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Malbec

Registration Information

Also known as Cot, in France, this variety can officially be called “Malbec” in regards to the plant propagating material. In the European Union, Cot is officially called by other names: Malbec (Spain, Czech Republic), Malbech (Italy) and Malbek (Austria).

Cultivation and Vine Characteristics

This vigorous variety is sensitive to coulure, but clonal selection has greatly reduced this defect. Plant vigor should be managed by high density plantations and by using a low-productivity rootstock. This variety is fairly sensitive to winter frosts during the first years after planting. Following spring frosts, the shoots from secondary buds are not very fertile. At maturity, there is sometimes the risk of berry shedding. The bunches and berries are medium-sized.

Wine Characteristics

With well-managed production, this early-ripening variety can produce deeply coloured, aromatic, and tannic wines with excellent aging potential. Rosé winemaking also yields good results. Generally, achieving sufficient grape maturity is essential to prevent the herbaceous and vegetal aromas of Malbec from becoming too dominant, which can sometimes result in hardness and bitterness.

Clonal Selection in France:

The nineteen certified Cot clones carry the numbers 42, 46, 180, 279, 353, 419, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 1061, 1127, 1128, 1288, 1289 and 1342. Two conservatories of approximately 220 clones were planted in the French department of Lot in 1993 and in 2003. Another conservatory of thirty or so clones was planted in the French department of Gironde between 2011 and 2012.

Available Clones

598

Clone appreciated for its growing characteristics and the quality of wines obtained.

Available in: VineTech Select, VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Medium
  • Production Level: Medium
  • Cluster Weight: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: Medium to high
  • Colour Potential: Medium to high
  • Tannic Structure: Medium
  • Oenological Characteristics: Typical wines of the grape variety.
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1128

Moderate level of production and wines appreciated for their organoleptic characteristics.

Available in: VineTech GrowerSelect, VineTech International, VineTech QuickVine

Clone Characteristics

  • Fertility: Low
  • Production Level: Low
  • Cluster Weight: Low
  • Berry Size: Medium

Wine Characteristics

  • Sugar Potential: High
  • Colour Potential: High
  • Acidity: Low to medium
  • Tannic Structure: High
  • Oenological Characteristics: Distinctive, structured and colourful wines with good length in the mouth.
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All information has been provided by VineTech’s genetics providers.

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