malbec

As March arrives and winter prepares its reluctant retreat (taking its sweet time like a dinner guest who can't take a hint), there's still time for a last hurrah with rich, warming red wines. These final weeks offer a perfect opportunity to drain those bottles that have kept us sane through months of thermal underwear and astronomical heating bills.

The most satisfying winter reds deserve a proper send-off before they're banished to the cellar until next November. Cabernet Sauvignon from California's Napa Valley has been your loyal friend through the darkest days—like that dependable buddy who helped you shovel the driveway without complaining (much). Australian Shiraz, with its bold blackberry and chocolate notes, deserves one final evening by the fire—a wine so warming it should come with its own caution label: "May cause spontaneous removal of sweaters."

Before bidding winter adieu, raise a glass of Argentine Malbec from Mendoza, whose velvety plum flavors have made Netflix-and-blanket nights bearable. Italian Primitivo, meanwhile, offers such comforting warmth that it's essentially a liquid space heater with tasting notes. Both have earned their place in the winter wine hall of fame—a pantheon of bottles that don't judge you for wearing the same sweatpants four days straight.

For those looking to bridge the seasonal transition, medium-bodied Pinot Noir serves as the perfect diplomat between winter's heavy hitters and spring's lighter fare. Oregon Pinots deliver earthy mushroom notes balanced with bright cherry—sophisticated enough for your first dinner party of spring, but still substantial enough for those surprise March snowstorms that arrive like uninvited relatives. Think of Pinot as winter wine with training wheels for the warmer days ahead.

As we prepare to welcome spring, give these cold-weather companions one last pour. In these final chilly evenings, serve them around 60-65°F—warm enough to fully appreciate their complexity but cool enough to remind them that their season is ending. After all, breaking up with winter wines isn'...

The story of Malbec in Argentina is one of dramatic ups and downs. From its introduction in the mid-19th century to its near disappearance in the mid-20th century and its subsequent resurgence as Argentina's flagship wine, Malbec has shown itself to be resilient and adaptable. One of the key figures in Malbec's comeback is Paul Hobbs, a visionary winemaker, consultant, and winery owner, who recognized Malbec's ability to reflect Mendoza's varied landscapes. His work, together with others, has helped put the grape and Argentina on the worldwide wine map.

From Apples to Grapes

Paul Hobbs grew up on his family's fruit farm in upstate New York. Little did he know that these early experiences in the orchards would lay the foundation for his future career. 

"My family grew apples in upstate New York," says Hobbs. "I was introduced early on to the idea that a sense of place imparts unique characteristics to the fruit from where it was sourced, whether it be an apple or a wine grape."

Hobbs’ upbringing ingrained in him the idea that winemaking happens as much in the vineyards as in the winery. “The more one understands the DNA of a site,” he says, “the more that character can be reflected in the finished wine.”

Hobbs' early experience with apples has guided his groun...