Raise a glass to Malbec

The red Malbec grape originated in France, but many bottles now come from Argentina. Choose from soulful blends or punchy berry flavours, says Rob Buckhaven

1 Cherry

Trivento Otra Vida Malbec (£5.48, Asda) is a medium-bodied, stewed-black-cherry smoothie.

Blagger’s guide

Malbec is now such a popular grape that it even has its own day – World Malbec Day – held around the world in April each year.

2 Red Berry

Tesco Finest Malbec Rosé (£7.49) is packed with ripe mulberry flavours.

Blagger’s guide

The Malbec grape was first planted in the south of France 2,000 years ago, but was nearly wiped out by root-eating insects and frost in the 19th century.

3 Plum

Montemar Malbec (£7.25, Oddbins) has a turbo-charged plum injection.

Blagger’s guide

Grapes grown in Argentina have the longest “hang time” in the world. Leaving them on the vine for longer lets them ripen slowly.

Stockists: Asda (Asda.com), Oddbins (Oddbins.com), Tesco (Tesco.com)