Familia Zuccardi Concreto Malbec, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza Winemaker and third-generation of the Zuccardi family, Sebastian, has tried to focus soil sourced tannins experienced on the tongue, rather than those on the gums which come from extraction methods in winemaking and the oak selection, hence the concrete. Made from 100% Malbec grown in the calcareous soils of Paraje Altamira, 1100m above sea level in the Uco Valley. The wine is made using whole bunch fermentation with indigenous yeasts before being store in concrete, hence the name Concreto.

FAMILIA ZUCCARDI Aluvional Malbec, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza

COSSE MAISON NEUVE Lafage, Cahors Rouge 100% Malbec. A nose of ink and coffee and a mouthful on the black fruits, velvety tannins, a formidable balance with a nice fresh tension. The fruit for the Lafage Cahors Rouge is sourced from a 5 ha vineyard with an average vine age of 30 years planted on soils of clay and gravel. The juice is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine then spends 14 months in barrels before being bottled without filtering.

COSSE MAISON NEUVE Les Laquets, Cahors Rouge 100% Malbec. A nose marked by black fruits and a mouth on blackberry, blueberry and black cherry. A silky material with a remarkable tannin. The fruit for the Les Laquets is sourced from a 5.5 ha vineyard with an average vine age of 60 years planted on soils of red clay and cracked limestone. The juice is vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with several piegages. The wine then spends up to two years in barrels before being bottled without filtering.

Intense red colour with deep oral aromas, especially violets and berries. This Andeluna Altitud Malbec has beautiful soft tannins of great volume giving a long and luscious finish. Suitable for ageing. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, followed by at least 8 months in bottle before release.

This wine from South West France has been created by the famous winemaker Pascal Verhaeghe, owner of Chateau du Cedre. This velvety and fruity red wine, with notes of blackcurrant and spices is a great expression of French Malbec.

It has a bright ruby red colour. It has a well-defined and persistent nose. It also has notes of plums and figs combined with the vanilla notes from oak ageing, making the wine pleasant and subtle. It is sweet and dense on the palate with an attractive mineral taste. It has a long and persistent finish with the delicate flavour of sweet blackberries. It is ideal to pair with red meats, game and gourmet dishes.

Opening with dense blackberry/boysenberry fruit and a black olive savouriness the aromas then shift to reveal lifted qualities of purple florals and fragrant sweet spice. The palate shows a lovely weight and concentration of fruit, balanced by a charming elegance and finesse. Not at all shy on tannins (integrated and ripe).