
Malbec
Learn about Malbec — taste profile, popular regions and more ...
Known for its big, bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec 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.
Tasting Notes for Malbec
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.
Perfect Food Parings for Malbec
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.
- Cabernet Sauvignon168
- Bordeaux Red Blends130
- Sangiovese102
- Pinot Noir98
- Other Red Blends63
- Tempranillo60
- Malbec54
- Nebbiolo53
- Syrah/Shiraz37
- Tuscan Blends27
- Merlot19
- Rhône Blends18
- Grenache13
- Cabernet Franc9
- Barbera7
- Gamay7
- Nero d'Avola6
- Carmenere5
- Aglianico4
- Montepulciano4
- Carignan3
- Mourvedre3
- Other Red Wine3
- Corvina2
- Zinfandel2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Cinsault1
- Lagrein1
- Negroamaro1
- Tannat1
- Mencia1
- Sagrantino1
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Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Catena Alta Malbec 2016Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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El Enemigo Malbec 2017Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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- W&S
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Alamos Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Sur de los Andes Malbec Reserva 2016Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2017Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Zuccardi Q Malbec 2019Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Vina Cobos Bramare Chanares Estate 2017Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2019Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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BenMarco Malbec 2017Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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- W&S
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Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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- W&S
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A16 Punto Ar Nuit 2017Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Santa Julia Organic Malbec 2020Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Chateau Du Caillau Cahors 2018Malbec from Cahors, Southwest, France
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Etchart Cafayate Malbec 2019Malbec from Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina
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Vina Cobos Felino Malbec 2019Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Cigar Box Old Vine Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Altamira 2015Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Zorzal Gran Terroir Malbec 2016Malbec from Argentina
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Susana Balbo Nosotros Single Vineyard Nomade Malbec 2014Malbec from Argentina
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Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2019Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Terrazas de los Andes Reserva Malbec 2017Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Salentein Reserve Malbec 2019Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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