The French make Malbec as a blending agent, but it’s far better known as a distinctive Argentinian wine. But now, Israel’s first varietal Malbec has arrived in Israel.
The ever improving Teperberg 1870 has just released a Malbec in the Terra series (Terra 2007 Malbec). It should hit Israel’s wine stores this week, and will most likely be exported within a few months. While used as a blending agent in France, like with Argentinian wine, this first Israeli varietal contains 100% Malbec.
According to Moti Teperberg, the manager of the winery, as part of their rapid improvements (just a few years ago Teperberg, formerly known as Efrat, was just making “kiddush wine”) they are planting new varietals.
Daniel Rogov tasted the wine, as part of a larger Teperberg tasting and this is his notes:
Teperberg, Malbec, Terra, 2007: Developed in new French and American oak barriques for 12 months, dark garnet in color, medium- to full-bodied, with firm tannins well balanced by notes of sweet toast and vanilla. On the nose and palate plums, black cherries, and notes of cocoa. Not an Argentinean nor a Cahors Malbec but one with a distinct Mediterranean personality. Drink now or in the next year or two. NIS 65. Score 88. K (Re-tasted 13 Jan 2009)
The suggested retail price in Israel is 65NIS.
(Foodis has a Hebrew article about this wine)
