Secret Wine Confession:
Ensedune French Malbec
I’ve always loved Malbec, and this French Malbec taps straight into that story.
Ironically, my introduction to Malbec didn’t come from France, or even Argentina directly, but from a tiny, candle-lit tapas bar in Hong Kong decades ago. It was called Enoteca, tucked away in the Mid-Levels. A proper grown-up place and haven for expats. Good wine, excellent small plates, and big conversations.
The wine was Argentinian. A Zuccardi Malbec from Mendoza. Utterly exquisite. Dark, generous, confident, but never clumsy. That was it. I was hooked.
Since then, I’ve always gravitated towards Malbec. Not loudly. Just instinctively. It’s a grape I trust.
So when I came across this cheeky little French Malbec, I had to try it.
Why This French Malbec Feels Different
Ensedune French Malbec is a very different experience to the Mendoza style that first won me over.
Where Argentine Malbec often leans into power and depth, this French expression is lighter on its feet. Still dark-fruited and comforting, but fresher, brighter, and far more restrained. It doesn’t dominate the glass. It behaves itself.
There’s blackberry and ripe plum, but lifted rather than heavy. The tannins are soft. The finish is clean. You don’t feel steamrollered after a glass, you just find yourself reaching for another.
It’s the kind of red that fits café drinking beautifully. With food, it’s generous. On its own, it’s quietly dangerous.
A Little History of French Malbec
Malbec’s story actually starts in France, long before Argentina made it famous.
Traditionally rooted in southwest France, particularly around Cahors, Malbec travelled, adapted, and eventually found global fame elsewhere. But it never lost its French identity.
In regions like the Languedoc, producers are now rediscovering Malbec’s more elegant side. Sunshine, cooling breezes and a more relaxed approach to ripeness mean wines that favour balance over brute force.
This Ensedune French Malbec comes from the Coteaux d’Ensérune, where the emphasis is on freshness, drinkability and restraint. Less muscle. More poise.
Which, frankly, suits us rather well … well sometimes!
This is one of those wines we could easily have kept to ourselves. But that wouldn’t be very sporting of us would it?
So here it is. Out in the daylight. A French Malbec with a backstory, a softer touch, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting.
Wine Facts:
Ensedune Malbec
Everything you need to know about this rather moreish red.
Country
France: Languedoc, Coteaux d’Ensérune (IGP)
Grapes
100% Malbec
Serve
Slightly cooler than room temperature works beautifully
Alcohol
13–13.5%
Aroma
Blackberry, ripe plum, gentle spice, a soft herbal edge
Colour
Deep ruby with purple hues
Why we like it
All the comfort of Malbec, without the heaviness. A French take that’s easier, brighter and quietly moreish.
