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Marvelous Malbec – SOLD OUT
November 8 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. You may contact the Treasurer to join a wait list.
Join us at 7 p.m. Friday, November 8th at the Hilton Harrisburg to experience the stunning diversity of wines made from the Malbec grape. As we researched and tasted a wide variety of Malbecs, we discovered the immense variety of wines that can come from this one grape. There are true white wine Malbecs, refreshing rosés, and red wines that range from smooth and fruity to bold and tannic. It’s also an exceptional blending grape and we will be tasting each of these types including a blend at this month’s Marvelous Malbec event. The wines will be paired with small plates prepared by Hilton chefs to complement the different wine styles.
The evening will start with a pre-pour of 90-point Trivento White Malbec Reserve 2023. Trivento is the first winery to create this style of wine. The winemaker describes the wine as “very relaxed and it doesn’t need food to enjoy.” One reviewer described it as “almost saki-like” with nectarines, green plums and fermented rice on the nose.
Paired with the first small plate—a Lobster ‘roll’, brioche toast, remoulade, and celery leaf—will be two different Malbec rosés from Argentina.
The first, Crios Rosé of Malbec, is produced by the winery of the gran dama of Argentinian wines, Susana Balbo. It’s a very aromatic wine with strawberries, young cherries and a hint of spice on the palate.
Next comes the Portillo Rosé produced by Salentein Wines. In the glass, you’ll find ripe red berries with a hint of peach on the palate with a nicely balanced lemony acidity and a long juicy finish.
After sampling the lighter styles of Malbec, we’ll move on to the reds.
Our reds will be paired with the remaining two small plates:
- Eggplant meatball with heirloom tomato ragu and basil
- Flavorful arancini with short rib and parmesan basil pesto
The first red wine is Domaine Bousquet Premium Organic Malbec 2022. This organic and vegan friendly wine is rated 90 points by both Wine Spectator and Vinous. It’s been described by the experts at Fine Wine Cellars as “bright black fruits jump from the glass. A nice creamy texture permeates the wine but it’s fresh and bright fruited… a great value!”
From Argentina, we’ll go back to the birthplace of Malbec, Cahors France. Clos La Coutale Cahors 2020 is a perfect example of the wine this French region produces. This posh wine has an earthy quality and presents cocoa, black cherries, dark berries, cola and herbs with ripe tannins in the glass. This wine has a bit of Merlot (a grape actually related to Malbec) added as is permitted and not unusual in Cahors to provide balance.
Returning to the New World, the Chilean Malbec, Montes Alpha 2019, elicited an unexpected “wow” from the tasters given it was not from a “traditional” Malbec region. This highly-rated wine (92 James Suckling, 91 Wine Enthusiast) has a deep ruby red color with a violet hue. On the nose, you’ll detect aromas of violets, wildflowers and ripe cherries. The tannins are nicely-rounded and the finish is long and lingering.
The final Malbec-centric wine is José Zuccardi Malbec 2020, a 94-point wine that is simply stunning. It has a layered and intense nose and rich flavors of blackberry, plum, chocolate and cassis and a terroir-driven minerality. This wine can hold its own alongside
Malbecs typically available only at substantially higher price points.
We’ll finish with a Cabernet Malbec blend for comparison. Sur de los Andes Reserva Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is rated 91 points by Wilfred Wong and 90 by James Suckling. It is a 50-50 blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon grown and produced in the foothills of the Andes as the name suggests. You’ll experience aromas of herbs, peppercorns, plums, and dark berries with a touch of sandalwood. This full-bodied wine has softened tannins and some bitter spice notes on the finish.
If you think that all Malbecs are the same or you’re already a Malbec lover and just want to learn more about this versatile grape then this event is definitely for you. Buy your tickets today before it’s too late for this one-of-a-kind Malbec event! Registration deadline is Tuesday, November 5th.
Please inform us early of any food sensitivities by sending email to the Treasurer.
You may purchase seats by going to the Shoppe Page of this website.
Member $90
Patron $85
Nonmember $110