Still Looking for that Perfect Bottle
Earlier today I learned April 17th is officially Malbec Wine Day.
There is some debate whether this grape varietal (Malbec) originated in Bordeaux or Burgundy, France.
No matter its origins, I, like many people, now associate Malbec with Argentina, with this grape thriving in that country’s warm temperatures. Unlike most, I have yet to find that elusive perfect bottle of Malbec.
One night, many years ago, I enjoyed what I still believe to be the perfect glass of Malbec. I remember swirling this inky-purple hued wine in my glass, with its scents of tobacco, blackberries and perhaps a hint of vanilla (or was it cocoa?) wafting to my nose. I remember the taste of a full-bodied, fruity wine, smoothly dancing across my tongue without that excessive mouth drying sensation that sometimes comes with overly tannic wines.
That night I felt sophisticated and bold, like the wine in my glass. I imagined I had made a discovery only a special few could appreciate. Each sip left me excited for the next. I wanted to keep this feeling going by discovering other Malbecs, and maybe becoming something of an expert. I was happy. I was hopeful. In fact, the above picture is of me enjoying THAT glass of Malbec.
Unfortunately, I cannot remember the name of the bottle from that night. Each attempt to find another bottle that inspires as much excitement and happiness as the first, has ended in failure.
I have yet to recapture the experience of that night, of my first sips of Malbec.
Perhaps that night was a one-off.
I am still looking for that perfect bottle of Malbec.
Cheers!
SJ Gabriel
(Email: atippleofwine@gmail.com / Blog: http://atippleofwine.com)