perfect option for those who love strong flavored wine with plenty of body. Malbec grapes are fussy and can be difficult to grow, so they’re grown in much smaller quantities than other more popular red wines. The grapes do well in sunny climates that also have cold nights. High elevation spots are perfect, like the Mendoza wine region nestled in the foothills of the Andes in Argentina. Malbec is synonymous with Argentina; today the Malbec grape takes up three-quarters of Argentina’s vineyards and is considered their most important grape. However, Malbec also grows in other areas around the world, though in much smaller yields: Australia, California, Chile, France, South Africa, and New Zealand.

We will taste:

Puro Malbec 2018, Southwest France — The winery is family owned for over 300 years. This Malbec comes from the domaine’s “youngest vines”, which are 40+-year-old Malbec vines grown on steep rocky hillsides covered in clay and gravel Cahors, using environmentally conscious methods. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented in stainless steel and cement tanks. Exhibits dark yet bright notes of blue and some red fruit on a medium-bodied frame; crisp refreshing finish. $16.99/$7

Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec 2018, Mendoza, Argentina -- Catena is considered a first family of Argentine wine, now fourth-generation vintners going back over 100 years. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third-generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to export a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. A few years ago, they started what they call the Appellation Series, small production bottlings meant to showcase sub-appellations of Mendoza. The combination of intense sunlight and cool nights yields an elegant, mineral, slightly spicy Malbec with a deep texture and flavors. This wine takes a spicy stance with attractively matched oak and plums, currants and violets. The palate has such succulent, dark-plum flavors with long, polished tannins. The Paraje Altamira is always the stand-out, especially in 2018: 95, James Suckling, 93, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. $24.99/$10

Red Schooner by Caymus Voyage 7, Napa, California — The Wager family considered making this wine from vineyards in Napa Valley, but decided to source the grapes from the place that is most widely recognized for having ideal conditions for this varietal: Mendoza. Could wine be created at Caymus Vineyards using fruit from another part of the world? That question inspired the idea for Red Schooner, a “Red Wine of the World” that is about the thrill of voyage and discovery. This Malbec is made from grapes grown in the Andes Mountains of Argentina and shipped chilled to Napa Valley. This wine embodies the Caymus signature style of exuberant, plump, beautifully ripe and supple wines. It is supple, yet extravagant and it comes layered with crushed mulberries, ripe plum, freshly picked blackberries, dried violets and sweet spices. Kept for 15 months in French oak; soft, velvety tannins support a tapestry of rich, dark berries, chocolate covered plums, savory spices and vanilla. Regularly $58, now $48/$16

We are doing a combination of tableside and barside, depending on your party size! C’mon in when you’re ready. Please continue to select and sit at a table that matches your party size so that we can accommodate everyone.

As always, feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a garbage can at the back entrance of the store). AND, don’t forget the newly opened cheese shop, St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese. They are introducing new cheeses regularly.

Thanks y’all, see you Friday!!