What Kind of Wine Is Barefoot Malbec?
Barefoot Malbec is a medium-to-full-bodied dry red wine from Modesto, California. It starts with explosive black fruit aromas and gentle green fruit scents on the nose. Next, it exhibits waves of red fruit flavors mingled with chocolate and baking spice touches in the mouth. Everything, however, is balanced by the lively acidity, which leads to a satisfying finish.
Malbec is Argentina’s flagship variety, and the country has the largest plantings of this grape worldwide. Malbec tends to produce deeply colored, full-bodied wines with black fruit notes and smooth tannins. That said, some winemakers are now creating more elegant styles. Most high-quality Malbecs mature in new oak, lending subtle spicy flavors.
Argentine producers have grown Malbec extensively in every wine region of the country, and regional differences can be noticed in the wines produced. The wines made from fruit ripened at lower altitudes are fuller-bodied with richer black fruit. Those from higher altitude vineyards are more elegant, showing floral aromas. Malbec plays a leading role in premium bends, generally with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Barefoot Malbec Review
- Winery — Barefoot Cellars
- Country/Region — United States, California, Central Coast, Modesto County
- Type — Californian Malbec
- Aroma — Violet, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Raspberry, Apple, Pear, Charred Wood
- Grapes — Malbec
- Taste — Herry, Strawberry, Bubblegum, Chocolate, Wet Soil, Leather, Licorice, Pepper, Vanilla Spice
- Alcohol Content — 14%
- Sugar — Dry
- Pairing — Barbecued Steak, Duck, Pasta With Meatballs, Chili Con Carne, Pizza
With a deep well of black and red fruit aromas and flavors and a smooth, silky tannic texture, Barefoot Malbec is compelling and savory. On top of that, the cherry, strawberry, and touch of pepper that flood the palate provide unique pleasure to wine enthusiasts. Likewise, the chocolate hints give the necessary depth and complexity, constituting Barefoot Malbec a recommended California red wine choice. Drink now.
Tasting Notes
This wine is super enjoyable. Subtle floral fragrances emerge as Barefoot Malbec is uncorked, with green fruit aromas to follow, defining the nose. Cherry and strawberry flavors interlaced with chocolate and spice dominate the mouth, as the grippy tannins add structure and a fine, silky texture. Also, the acidity is bright and refreshing, while the finish is lingering and of good length. Barefoot Malbec, consequently, has a delightful tasting profile.
Appearance
Barefoot Malbec has a bold appearance. The color is deep ruby-red and opens into an opaque core, with a certain level of fogginess. As the wine stays in the glass, a medium garnet hue develops, which is beautiful. The tears are long with density. That is one of the nicest appearances I have ever encountered. Barefoot Malbec is dazzling, without a doubt.
Aroma
A gentle fragrance of violet brings to mind Argentinian purple trumpet vines as Barefoot Malbec exhibits a very aromatic bouquet. Afterward, black fruit aromas, such as blackberry and blackcurrant, join a hint of raspberry for extra aromatic intensity. On top of that, scents of apple and pear blend with an oak touch. A super pleasant nose from Barefoot Malbec!
Taste
Here is where Barefoot Malbec shines. As it flows into the mouth, soft red fruit flavors emerge. Cherry and strawberry notes show delicate texture and fuse with bubblegum. Then, chocolate tastes accompany pepper and vanilla spice, as they create a fulfilling and juicy body. This extra structure is complemented additionally by earth and leather tones. In fact, the leather touch is a characteristic of the Malbec varietal. It exhibits the audacity of this grape. Moreover, the tannins are medium and unobtrusive. They are grippy, rounding the mouthfeel.
Finish
Barefoot Malbec has a lengthy and savory finish. Cherry flavors linger on the tip of the tongue, as also licorice sensations. But just as the glass sets on the table, a zippy acidity unearths and cleans the mouth, refreshing it. This acidic nature is welcoming as it moderates the intense fruitiness. So, Barefoot Malbec concludes the tasting profile emphatically.
Rating
Barefoot Malbec is a plush red wine full of juicy flavors and delicate aromas. Blackberry and cherry notes set sail on a gust of vanilla spice, licorice, and charred wood. And wine enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the trip. So, jump aboard and experience Barefoot Malbec in all of its grandeur.
Barefoot Malbec Food Pairing
Pair Barefoot Malbec with a barbecued beefsteak, dark meat poultry like a duck, or a caramelized-onion pizza. Malbecs have the body to stand up to rich foods such as these. In fact, the wine’s mellow tannins and finish blend splendidly with the intense flavors of the beef. And with the tenderness of the duck meat. Similarly, the pizza matches the wine’s bright personality as, in general, Malbecs make good companions to takeaway.
Additional pairing choices are spaghetti Bolognese or chili con carne. Barefoot Malbec complements the juicy meatballs and earthy kidney beans. On top of that, Malbec is an Argentinian grape varietal and matches with chili, a standard ingredient of Latin American cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes Barefoot Malbec?
Barefoot Malbec is a product of Barefoot Cellars, located in Modesto, California. Founded in 1965, when California winemaker Davis Bynum first created Barefoot Bynum Burgundy in his garage. The inspiration behind the name of the winery is the free-spirited method of crushing grapes barefoot.
Twenty years later, in 1986, entrepreneurs Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey renamed the winery Barefoot Cellars and created the iconic footprint label. Barefoot Wine’s casual name made a great impression on wine fans. Jenniffer Wall is the winemaker at Barefoot Cellars. She has received over two thousand medals for her wines and several accolades.
How Is Barefoot Malbec Made?
As a dry red wine, Barefoot Malbec is made with the standard vinification process. The fruit is harvested at optimal ripeness when the color, flavors, acids, and tannins are in balance. Then, it is destemmed and crushed. Crushing breaks the skins of the grapes and liberates a quantity of juice. But damaging the seeds should be avoided. Otherwise, they release bitter oils and tannin, and the resulting beverage turns astringent and bitter.
After crushing, pressing follows. Pressing separates the liquid and the solid constituents of grapes. Seeds should remain undamaged once again. Afterward, the crushed grapes are fed into a tank until the alcoholic fermentation begins. This process is responsible for giving the final wine its texture as well as concentrated fruit flavors.
During fermentation, the temperature increases until the fermented grape juice is ready to be racked and goes through a complete malolactic conversion. The latter adds structure and buttery, creamy aromas and flavors. When this is over, the final wine is filtered from yeasts and bottled.
Where Is Barefoot Malbec Made?
Barefoot Malbec is produced in Modesto of the Central Valley in California, with its acclaimed wines and ultra-modern wineries. The combinations of warm, bright sun and cooling influences from the Atlantic Ocean characterize the region. And they deliver a diverse range of wine styles. The Central Valley is renowned for its fertile soil and irrigation. In this way, yield is increased, resulting in the production of thousands of wines every season. Moreover, Central Valley is known for introducing a new winemaking style that challenges the European tradition.
In California, the emphasis being on the fruitiness of the wines instead of the structure. Finally, the Mediterranean climate provides constant summer sunshine that helps the vines to produce grapes with increased flavor concentration. The Atlantic Ocean, on the other hand, with cooling influences and fog, cools the vines from the intense heat. Due to this diversity, California produces an extensive range of wines of varying levels, acknowledged by worldwide wine enthusiasts.
How to Serve Barefoot Malbec?
Barefoot Malbec has to be served at room temperature at 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 15 Celsius). After uncorking it, pour it into a glass decanter for extra pleasure. Then, allow it to sit without interruptions for an hour or so. This time is enough to successfully aerate it, allowing the oxygen to come into contact with the wine surface and help it to unearth its fruity nature. Serve in larger-sized wine glasses to keep fresh the contact with the air. In this way, Barefoot Malbec will keep releasing aromas and flavors, maintaining its complexity.
How Much Does Barefoot Malbec Cost?
Barefoot Malbec has an incredibly approachable retail price. In fact, it is valued low, considering its high quality and complicatedness. Barefoot Malbec price ranges from $7 to $13 or more per 750ml bottle, depending on the vintage and retailer. As a consequence, consumers can obtain it without spending too much. So, if you see this bottling on the store shelf, you must seize the opportunity and purchase it.
How Long Does Barefoot Malbec Last?
Barefoot Malbec could benefit from long-term storage, but I would not recommend it. By putting it for maturation, you risk eliminating its fruitiness, leaving behind a thin and dull wine. That said, Barefoot Malbec has enough body and structural components to age successfully. Therefore, under certain circumstances, it might be wise to shut it away and out of the dinner table for some time.
To mature Barefoot Malbec, seal it with a cork and store it in an environment with room temperatures that do not fluctuate (fifty to sixty degrees Fahrenheit or ten to fifteen Celsius) and a portion of humidity. Direct sunlight or artificial light should be kept at bay, as they may cause irreversible damage. Intense exposure to light rearranges the chemical compounds found in wine, like oxygen and temperature, and causes wine faults. That means that the wine ages prematurely, and its aromas, flavors, and even color change for the worse. The resulting wine is known as light-struck.
Odors also must be avoided, as they might find their way inside the bottle. If they do, they usually instill unwelcome aromas and flavors, like intense animal sweat or vinegar. Furthermore, Barefoot Malbec will develop secondary and tertiary aromas and flavors, such as dried blackberries and figs, cooked raspberries, jamminess, wet earth, and tobacco. As a final note, do not allow it to mature over three years as it will become unpleasant.
How Many Calories Does Barefoot Malbec Have?
Barefoot Malbec is a safe dietary choice for consumers on a diet. There are around 25 calories in 1 fluid ounce of the beverage, equating to 127 calories per serving. The calorie breakdown is 0 grams of fats, 0 grams of sodium, 4 grams of total carbohydrates, 0.1 gram of protein, and 1 gram of total sugars. Therefore, Barefoot Malbec calories are low. That makes this bottling a fantastic wine choice for consumers monitoring their caloric intake. Barefoot Malbec alcohol content 14% per 750ml bottle. That is a usual alcoholic concentration for a medium-to-full-bodied California red.
Conclusion
With a deep well of black and red fruit aromas and flavors and a smooth, silky tannic texture, Barefoot Malbec is compelling and savory. On top of that, the cherry, strawberry, and touch of pepper that flood the palate provide unique pleasure to wine enthusiasts. Likewise, the chocolate hints give the necessary depth and complexity, constituting Barefoot Malbec a recommended California red wine choice. Drink now.
