Malbec

A popular red wine

Malbec is a wine that has hit highs and lows over the course of its existence. Having overseen a great degree of a resurgence in the last decade, Malbec has become a famous red wine once again. Malbec wines are easy to drink, and they contain tons of fruity flavours. Nevertheless, there are more exciting things to find out about its variety. Learn more!

Malbec history and overview

History

Malbec originated from Cahors in Bordeaux, France, where it is more commonly referred to as Côt. However, fungal diseases and pests stunted much of its growth. Since it did not thrive here, it was used more often only in blends. Consequently, it was transplanted to dry and high elevations in South America. Today, despite being born in France, it is now Argentina’s signature red wine.

Overview

Malbec is a purple grape variety used to make red wine. Its grapes are used to make a variety of luscious red wines. They often pair with merlot and cabernet sauvignon. Moreover, it is one of the only six wines in a Bordeaux blend that is used to make a Cahors blend.

Malbec wines highlight juicy red and purple fruit flavours and have increased alcohol content. The grapes ripen halfway through the growing season. However, harvesting is dependent on the location.

Taste profile

Colour

Malbec wines have a deep purple colour due to their full-bodied nature.

Flavours & Aromas

Premium quality Argentinian Malbec wines showcase their terroir by boasting red fruit flavours such as cherry, raspberry, and floral notes. Malbecs from France are earthier. Flavours might also be fig-like, mocha, or with mineral notes.

Spice

Its juicy and jammy flavours have spicy notes of vanilla, tobacco, oak, and dark chocolate.

Taste

Malbec is dry, expressive, and flavoursome. Its taste is also described as full-bodied, rich, with damson and black plums.

Wine structure

Dry, medium acidity, moderate levels of tannins, ABV: 13–16%.

Hallmark Taste profile

The hallmark taste profile of Malbec is juicy fruit notes with violet aromas.

Wine styles

Malbec is excellent for blending. Common partners are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Cabernet Franc.

Food pairing

Malbec food pairings are fun and flavourful. Malbec pair excellently with roast or stewed beef, braised lamb, mushrooms, sausage, and crockpot lamb shanks. Other interesting pairings include prime rib roast, classic Thai BBQ Grilled Chicken, and roast beef tenderloin. In general, Malbec wines are best enjoyed with smoky and spice-rubbed red meat. Nevertheless, vegetarians still enjoy it with grilled, meaty portobello mushrooms.

Common regions to find Malbec wines

The most common places to find Malbec are Argentina, Cahors, Tuscany, Chile, Sonoma, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and the United States.

Summary

Malbec wines are widely available in America and other parts of the world. They are best enjoyed in a red wine glass and, at a degree, slightly below room temperature. Malbec grapes produce very dark wines, and their tasting notes are well respected. It is a safe and pleasing wine when serving a diverse audience.