Playing malbec music from two contrasting hemispheres

Yes, cabernet sauvignon is still great with steak and I found a classy affordable one in the Montes. But just for fun, try my malbec top contenders, from the Old and New World. Malbec is an ancient resident of Cahors, and the French Rigal is trying to unseat those Argentinian upstarts. The Rigal is indeed very good, but then I ran into the Auka, which lifts the bar up another elegant notch. Try both malbecs side by side and see for yourself.
 

Rigal “The Original” 2009 Malbec $11.95 (France)

The birthplace of malbec grapes is here, from Cahors, in SW France (not Argentina). The original shows very spicy sage, pine and kirsch aromas, with lots of black cherry, cedar, blueberry and vanilla flavours. It’s big fruited, quite mellow, with a nice spicy cherrywood finish.

LCBO #159178

Food suggestion: Braised veal shank.

Rating: 88

The taste profile of this darkly-hued red is competitive with $18 malbecs. Aromas of minty (almost evergreen) black cherry and plum with a hint of elegant cassis. The flavours swirl with black currants, black cherry and spicy cedar. Very tasty! Do let it breathe a bit before serving.

LCBO #168401

Food suggestion: Marinated flank steak.

Rating: 89+