New world Malbec 101 here, folks. We love the density of ripe, black cherry and blackberry fruit. This is a little bit spicy, with a fabulously chunky body on the palate. Easy-sipping and delicious!

Origin: Cahors, in Southwestern France. Mainly Grown In: Argentina and France, and a little bit in Chile and USA. Key Facts: Psychologists probably love Malbec because it is the perfect candidate for a nature vs. nurture case study. In France, where Malbec originated (nature), it often struggles to ripen and is given less attention than its more famous counterparts who hold more prestige and a higher price tag ahem, we're looking at you, Cab and Merlot from Bordeaux. But in Argentina, Malbec is treated like royalty and is given the best plots of land where it can relish in sun-drenched vineyards (nurture) allowing it to produce wines of a distinct deep purple hue that burst with dark and bramble fruit flavours, violet, peppery spice and vanilla. Amazing what a little TLC can do for a grape's success. Fun Fact: Malbec from Argentina (and Australia) is much fruitier than the Malbec from France, which tends to be more tannic and have an herbal note.