Malbec at First Coast Wine & Brandy

Crafted in Florida, Born from Californian Grapes

At First Coast Wine & Brandy, Malbec is interpreted as a modern American red: rooted in Old World tradition, grown in the vineyards of California, and crafted with care in Florida. This wine combines the power and depth Malbec is known for with a refined, approachable style suited to the First Coast lifestyle.

Produced for fcwineandbrandy.com, this Malbec is vinified and bottled in Florida using carefully selected Malbec grapes from California, uniting two great winemaking regions in one bottle.

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A Grape with Global History, A Wine with Local Identity

Malbec has long been admired for its deep colour, generous dark fruit and natural affinity for food. Traditionally associated with France and widely celebrated in Argentina, the variety has now found a distinctive expression in the United States.

For this cuvée:

• The grapes are sourced from California vineyards, where warm days and cool nights allow Malbec to reach full, even ripeness.

• The winemaking takes place in Florida, where the wine is fermented, aged and bottled to the standards of First Coast Wine & Brandy.

The result is a Malbec that respects the classic character of the grape, while clearly reflecting its American journey and Floridian craftsmanship.

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Tasting Profile

This Malbec is designed to be rich yet balanced, offering depth without heaviness.

Appearance

• Deep ruby to dark purple, with a vibrant rim and excellent clarity.

Aroma

• Ripe black plum and blackberry

• Black cherry and dark berry compote

• Subtle notes of cocoa, sweet spice and a hint of vanilla or mocha from maturation

Palate

• Medium to full-bodied

• Smooth, velvety tannins that coat the palate without being aggressive

• Concentrated flavours of dark fruit, accented by gentle chocolate and spice tones

• Balanced acidity that keeps the wine lively and food-friendly

Finish

• Long and rounded, with persistent dark fruit and a touch of savoury complexity.

This style is intended to be immediately enjoyable on release, yet structured enough to reward short- to medium-term cellaring.

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Food Pairings for Malbec from fcwineandbrandy.com

Malbec is a natural partner for richly flavoured cuisine. The Florida-crafted, California-grown expression from First Coast Wine & Brandy is particularly well suited to both classic and regional dishes.

Grill and Barbecue

• Chargrilled steak (ribeye, sirloin, strip)

• Burgers with aged cheese

• Barbecued ribs or brisket

• Grilled lamb chops with herbs

Hearty Home Cooking

• Beef stews and braised short ribs

• Meatloaf, roast beef, or roasted pork

• Pasta with rich, tomato-based sauces

• Baked lasagne or oven-baked ziti

Cheese and Charcuterie

• Aged cheddar, Gouda, Manchego or similar firm cheeses

• Blue cheese for a more intense pairing

• Cured meats such as salami and prosciutto, served with crusty bread

Vegetarian Pairings

• Grilled portobello mushrooms

• Lentil stews and bean casseroles

• Roasted root vegetables with herbs and olive oil

• Eggplant dishes with tomato and cheese

Where there is richness, savoury depth, slow cooking, or a hint of smoke from the grill, this Malbec will generally complement the dish.

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Serving Recommendations

To present this Malbec at its best:

• Temperature:
  Serve at approximately 60–65 °F (16–18 °C). If the wine is stored at room temperature, a brief 15–20 minutes in the refrigerator can be beneficial.

• Glassware:
  Use a medium or large red wine glass to allow the bouquet to develop fully.

• Breathing Time:
  Opening the bottle 20–30 minutes before serving, or a short decant, helps soften the tannins and reveal additional aromatic complexity.

• Cellaring:
  The wine is made to be approachable upon release. With proper storage, it can continue to evolve over several years, gaining more integration and nuance.

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A Modern Malbec for the First Coast

The Malbec offered by fcwineandbrandy.com represents a distinct expression of this celebrated grape:

• Californian vineyards provide ripe, concentrated fruit.

• Florida winemaking brings careful handling, balance and a clear regional identity.

• International heritage ensures that the wine remains faithful to what Malbec lovers expect: depth of colour, generous dark fruit, and a velvety, satisfying finish.

Whether poured at a casual gathering, served alongside a weekend barbecue, or presented at a more formal dinner, this Florida-crafted Malbec made from Californian grapes offers a confident, modern take on one of the world’s most admired red varieties.