A HIGH-flyer at more than 1,000 metres above sea level, Mendoza is the birthplace of Argentian malbec and World Malbec Day (April 17) is a great excuse to paint the town red.

Originally a grape native to south-west France, World Malbec Day commemorates the time in 1853 when the Argentinean president pledged to transform the country’s wine industry and tasked a French soil expert to propagate some new vines.

With a head for heights, the high altitude, abundant sunshine and low humidity suited malbec down to the ground.

So much so, the effect of cold nights at these high altitudes extended the growing season and rewarded winemakers with super ripe reds displaying fine tannins and well-balanced acidity.

It’s a style we’ve fallen in love with and the past 10 years has seen Argentina rise to the A-list with both consumers and trade.

To champion its world-wide appeal, more than 50 countries will be hosting wine festivals and events, with the Gaucho chain of steak restaurants headlining five malbecs in London, Manchester and Leeds for a week-long celebration.

For amigos thirsty for a taste of Argentina’s rich soils and ripening sun, here are some suggestions to ignite the tastebuds.

One of the country’s top producers, trophy and medal winner Vinalba is promoting some of its best-selling labels to mark the occasion, including entry-level Vinalba Malbec 2010, Mendoza (reduced to £5.99 from £6.99 until April 23, The Co-operative). Ripe and round with defining spice and dark berry fruits without excess weight, there’s a hint of dark chocolate lingering on the finish and firm tannins to make it a good all-rounder alongside tomato-based pasta dishes and tender red meat.

A juicy red with a sweet raspberry nose, Dona Paula ’Paula’ Malbec 2012, Mendoza (£7.99, www.strictlywine.co.uk) is soft and smooth with dark cherry fruits, a lick of kirsch on the finish and spicy tongue-tingling tannins. Stylish and graceful, it’s the younger sister to the Dona Paula Estate wine and fresh enough to enjoy on its own.

To step into a world of blueberry and perfectly ripened damson fruit, try Argento Malbec 2012, Mendoza (£8.99; £7.99 each if you buy two, Majestic). Firm and dense with velvety smooth tannins, it maintains its juicy acidity at 13.5% abv, and is slightly lower in alcohol than the average 14% for malbec.

By law, Argentinean winemakers are allowed to tweak malbec with up to 20% of other grapes in the blend, but most like to showcase their signature red in all its unadulterated purple glory.

However, adventurous drinkers fond of an up-front style should try experimenting with Trivento Amado Sur Malbec 2010, Mendoza (£8.99, Morrisons), which has 10% bonarda and 10% syrah. Opulent and truly flavoursome with deeply textured fruit and a riot of cherries, plums, prunes, vanilla, chocolate and grippy tannins, it’s a great choice with chorizo sausage and a juicy steak.