The Malbec Challenge is an initiative which is independently run by Events by Celia. The aim is to shine the light on the smaller varieties like Malbec.
The competition is run professionally and according to the international standards. The aim is to do this at the least expense to the wineries and there is no expectation of extra stock other than the 2 bottles delivered for the judging.
A word from the chair, Carrie Adams
Malbec is an interesting and (I think), quite a difficult grape variety to vinify. It is famously dark, sulky, juicy, tannic, sometimes alcoholic and an integral component of our much-loved Bordeaux Blends. It can be quite fussy in both the vineyard and the cellar. Loves higher altitudes and does well as a bush vine in places like Mendoza and Cahors.
We have a couple of producers of single varietal Malbec in South Africa. I was treated to a tasting panel of Christine Rudman and Normal Ratcliffe last week where Celia Gilloway asked us to assess the entrants for this year’s Malbec Challenge for Events by Celia. It was wonderful and the three of us slipped into a familiar and easy space that we have enjoyed together for a hundred years. It is the second time I have chaired this panel and happily so.
Whilst the varietal is not everybody’s ride or die, it’s certainly capable of producing interesting, enjoyable reds. We decided that with all the blockbuster spice-laced fruit, these Malbecs make the perfect Christmas wine.
The standard was high, and the winning wine was Mount Vernon 2021. It is the second time this property has taken the Tonnellerie De Mercurey barrel either 225, 228 or 300L according to the winning wineries specifications, thanks to RX South Africa. It is lovely wine, beautifully crafted. A fabulous coming together of black and dark blue fruit with hints of the earthiness that can be Malbec. Very grippy (yet polished) tannin. I think it can go for a bit in the bottle but its certainly up for a spin on your Christmas dinner table this year. At R300 a bottle (retail) it is a very good tipple.
The typicity was good and the entries displayed the different styles of Malbec admirably. It is a small, but meaningful category and I think that its natural charm (when well made) will attract a devoted following.
A most enjoyable and enlightening tasting of a not so well-known varietal in South Africa.
Malbec Challenge 2023 results
Medalists are listed below in alphabetical order.
Winner
Mount Vernon Single Vineyard Malbec 2021
Gold medals
- Bellevue Malbec 2021
- Blake's Single Vineyard Malbec 2022
- Diemersfontein Carpe Diem Malbec 2022
- Dornier Malbec 2019
- Dornier Malbec 2021
- Fairview Malbec 2022
- Glen Carlou Collection Malbec 2018
- Le Pommier Jonathan's Malbec 2022
- Mount Vernon Single Vineyard Malbec 2020
- Olivedale Respect for Nature Malbec 2019
- Sonklip Malbec 2022