Malbec was originally a grape associated with south west France but today is much more glorious in South America. Better known then as Cot, it was the most commonly planted vine throughout south west France, including Bordeaux, and was still widely grown there until the severe winter of 1956 killed many of the vines and more glamorous alternatives were replanted. It even has its very own synonym, Pressac, on the right bank of the Gironde. In Bordeaux today it is not common - growers complain of coulure, poor fruit set - but is mainly grown in such outlying parts of Bordeaux as Bourg, Blaye and Entre-Deux-Mers. It is also...