France and Argentina make two very distinct types of Malbec which one may call the "Old World" and "New World" styles with a direct reference to tannin and grape ripeness. This event is your chance to taste Malbec wines from two passionate producers making wines which truly represent their roots.

Order of events;
• Drink reception 7pm
• Tasting from 7.30pm which will consist of a sit-down presentation and tasting including an all-important how to taste wine session. A total of 6 different wines will be tasted including the drink reception and the how to taste wine.
• The speakers will explain the key differences between South-West French and Argentinean terroirs and their impact on the wines produced.
• A representative of each vineyard will present their wines, take you through a tutored tasting and answer your questions.
• Finally, we will invite you to try these wines with a buffet featuring some authentic Argentinean and French dishes including: Empanadas (the best in town), sourced from Frederico at Argentinian Folkolore in Borough Market, Vinopolis' own Tom Forrest's homemade Cassoulet (the king of all stews), some traditional Argentinian beef, including Sirloin, Ribeye and Fillet cuts as well as Chorizo from the exquisite Pampas Plain range and some classic French dessert Clafoutis to finish with.
The event will finish at 9.30pm

About Malbec

The origins of the Malbec grape variety lie in the South West of France where it is the predominant varietal used in Cahors wines. Malbec has travelled somewhat and is now often associated with Argentina, in fact some would say Argentina has put Malbec back on the wine map but French Malbec wine makers will dispute this! Malbec grape can produce a wide variety of wines but is most known for inky dark red wines with plenty of mouth watering plumy fruit flavours and robust tannins.

Interestingly, Malbec was introduced to Argentina by a French agricultural engineer back in 1868. It was at the time disfavoured by French winemakers as it requires a lot of sunshine and is notably difficult to ripen sufficiently in lesser years. The warmer and drier climate Argentina enjoys helped Malbec setting itself as an instant hit with plantations sharply going up and amounting for 25,000 hectares today (a large football pitch is just under 1 hectare) in the Mendoza region of Argentina alone. The Cahors region where most Malbec is produced in France has just over 4,000 hectares.


About the producers

Château Lagrézette, which is owned by Alain Dominique Perrin, was built in the 15th Century and has been producing wine from at least 1503!  A man of passions, Alain Dominique Perrin, has devoted much of his time and energy to the task of restoring Château Lagrézette and resurrecting the true vocation of the estate: wine-growing. His Malbec wines, which are at once powerful, generous and refined, are the expression of his profound love of the region, of its culture and traditions. Today, the quality of Le Pigeonnier, La Cuvée Dame Honneur, and Château Lagrézette is unanimously recognized throughout France as well as abroad.

Marta's Vinyard, named and led by the gorgeous Marta Lunardi, is a family business with long established wineries  located in Lujan de Cuyo and Maipu regions of the province of Mendoza in the spectacular pollution free ecosystem of the South American Andes mountains in Argentina. This region incorporates a multitude of micro climates, creating perfect natural habitat for the development and growth of many grape varieties.  Marta will be present at the tasting and will be showing her Malbec Reserve 2006 and her top wine the 1999 Signature Malbec.



Tickets are £40 each (inc VAT)

or call 020 7940 3000