Malbec

Also known as Malbeck, Côt, Auxerrois, Pressac.

Malbec is a dark-skinned red wine grape of French origin, historically important in Cahors in South West France (where it is called Côt or Auxerrois) and in Bordeaux, and today most famous as the signature grape of Argentina. It is grown in small quantities in Italy, where it appears among the permitted complementary varieties of some Puglian denominations (spelled 'Malbeck' in the local disciplinari).

Malbec produces deeply colored, full-bodied reds with soft-to-moderate tannins and ripe black-fruit, plum and spice character. In Puglia it plays a minor supporting role rather than a lead, as in the Rosso di Cerignola blend.