Domaine Du Prince Malbec

Du Prince Malbec is a red wine made from Malbec, listed with Massachusetts as its appellation and Domaine as the producer. Malbec is better known from Cahors in France and from Argentina, so a Massachusetts bottling is a less common find. Check the label for the vintage and the alcohol level, since neither is given here. Malbec in general is deeply colored and fruit-forward. Expect plum, blackberry and dark cherry, often with a violet or cocoa edge. Medium-full body is typical, with moderate to firm tannin and acidity that stays in the background. Whether this bottling saw oak, and how much, is not stated. Where oak is used on Malbec, it usually adds vanilla, mocha or light smoke. Cooler New England growing conditions can lean toward brighter acidity and a more restrained fruit profile than warm-climate Malbec, so treat that as a possibility rather than a description of this wine. Malbec's dark fruit and tannin suit grilled and roasted red meat. Flank steak, burgers, lamb chops and short ribs all work, as do sausages and smoked brisket. Aged hard cheeses, mushroom dishes and tomato-based pastas with hearty sauces are good vegetarian options. Very spicy or delicate fish dishes tend to clash with the tannin. Serve it slightly below room temperature, around 60 to 65°F (15 to 18°C). Twenty minutes in the fridge before opening usually gets it there. If the first pour seems tight or closed, 30 to 45 minutes in a decanter, or in the glass, should soften it. Use a large-bowled red wine glass with room for the aromas to gather. Most Malbec is made for drinking within a few years of release. Unless the label or producer indicates ageing potential, plan to drink this one soon rather than cellar it.