
Malbec Wine
Learn about Malbec wine — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
Known for its big, bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec wine is most famous for its runaway success in Argentina. However, the variety actually originated in Bordeaux, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. After being nearly wiped out by a devastating frost in 1956, it was never significantly replanted, although it continued to flourish under the name Côt in nearby Cahors. A French agronomist who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. But it did not gain its current reputation as the country's national grape until a surge in popularity in the late 20th century.
Malbec Tasting Notes
Malbec is a dry, red wine that typically expresses deep flavors of blackberry, plum and licorice, backed by aromas of freshly turned earth and dense, chewy tannins. In warmer, New World regions, such as Mendoza, Malbec wine will be intensely ripe, and full of fruit and spice. From its homeland in Cahors, its rusticity shines; dusty notes and a beguiling bouquet of violets balance rich, black fruit.
Malbec Food Pairing Tips
Malbec’s rustic character begs for flavorful dishes, like spicy grilled sausages or the classic cassoulet of France’s Southwest. South American iterations are best enjoyed as they would be in Argentina: with a thick, juicy steak.
Sommelier Secrets for Malbec
If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet. With its combination of bold flavors and soft tannins, it will appeal to basically anyone who enjoys red wine. Malbec also wins bonus points for affordability, as even the most inexpensive examples are often quite good.
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Alamos Malbec 2020Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- RP
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Kaiken Ultra Las Rocas Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- WW
- RP
- W&S
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Catena Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
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Don Miguel Gascon Malbec Riserva 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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BenMarco Malbec 2019Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- RP
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Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Cuvelier Los Andes Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Sur de los Andes Malbec 2017Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Cuvelier Los Andes Grand Vin 2017Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- RP
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Black Cabra Malbec 2020Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Tapiz Black Tears Malbec 2017Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- W&S
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Red Schooner by Caymus Voyage 10Malbec from Argentina
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Bodega Colome Altura Maxima Malbec 2015Malbec from Salta, Argentina
- RP
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Vina Cobos Marchiori Estate Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- RP
- WS
- W&S
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Catena Alta Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- WS
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Belasco de Baquedano Llama Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- WW
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Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
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Achaval-Ferrer Mendoza Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Chateau Du Caillau Cahors 2019Malbec from Cahors, Southwest, France
- WW
- WS
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The Seeker Malbec 2020Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- TP
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Finca de los Padrillos Malbec 2020Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2020Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- JS