Tilia Malbec

Tilia Malbec is a Malbec bottled under a Massachusetts appellation, which puts it well outside the Argentine and Cahors benchmarks most drinkers know. Details like vintage, alcohol level and oak regimen aren't listed for this bottle, so what follows is what Malbec typically delivers and how to handle it. Expect a deep purple-ruby color and a core of blackberry and plum, often with violet, cocoa or a little black pepper. Malbec usually has a plush, medium-full body, moderate and rounded tannin, and acidity that stays fairly modest. A cooler New England growing season can push the style toward brighter fruit and fresher acidity than a hot-climate Malbec shows. If the wine saw oak, expect it as a light vanilla or toast note rather than a dominant flavor. Malbec's soft tannin and dark fruit suit grilled and seared red meat. Flank steak with chimichurri, burgers, lamb chops and sausages off the grill all work, as do mushroom-heavy dishes and aged cheeses like cheddar, Manchego or Gouda. Smoky barbecue and tomato-based braises also hold up well, since the fruit stands up to char and sweetness. For a vegetarian match, try roasted eggplant, black bean dishes or portobello burgers. Very spicy food will make the wine taste hotter and more bitter, so keep heat moderate. Serve it at about 60 to 65°F (cellar temperature, not room temperature), which keeps the fruit lively and stops any alcohol warmth from showing. Twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening usually gets a bottle to the right point. Pouring it into a decanter, or just into large glasses, for 20 to 30 minutes is worthwhile if the first glass tastes tight, but heavy sediment is not something to expect in a wine of this style. A standard red wine glass or a Bordeaux-style glass with a generous bowl lets the aromas open without exaggerating the alcohol. Most Malbecs at this level are made to be enjoyed on release or within a few years. Without a stated vintage or cellaring recommendation, treat this bottle as a drink-now wine rather than one to hold for the long term.