A desert-like climate is unusual in Canada but is a perfect match for growing Malbec. This thin-skinned grape is known to need quite a bit of heat and sun. Moon Curser’s Osoyoos East Bench sun-drenched vineyard, mineral-rich soils, and cool nights produce a Malbec that’s both bright and plush.
In 2022, the spring was consistently rainy with cool temperatures. Budbreak wasn’t until late April — a very slow start for Moon Curser’s south-west facing Osoyoos East Bench vineyard. What saved this nerve-wracking vintage were the long and warm days into September and October. These last 2 months allowed Moon Curser’s Malbec to develop incredible depth of flavour, while maintaining natural acidity, and balanced sugar and alcohol.
During the 2022 harvest, grapes were hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, then sorted again prior to destemming and pumping through to fermenters. Gentle pumpovers occured 3 times a day. Following fermentation, the wine spent 12 months in oak: 27% of which was new French oak, with the remainder in neutral barrels.
Tasting Note
Aromas of dark fruit, violet and dark chocolate with hints of nutmeg, blueberry and leather. On the palate, the wine has fresh acidity, a plush mouthfeel and soft yet robust tannins. This Malbec has depth and verve.
Food Pairing
This single-vineyard wine will shine with dishes like grilled meats, hard cheeses, or a hearty mushroom-lentil stew. The protein and fat from the meat and cheese will counter the wine’s tannins while the mushroom stew’s umami will balance the wine’s fruit and acidity.