
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.
- Pinot Noir235
- Cabernet Sauvignon148
- Rhône Blends58
- Other Red Blends55
- Bordeaux Red Blends36
- Syrah/Shiraz32
- Zinfandel30
- Malbec26
- Merlot25
- Sangiovese24
- Tempranillo19
- Grenache13
- Gamay12
- Barbera8
- Tuscan Blends6
- Cabernet Franc4
- Carmenere4
- Mourvedre4
- Nebbiolo4
- Petite Sirah4
- Aglianico3
- Montepulciano3
- Other Red Wine3
- Agiorgitiko3
- Mencia3
- Bonarda2
- Nerello Mascalese2
- Carignan1
- Cinsault1
- Corvina1
- Dolcetto1
- Negroamaro1
- Nero d'Avola1
- Pinotage1
- Tannat1
- Touriga Nacional1
- Gaglioppo1
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Catena Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
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Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- W&S
- RP
- WS
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Catena Malbec (375ML half-bottle) 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
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Altos las Hormigas Clasico Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- D
- JS
- RP
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Bodegas Renacer Punto Final Malbec Classico 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Zuccardi Amphora Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- WW
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Tapiz Alta Collection Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
- W&S
- RP
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Chateau Haut-Monplaisir Cahors Tradition 2018Malbec from Cahors, Southwest, France
- WE
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Vinaceous Voodoo Moon Malbec 2018Malbec from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
- JS
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Diseno Old Vine Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Fabre Montmayou Reserva Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- WE
- RP
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Bodega Atamisque Catalpa Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Matias Riccitelli Wines Tinto de la Casa Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
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Altocedro Ano Cero Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- RP
- WE
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Pulenta Estate Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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High Note Malbec 2018Malbec from Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
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Chateau Du Caillau Cahors 2018Malbec from Cahors, Southwest, France
- JS
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Vina Cobos Bramare Lujan de Cuyo Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
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Ricardo Santos Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- WS
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Black Cabra Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Anko Malbec 2018Malbec from Salta, Argentina
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Etchart Reserva Malbec 2018Malbec from Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina
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Belasco de Baquedano Llama Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- JS
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Graffigna Malbec 2018Malbec from Argentina
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Bodega Chakana Estate Selection Malbec 2018Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina
- TP
- RP
- JS