Argentina is famous for its rich, red malbec, where the grapes can flourish in vineyards planted at high altitude and the sun-kissed fruit comes into its own. Within the last few few years, Argentinian malbec has come to epitomize the delicious damson aromas and soft, velvety flavours that seduce wine lovers fond of an intense, fruity style.

So much so, World Malbec Day (April 17) is now in its fifth year with more than 70 events taking place in 50 countries around the world to celebrate Argentina's flagship grape. Quite a triumph when you consider these wines are relatively new on the scene and were out of reach 20 years ago.

Originally a French varietal that's now found primarily in Cahors and a major grape in south west blends, malbec also thrives in other New World regions outside of Argentina, where the sun blesses these thin-skinned grapes and helps produce such intense purple beauties.

With this in mind, here are some suggestions from around the world...

A bronze medal winner at the Decanter World Wine Awards, Vignobles Roussellet Malbec, France (£4.39, Aldi) from the Languedoc region (home to Cahors) exhibits typical blackberry and blueberry flavours, but with a hint of raisin on the finish. And while it may not carry the typical New World 14% abv which signals ripeness and concentration, it's a cheap and cheerful malbec that speaks with a French accent.

From the west coast, north of Cape Town, Kumala Reserve Malbec 2014, Swartland, South Africa (£8.99, Tesco) is an easygoing style which tastes light enough for a lunchtime glass, even at the heightened alcohol level of 14.5%. Not as opulent and full bodied as its Argentinian cousins, it displays mellow blackberry and brambly fruit and if you love a merlot, then this is the malbec for you.

With a wide spectrum of wineries producing powerful reds with personality, it's not surprising Australia has turned its hand to malbec and the winemaker behind 5oS Project McLaren Vale Malbec 2012, McLaren Vale, Australia (£14.99, www.virginwines.co.uk) has created a black beauty that's dangerously easy to drink. Beyond a veil of violet aromas, it's full bodied and deeply flavoured with blackberries and blueberries, finishing with notes of sweet spice and lavender.

California produces some of the best wines in the world, and the Lodi region is famed for its lip-smacking zinfandel rather than malbec. But with the same abundance of concentrated fruit and richness, North Ritz Road Reserve Malbec 2012, California, USA (£11.99, www.virginwines.co.uk) shows intensity without the weight. Juicy sweet black fruit with toasty oak and vanilla laced with liquorice makes this a top drop outside of South America.

Meanwhile, Argentina's neighbour boasts its own meaty styles and Malbec Secret de Viu Manent 2013, Colchagua Valley, Chile (£11.25, Oddbins) is 85% malbec dominant, topped up with other 'secret' grapes to create this fresh, fruity and cushiony wine with perfumed wild berry fruits that lead to baskets of generous black cherry, blackberry and blueberry flavours with a smack of spice on the long, smooth finish.

At the foothills of the Andes, Mendoza is the powerhouse behind malbec and Argentina's wine production, with vineyards characterized by 'terraces' (terrazas) and grapes grown at specific altitude - in the case of Terrazas Reserva Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina (£12.45, www.31dover.com), 3,500 feet above sea level. Instantly appealing, seductive scents of violets and raspberry fruit give way to gorgeous blackberry, blackcurrants and ripe plums overlaid with sweet spice and a hint of liquorice on the round, plush mouthfeel.

With 14 Gauchos across the UK, the Argentinian steakhouse are hosting special wine evenings to mark the event. Seven Days Of Malbec at Gaucho (Monday, April 13 to Sunday, April 19, www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk) will showcase a range of malbecs from pioneering winemakers who have helped put this grape on the map.

But if you can't make it to one of the restaurants taking part, the next best thing is to pick up a bottle of Vina Patricia Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina (£18.85 to buy and take away, Gaucho restaurants nationwide) and enjoy a tasting at home. From their own vineyard, this complex and powerful wine displays sumptuous violet and cedar aromas with swathes of voluptuous, black brambly fruit peppered with sweet spice and cocoa that lingers on the thought-provoking finish.

:: BEST BUY

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:: LIQUID NEWS

Parcel force... Waitrose is running a myWaitrose wine showcase on selected wines, including eight special parcels which are available for a limited time only.

The special parcels include a selection of unusual wines from both classic and new world wine growing regions and are available to all customers, but myWaitrose customers will receive an extra 20% off.

Off the beaten track, labels such as Chateau Ksara Gris de Gris Rose, Lebanon (£7.19 from £8.99 with a myWaitrose card) sit alongside one of southern Italy's best white grapes, Terre di Faiano Fiano 2013, Italy (£8.79 from £10.99, with a myWaitrose card), and Southern French belles such as Marselan, Le Petit Loup 2014, France (£6.79 from £8.49, with a myWaitrose card) which is a cross between a cabernet sauvignon and grenache.

In addition to the eight special parcels, a further 15 Waitrose own label wines will have 10% off for myWaitrose customers, who can also get an extra 5% off when they buy six or more bottles of wine, from now until May 3.