Always Ravenous

Adventures in Food and Wine

  • About
  • Recipe and Wine Index
  • Wine Tasting
  • Inspirations
  • Contact
  • Blogging Resources

Flavors of Fall Paired with Cahors Malbec

October 24, 2019 by Jane 4 Comments

Pork Tenderloin with Prunes and Red Wine Sauce

Cahors Malbec

It now seems like overnight, the temperatures have dropped, and a new season is upon us. I, for one, am ready for heartier meals with a dose of comfort and a glass of red wine. This month the French Winophiles are exploring Malbec from Cahors France, the birthplace of Malbec. Come along with me and discover the Malbec flavor profile, the difference between Malbec grown in Cahors versus Argentina, and food pairings, including pork tenderloin with prunes and a red wine sauce.

Malbec Flavor Profile

Malbec is a medium to full-bodied wine with medium acidity and tannins. Malbec is known for its intense deep purple color, often with a magenta rim. The flavor profile can include; blackberry, plum, black cherry, currant, blueberry, olive, tobacco, chocolate, mocha, vanilla, savoriness, meaty, black licorice, and spice.

What’s the difference between Argentine and Cahors Malbec

Cahors is the birthplace of Malbec. Malbec has an intense deep purple color, and is known in Cahors as the “black wine of the South-West.” Cahors AOC regulations designate that Malbec consists of a minimum of 70% of the wine, commonly blended with a round, rich Merlot and a rustic, tannic Tannat. Cahors has a cooler climate and limestone soils generally resulting in an austere structure with firm tannins and flavor notes of; tart currant, black cherry, plum, dried herbs, meaty, black pepper and spice.

Argentina is the leading producer of Malbec, with over 70% of the world’s Malbec vineyards. Most of the Malbec is grown in the Mendoza appellation. It is produced as a varietal wine or blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Bonarda (Argentina’s number-two grape variety). Malbec thrives in the Argentine climate of sun and higher altitudes resulting in wines that are fruit-forward with a rich, smooth texture and flavor notes of; blackberry, plum, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, and sweet tobacco.

My Tasting Notes

Cahors Malbec

Disclosure: The wines were provided to me as media samples. All opinions are my own.

2016 Chateau Vincens Cahors Origine, Cahors AOC
13.5% abv | $12 SRP (sample) | 95% Malbec, 5% Merlot

Medium(+) purple in color with a slight magenta hue on the rim. Medium(+) bodied and tannins with medium acidity. On the palate, firm tannins with balanced acidity. Notes of tart black currants, plums, savory, meaty, and dark cherry.

Food Pairings

Pork Tenderloin with Prunes and Red Wine Sauce

Malbec calls for full-flavored foods like steak, lamb, game, and can also work with dark poultry, pork, and sausages. Earthy ingredients like mushrooms, shallots, sage, rosemary, mint, and cumin can bring out the fruity elements in the wine. Spices like smoked paprika, cinnamon, and allspice can echo flavors found in some Malbec. Need a pairing for blue cheese? Malbec!

My pairing

Pork Tenderloin with Prunes and a Red Wine Sauce – I prefer leaner cuts of meat, so to make this a full-flavored dish, I soaked the prunes in brandy and pan sautéd the pork adding earthy elements like shallots and herbs. The final flavor enhancer was the addition of butter to enrich the sauce.

Flavors of Fall Paired with Cahors Malbec

Pork Tenderloin with Prunes and Red Wine Sauce
Print
Pork Tenderloin with Prunes and Red Wine Sauce

A flavorful dish that pairs well with a full flavored wine like Malbec.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Pork Tenderloin with Prunes
Servings: 4
Author: Jane, adapted from "French Country Cooking," Mimi Thorisson
Ingredients
For the Sauce
  • 2-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 2 medium shallots, minced
  • 1 bay leave
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
  • kosher sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup dry red wine
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz. prunes
  • 1/2 + cup Brandy
For the Pork
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 lbs. pork tenderloin, cut into 1-1/2 inch thick pieces
  • kosher sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
  1. For the Sauce

  2. Over low heat, warm the brandy in a small pot. Remove from heat and add the prunes and let soak for about 15 minutes.

  3. In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the carrots and shallots and sauté until softened and slightly golden about 3 minutes.

  4. Add the bay leaf and thyme, season with salt and pepper. Add the wine and vinegar, simmer for a few minutes to slightly reduce. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  5. Add the remaining 1-1/2 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Drain the prunes and add them to the pan. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.

For the Pork
  1. In a large sauté pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork tenderloin pieces with salt and pepper on both sides. Add to the pan along with garlic. Cook for a total of 8-10 minutes, or until desired doneness, turning once. Spoon off any excess fat from the pan.

  2. Transfer pork to a serving platter and pour the prune sauce over the pork. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

For more on Cahors Malbec, check out my fellow French Winophiles’ posts ~

  • Cathie of Side Hustle Wino looks at “Cahors  – The Birthplace of Malbec“
  • Jill from L’Occasion shares “Cahors, a French Classic“
  • Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camilla will be posting “Château du Cèdre Extra Libre 2018 Malbec + Cider-Braised Chicken Thighs”  
  • Wendy Klik of A Day in the Life on the Farm samples “A Trio of Cahors Wine and the Pairings Served”  
  • Jeff of FoodWineClick! gives us “The Malbec You Never Knew: Cahors“
  • Linda of My Full Wine Glass shares “Newbies to Old-World Malbec Discover Cahors“
  • Cindy of Grape Experiences explores “The Old-World Style of Malbec from Cahors“
  • Deanna of Asian Test Kitchen give us “French Malbecs Meet Chinese Duck 4 Ways“
  • Gwen from Wine Predator shares “From Cahors: Biodynamic Chateau du Cedre Malbec with French Charcuterie”
  • Pinny of Chinese Food & Wine Pairings matches “Cahors Malbecs and American Wagyu Beef Asian BBQ ”
  • Cynthia and Pierre of Traveling Wine Profs give us “Cahors, Hainan Chicken Rice, and the Stories Wine Books Tell“
  • Susannah of Avvinare will be “Shedding Light on Old World Malbec from Cahors”
  • Payal of Keep the Peas discusses “Cahors: What Put Malbec on the Map”
  • Rupal of Syrah Queen will posting “Cahors – Tasting “Black Wines” With The Original Malbec”
  • David of Cooking Chat pairs “Mushroom Truffle Risotto with Cahors Malbec”
  • Nicole is “Bringing Home Cahors with Clos D’Audhuy” on Somm’s Table.


15shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Related

Filed Under: Main Dishes, Wine Pairings, Wine Tastings

« Food Pairings with Merlot #MerlotMe #WinePW
Traditional Italian Soup Paired with Chianti Classico »

Get More Updates!

Sign up to get exclusive updates & tips!

Comments

  1. Linda says

    October 24, 2019 at 4:44 pm

    I admire your ability to match flavors in pairings. This one sounds sublime!

    Reply
  2. Lynn says

    October 25, 2019 at 11:13 am

    I love prunes, especially the Pruneau d’Agen which have their own IGP. I think I’ll have to make this dish with them and grab a Malbec from Cahors!

    Reply
  3. Catherine Schafer says

    October 26, 2019 at 11:23 am

    This sounds like an incredible pairing Jane!

    Reply
  4. Nicole Ruiz Hudson says

    October 27, 2019 at 1:35 am

    A great rundown on Malbec and it’s two homes. I have to say, the pork and prunes look amazing!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Archives

Get the Latest from Always Ravenous

New posts delivered to your inbox

WSET Level 3 Wines - Certified

always_ravenous

Jane Niemeyer
Salad inspiration from Falastin cookbook by @sami_ Salad inspiration from Falastin cookbook by @sami_tamimi and @tara.wigley⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
A Winter Tabbouleh with Blood Orange Dressing, swapping in seasonal ingredients like blood oranges, kale, red cabbage, and pomegranate seeds to make this hearty winter salad.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#AlwaysRavenous #foodblogger #wineblogger #foodielife #onmytable #lunch #foodstagram #wintersalad #foodinspiration #foodislove #bloodoranges #kale #realfood #pomegranates #igfoodie #falastincookbook #eatwithyoureyes #eatwiththeseasons #saladinspiration
Weekend comfort food + wine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Braised Chicken Thighs, Blackberries, and Fennel Purée paired with a Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir from Résonance. Details and recipe on the blog, link in bio.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 #winesample #sponsored #AlwaysRavenous #wineblogger #foodblogger #foodandwine #discoverwine #winetasting #winetime #winestagram #wineadventures #winepairing #winophiles #wine #pinotnoir #oregonwine #willamettevalleywine #dundeehills #chickenrecipe #onmytable #comfortfood #sundaysupper @resonanceswines @lovejadot @louisjadot
Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t just for pairing with g Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t just for pairing with grilled steaks. I paired this 2017 L’Ecole Cabernet Sauvignon from the Walla Walla Valley with @inagarten ‘s Rigatoni with Italian Sausage and Fennel from her cookbook #CookingforJeffrey.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The texture and tannins of this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon were a match for the pasta with a creamy, rich sauce of pork sausage, heavy cream, herbs, garlic, and fennel.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 #winesample #AlwaysRavenous #wineblogger #foodblogger #foodandwine #discoverwine #winetasting #winetime #winestagram #wineadventures #lecole41 #pasta #cabernetsauvignon #foodandwinepairing #comfortfood #wallawallavalley #inmyglass @lecole41
Thursday’s Wine Inspiration⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Thursday’s Wine Inspiration⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
L’Ecole No. 41 Semillon - A blend of 88% Semillon & 12% Sauvignon Blanc, a smooth textured wine with bright acidity and notes of citrus, green fig, herbs, and minerals.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Try pairing this Washington state wine with shellfish - shrimp risotto, lobster tails with melted butter, scallops in a cream sauce, or a creamy vegetable pasta, chicken, and pork dishes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 #Ad #sponsored #AlwaysRavenous #wineblogger #foodblogger #foodandwine #discoverwine #winetasting #winetime #winestagram #wineadventures #foodandwinepairings #Semillon #WaWine #ColumbiaValley #wineinspiration #InMyGlass @lecole41
Have you tried a Cabernet Franc wine lately? This Have you tried a Cabernet Franc wine lately? This food-friendly wine is made in a range of styles and grown world wide. Need a few ideas where to start? France, Italy, Argentina .... tasting and pairing notes on the blog.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#AlwaysRavenous #wineblogger #foodblogger #foodandwine #discoverwine #winetasting #winetime #winestagram #wineadventures #cabernetfranc #foodandwinepairing #winepw @domainedelapepiere @olgaraffault @enemigowines @Ampeleia
Bison Steak Tartines - A quick flavor packed dinne Bison Steak Tartines - A quick flavor packed dinner or make them on a baguette slice for an appetizer. Pairs beautifully with Bodega Aleanna - El Enemigo Cabernet Franc from Mendoza Argentina. Tasting and pairing notes on the blog.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 #AlwaysRavenous #foodblogger #wineblogger #foodielife #onmytable #foodandwine #foodstagram #feedfeed #foodinspiration #foodislove #foodblogfeed  #realfood #easyrecipe #igfoodie #foodandwinepairing #discoverwine #winetasting #winetime #winestagram #wineadventures #cabernetfranc #winepw #ArgentineWine #Mendoza #bisonrecipe #appetizer #ElEnemigowines
Frizzante is a semi-sparkling Italian wine. The sw Frizzante is a semi-sparkling Italian wine. The sweet, aromatic, low alcohol sparkler makes for a festive pairing with holiday sweet treats.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Join the Italian Food, Wine, and Travel group on Twitter, December 5th, at 11:00 AM ET for our chat on sparkling wines from Italy (follow along using hashtag #ItalianFWT).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
 #Ad #winesamples #AlwaysRavenous #wineblogger #foodblogger #foodandwine #discoverwine #winetasting #foodandwinepairing #winetime #winestagram #wineadventures #frizzante #sparklingwine #italianwine #moscatobianco #brachetto #mosketto @donnawhitewine @mosketto.bubbles #sweet-treats
Cider-Prosecco Cocktail for Thanksgiving - OMG thi Cider-Prosecco Cocktail for Thanksgiving - OMG this is so tasty! Made with apple cider, rosemary simple syrup, Cognac, and topped off with Prosecco. Recipe from “The Lost Kitchen,” by Erin French. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Trust me, you want this!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Happy Thanksgiving🦃🍁🥂⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#AlwaysRavenous #wineblogger #foodblogger #foodandwine #Thanksgiving #winetime #winestagram #cocktail #Prosecco @thelostkitchen
Load More... Follow on Instagram




  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Get the Latest from Always Ravenous

New posts delivered to your inbox.

  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy




Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. To find out more, including how to control cookies, see our Privacy Policy. Accept
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Necessary
Always Enabled