Rare Vineyards Malbec (2025)
LGI Wines / IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
The Savory, Old-World French Counterpart
Dark garnet with a bright purple halo in the glass. The nose opens with rustic, fragrant aromas of ripe dark plums, crushed blackberries, fragrant violets, and a dash of subtle cracked black pepper. Medium-to-full-bodied on the palate, offering velvety dark fruit balanced by gentle tannins, a touch of savory earth, and a smooth, spice-dusted finish.
⭐⭐ (Sits at an easy-drinking 13% ABV. Fermented softly in stainless steel with subtle oak exposure, it drinks velvety smooth without being overly heavy on the head).
M&S gastropub steak pie, grilled pork chops, roasted winter vegetables, or a platter of sharp cheddar and charcuterie.
When you're in a country without vineyards, you're at the mercy of the local Marks and Spencer—and it's always fun when high-street buyers throw a French Malbec onto the rack to see if anyone notices. It doesn't pack the heavy jammy punch of Mendoza, but that’s the point. It trades sticky fruit for perfumed violets, dark plums, and a savory pepperiness that feels very French. It’s velvety, comforting, and a fantastic alternative when you want a rich red with a bit moreOld-World restraint on a rainy evening.