23 Apr Please The Palate Wine of the Week: Derby Wine Estates 2023 Black Malvoisie, Derby Vineyard, Paso Robles

When I first saw the bottle, I had never heard of the grape “Black Malvoisie”. But in fact, Black Malvoisie is an old name for Cinsault. The dark-skinned grape, often found in blends, was first exported to California in the 1860s under the name Black Malvoisie. While it is hard to find information as to why it was called Black Malvoisie, it is more commonly labeled Cinsault today. However, Derby Wine Estates labels their wine Black Malvoisie, and the Derby Wine Estates 2023 Black Malvoisie, Derby Vineyard, Paso Robles, is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

About Derby Wine Estates

Derby Wine Estate is a boutique, family-owned winery established by Ray and Pam Derby. In 1998 they purchased 632 acres of land on the coast in San Simeon and planted 72 acres of vines. In 2001 they purchased their second vineyard, Laura’s Vineyard, in the Estrella District AVA on the East Side of Paso Robles. This is their largest vineyard with 278 acres planted to three grape varieties. It was in 2005, after a bumper crop, that Ray and Pam started their own Derby Wine Estates label. And in 2006, they purchased their third vineyard, the Derby Vineyard, in the Templeton Gap. This vineyard has 90 acres planted with 20 different grape varieties, including the Black Malvoisie (Cinsault). In total, the Derby’s have more than 440 planted acres.

Tasting Notes

Cinsault is not high in tannins and tends to be a lighter-bodied wine. The Derby Wine Estates 2023 Black Malvoisie, Derby Vineyard, Paso Robles is a very elegant wine with classic aromas of red berries, cherries, and violets. The wine has good acidity, a lovely texture, and a finish that makes you want to take another sip.

Food Pairing

Cinsault is a very food-friendly grape variety. It has become a go-to variety for many of my meals as it can complement grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, fish, and pasta dishes. I enjoyed my bottle of Derby Black Malvoisie with baked salmon and cherry tomatoes, served with orzo, broccoli, and a salad. The lighter body of the wine with its flavor intensity was a perfect pairing.

Where To Purchase

The Derby Wine Estates 2023 Black Malvoisie, Derby Vineyard, Paso Robles retails for $46. Contact Derby Wine Estates to purchase this wine.