What is Malbec Wine and What are the Best Malbec Food Pairings?

The Malbec wine origin is Cahors, France, where the locals call it "Cot." This grape gradually fell into neglect Europe. However, it has acclimated so well to the Argentine landscapes, especially the Mendoza region, that it has become the queen of Argentina's red wine. The Malbec wine grape also grows well in California.

Today, there is even white Malbec wine, made by removing the skins early in winemaking. Because the red wine color comes from the skins, the produces a flavorful white wine—not at all what you would expect. Malbec can also produce excellent rosé wines.

Initially, it was used as a component in blends, but owing to the large plantations in Mendoza, it is now predominantly used to make Malbec single-varietal wines or, in some cases, as the primary grape in these blends.

In Argentina, the main regions for growing Malbec are the Uco Valley, Tupungato, Salta, and Paraje Altamira.

What do Malbec Red Wines Taste Like?

Argentina Malbec red wine has aromas of red fruits and a high alcohol content. It is a grape with a medium-high tannic profile, which makes it quite versatile. Additionally, it complements well with barrel aging. Both factors make it an ideal accompaniment to the Argentine asado (barbecue) meats, which are so popular in the country.

For the most part, Malbec wines are dry with a full body. Owing to barrel aging, it is common to find a mix of red and black fruit aromas, especially blackberries and red plums. These are giveaways if you are blind tasting.

Notes from oak barrel aging, with toasted, vanilla, and cinnamon flavors, may also be very evident. The use of new versus aged barrels will give different profiles. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find the use of wood chips in low-end Malbec red wines.

Also Read: What Makes Malbec Different?

The high-end wines are very pleasant, and represent a great value in terms of quality to price ration. In the high-end range, one can appreciate more aromas of red fruits, cherries, and floral notes. To some extent, they resemble the Malbecs from Cahors in France. Seek out the 2019 Zuccardi Jose Zuccardi Malbec at the best online wine store, for example, and you will be surprised at the Malbec wine price: very reasonable for this quality!

Many people wonder about the difference between Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Born from different grape vines, each wine offers a palette of flavors and textures that reflect its origin. While Cabernet Sauvignon, with its red fruit notes and herbal nuances, may surprise with hints of pepper and smokiness, Malbec stands out with its intensely fruity profile, often accompanied by delicate floral touches, and tends to be less astringent on the palate than its counterpart.

Exploring the World of Malbec: A Journey Beyond Argentina

Malbec, an emblematic red grape variety from Argentina, has transcended borders and become a global sensation. While Argentina is widely recognized as the kingdom of Malbec, this grape has also found a home in other corners of the world, each with its own interpretation and unique expression of this fascinating variety.

One of the most notable places outside of Argentina where Malbec is cultivated is Cahors, France. Cahors is considered the historical birthplace of this grape, where it has been grown for centuries. Here, Malbec is known as "Cot" and is characterized by its earthier and more structured style. Cahors wines are known for their deep dark color, firm tannins, and notes of black fruits and spices. This French region has maintained its tradition of producing exceptional quality Malbec wines. Check out the 2019 Chateau de Haute-Serre Malbec de Cahors, for example, when you buy Malbec wine online.

Also Read: The Robust World of Malbec Wine: Argentina vs. France

Another country that has enthusiastically embraced Malbec is Chile. In the Chilean wine valleys, Malbec has found a favorable climate and soils for its cultivation. Here, Chilean Malbec wines tend to be fresher and fruitier, with notes of ripe red and black fruits, soft tannins, and balanced acidity. Chile has proven its ability to produce high-quality Malbec that reflects the diversity of styles and characteristics of this grape.

In South Africa, Malbec has also found a place in the vineyards. The Stellenbosch region is known for its quality red wines, and Malbec has become a popular variety in this area. South African Malbec wines tend to be intense, with flavors of dark fruits, spices, and well-structured tannins. This region demonstrates that Malbec can thrive in different terroirs and adapt to various production styles.

In addition to these countries, Malbec is also cultivated in other wine regions such as the United States, Australia, Spain, Italy, and many more. Each one brings its own distinctive touch to Malbec wine, offering a wide range of flavor profiles and styles. Bottle Barn offers numerous excellent California Malbec wines, including the sumptuous 2017 Thirty-Seven Reserve Malbec.

In summary, Malbec has conquered the wine world, and its success is not limited to Argentina. Cahors in France, Chile, South Africa, and numerous wine countries beyond Argentina's borders have adopted and cultivated this grape with passion and dedication. Each region brings its own interpretation and character to Malbec, enriching the wine world with its diversity.

How to Pair Malbec Red Wines with Food

There are numerous options for pairing Argentine Malbec red wines. However, sometimes simplicity is best. Malbec red wines pair wonderfully with barbecued meats. Red steak, pork, and all types of sausages are perfect choices. Perhaps even with a smoked provolone cheese.

Wines of Argentina says, “Just as Argentina is synonymous with Malbec today, long before, the leading wine producer of the Southern Hemisphere became famous for the quality of its meats, especially those cooked over the grill. Naturally, this made Malbec an inseparable companion to red meat asados.”

Therefore, when it’s time to fire up the grill or prepare everything for a BBQ in the garden, the simplest wine choice is an Argentine Malbec. Whether for a prime rib or a rack of ribs, the voluptuousness of a barrel-aged Malbec is undoubtedly a winner that will earn many accolades. Just as with offering beef brisket with BBQ sauce, a lamb chop, or a delicious steak.

But talking about meats doesn’t only involve thinking about the grill; roasting a pheasant or turkey in the oven is also a plan where Malbec can shine, even more so if the sauce to moisten these poultry meats is made with a young and fresh Malbec, or why not, a rosé.

In this sense, just eat "Argentine-style" with Malbec wine and you can't go wrong.

So, if your favorite wine is Malbec or you want to give this wine a try, we at Bottle Barn have a great collection of Malbec wine from different countries. Visit the online wine store, buy Malbec wine, and enjoy savoring this very special red wine.