Pannotia Vineyards Releases 2005 Argentina Malbec

02/11/07 Pannotia Vineyards, (http://www.pannotiavineyards.com), a virtual winery offering American wine lovers a portfolio of wines from around the world, announces Pannotia Malbec 2005, a wine of exceptional balance from Lujan de Cuyo.

The Malbec grape originates in southwestern France, where it once provided wines destined to be shipped from the port of Bordeaux. The Malbecs of that area are usually stingy and astringent. Differing from the typical French, Pannotia Malbec 2005 is transformed by the friendly and sunny climate of Mendoza resulting in a rich and round vintage.

"The motivation behind Pannotia and our choices of wines is to bring attention to wines that we believe are under-appreciated," explains Pannotia's Mark Preskenis. "While there are plenty of Malbecs in the market, we believe that we had something new to offer with Malbec. We have tamed the rustic tannins of Malbec while bringing the fruit and the terroir of our Malbec to full expression."

Malbec found its way to Argentina a half a century ago. Nestled against the Andes, the friendlier climes and brighter sunshine have turned Malbec into something altogether different. Argentina's version of Malbec is rich and round, laden with blueberries and black cherries. Unlike its French counterpart, Argentine Malbec is generous and fruity, with only a chunk of dustiness at the end to remind the drinker of its origin.

Pannotia Malbec is created from grapes grown in one of the most distinctive areas of Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo. The dusty, even fluffy, soils of that great old vineyard bring out another side of the grape: black and red cherries, blueberries, and hints of chocolate.

"The dusty side of Argentine Malbec is best tamed by a touch of new and spicy oak barrels, said Rick Jones, Pannotia's winemaker. "We believe that we have created a graceful blend of Malbec's native grit and the clove and cinnamon of oak bringing our customers a wonderful vintage at a value price."

As with all Pannotia wines, this Malbec is a wine that is emblematic of the best of the world's wine regions. Pannotia wines are priced between $10 - $15 per bottle.