Cupcake Red Velvet Malbec 2011

I thought I’d follow up on Jess’ post about the Red Velvet Merlot with another one from the same line… the Red Velvet Malbec. It took me a few trips to the wine aisle to realize that there are quite a few Cupcake Red Velvets. There’s the original Red Velvet which is actually a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cab Sav and Petite Sirah. Then last summer, Cupcake released a Red Velvet edition of each one of those varietals. According to Cupcake, they are supposed to be “dramatic interpretations ” of these classic reds.

I absolutely love the Red Velvet Malbec. I think this is a universally great wine. It’s one of the first red wines I fell in love with, and I just gave a sip to my Pinot-Grigio-or-bust drinking mother who tilted her head to one side with a thoughtful look and said “Hmm… I could drink that!”

It’s smooth. It’s definitely got a little punch to it, but it certainly doesn’t make your jaw clench up like some red wines can. To my taste buds, it’s the perfect balance between a sweet and a dry. I’d serve this at a dinner party where you’d have mixed tastes or take it as your hostess gift to a party. Not only is the taste universally appealing, but the name is. Who doesn’t like Red Velvet?

Tasting Notes:

Wine Name: Cupcake Red Velvet Malbec 2011

Grape: Red, Malbec

Origin: Argentina

Price: $11.99 – maybe? My mom picked this bottle up and she couldn’t remember the price.

General impression: smooth, velvet-y but also light

Recommendations: “a universal red”, serve with pasta, serve with steak, hostess gift, party wine, dinner party wine, a reds for people who don’t like reds

Would you buy again? YES!