Organic Wine: 2004 Jelu Malbec

While my partner had to sacrifice herself to the organic chocolates market, I sit here performing my own servitude for the public: cracking open a bottle of organic Argentinean Malbec.

Let's just say that as public service positions go, cushy government jobs have nothing on this girl.

Overall, the organic and bio-dynamic wine market is a complex one. While the quality of the wine reigns supreme, this doesn't necessarily mean that organic or bio-dynamically produced fruit is the originator. This creates a difficult situation in that there are those vineyards that produce wine by traditional methods, make exceptional wines, and are not technically organic, and other vineyards that grow and harvest using only organic and bio-dynamic methods for purposes of quality and terrior preservation, and make less than superior wines. Then there are the rare few vineyards that can accomplish both. The best way to judge the organic and bio-dynamic wine market (and it hurts this taste tester to say it) is to taste it bottle by bottle.

The 2004 Jelu Malbec is a treat to drink not only for the sweet dark cherry burst in your mouth, and the smoky bouquet with hints of vanilla, but also because of its value. This Malbec costs between $10 - $14 a bottle and could easily become a regular in the everyday wine lineup. Not terribly complex, the 2004 Jelu Malbec has enough body to compliment saucy dishes, rich cheeses and even an organic chocolate Valentine's Day gift.

The vineyards are located at 900 meters above sea level, specifically to tap into the terroir of the Zonda Valley in Mendoza, Argentina. The vines grow in soils made of large pudding stones and riverbank shingle, forcing the roots to run deep. The grapes are hand picked and traditional methods are used to produce the wine. No chemicals are used in the growing or harvesting of the grapes.

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