Christopher Cox displays his favorite Malbec. (Paul Fraughton / The Salt Lake Tribune)

Are you looking for a new wine, cocktail or micro-brewed beer? In this column, we ask a Utah expert for a recommendation. This week we talked to:

Christopher Cox » Wine manager at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Salt Lake City.

What are you drinking now?

2007 Tikal Amorio Malbec, Argentina.

Why do you like it?

The Tikal is my favorite organic wine of today. I like the blueberry and currant characteristics, and the subtle earthy mineral components. The simple fact that this wine does not come from Napa (California) also sparks my interest.

What makes it interesting?

Malbec has become a hot trend in North America, with more sales than merlot. (But it still trails cabernet.) And unlike French wines that include the malbec grape, Argentinian malbecs improve with age. This is an excellent wine to enjoy now or within the next eight years.

Price?

$30.96 at the Utah state wine stores.

Best food pairing?

This wine really shines with barbecue and spicy dishes. It's also good with steak, veal and lamb.

afassio@sltrib.com



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