Malbec
Malbec finds its roots in France, where it is a variety permitted in red Bordeaux wine as well as the key grape in Cahors. However, it is currently most famous in Argentina, where it produces inky, rich wines. Argentina produces more Malbec than any other country and has earned great acclaim for its plump, jammy wines.
On the vine, Malbec is a deep purple grape that produces equally dark juice when pressed. This is a thick-skinned grape with a lot of pigment and a fair amount of tannin.
The grape prefers sunny and dry regions where it can fully ripen, and can be produced in a variety of soil types.
Malbec, which is mostly made into single-variety wines in Argentina, produces medium- to full-bodied wines with lots of tannins and moderate alcohol. The dark, juicy grape offers notes of black plum, cherry, blueberry and blackberry.
Malbec in France
In the Southwest France region of Cahors, Malbec must make up at least 70% of a red wine. Here, Malbec is grown on terraces along the banks of the Lot River, where it produces different results depending on the soil type and elevation. The grape was once grown throughout the country, which led to its many synonyms.
Now, it is no longer a widely planted variety in France. It can still be found, however, in several appellations, including Bergerac, Buzet, Fronton, Anjou and Touraine. In Loire Valley’s Saumur, it can be blended and used in sparking wine production. Although it is still one of the varieties permitted in the Bordeaux blend, it is rarely used these days. Winemakers in the smaller regions of Côtes-de-Bourg, Blaye and Entre-Deux-Mers continue to grow Malbec, where it is blended with other common varieties.
Malbec in Argentina
In 1868, Michel Pouget, a French engineer, brought Malbec to Argentina. The grape became a winemaking star. Most plantings are in the Mendoza region, where vineyard sites sit between 2,000–3,600 feet in elevation. However, the grape is also grown in the regions of La Rioja, San Juan, Catamarca and Salta. Malbec from Argentina is slightly different than the French counterpart. The berries are smaller, as are the clusters, and it is believed that the clones that were brought over to Argentina have since disappeared from France.
Global Production
Chile, Australia and New Zealand produce a small amount of Malbec, which is typically used in red blends. California, Washington and Colorado have the most plantings in the United States. The grape is used to bolster blends, but can also be bottled as a varietal wine.
Synonyms: Agreste, Auxerrois, Bouyssales, Cagors, Cahors, Coq Rough, Cor, Cors, Cos, Cot, Côt, Cots, Estrangey, Étranger, Lutkens, Malbeck, Malbech, Mancin, Noir de Pressac, Nuar de Presac, Pied de Perdrix, Pressac, Prunelat, Quercy
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Assiduous 2020 Blackridge Vineyard Malbec (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Central CoastThis is maybe what Malbec tastes like when it's not super ripe ...See Full Review$30 -
Kludt Family 2019 Lot 2 Reserve Malbec (Lake Chelan)
Columbia ValleyA fresh floral note of lilacs kicks off this wine's aromatic set, ...See Full Review$65 -
Board Track Racer 2020 Malbec (Red Mountain)
Columbia Valley88% Malbec, with 6% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, this ...See Full Review$28 -
Fidelitas 2019 Quintessence Vineyard Malbec (Red Mountain)
Columbia ValleyAged in French and American oak, this 100% Malbec shows aromas of ...See Full Review$60 -
Rancho Sisquoc 2020 Malbec (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastDark wood aromas of mahogany met with dark plum and light cocoa ...See Full Review$36 -
Bodega Catena Zapata 2019 Argentino Malbec (Argentina)
OtherThis Malbec has a good balance of fruit and herbs with a ...Cellar SelectionSee Full Review$120 -
Mendel 2020 Finca Remota Malbec (Paraje Altamira)
Mendoza ProvinceHailing from vineyards planted in 1947 in Altamira in Uco Valley, this ...See Full Review$115 -
Matchbook 2018 The Herdsman MAL Giguiere Estate Malbec (Dunnigan Hills)
Central ValleyThis Malbec is filled with plump black and blue fruits, with an ...See Full Review$30 -
Bodegas Bianchi 2019 IV Generación Single Block Gran Malbec (Los Chacayes)
Mendoza ProvinceThe nose displays inviting chocolate notes over a core of blackberry and ...See Full Review$55 -
Écluse 2020 Winemaker Series Malbec (Paso Robles)
Central CoastQuite dark in the glass, this is a strong show for Malbec ...See Full Review$56 -
Luigi Bosca 2020 Los Nobles Single Vineyard Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)
Mendoza ProvinceThis wine shows traditional Malbec characteristics with vibrant acidity. Aromas of violets ...See Full Review$60 -
Argento 2019 Single Block Organic Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThe grapes for this wine were sourced from a specific block within ...See Full Review$55 -
Finca la Celia 2019 Heritage Single Vineyard Malbec (Paraje Altamira)
Mendoza ProvinceA fresh nose of eucalyptus is complete with notes of peppercorn and ...See Full Review$40 -
TeHo 2019 Tomal Vineyard El Corte Red (La Consulta)
Mendoza ProvinceAs it opens up, the nose shows hints of flowers followed by ...See Full Review$40 -
Luca 2020 Historia de Familia Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceSold in a magnum format, this red exhibits typical characteristics of big ...See Full Review$75 -
Luigi Bosca 2019 De Sangre Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)
Mendoza ProvinceThe grapes were sourced from old vines giving this a classic Malbec ...See Full ReviewN/A -
Infinito 2020 Winemaker's Selection Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceA blend of Malbec grapes from Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley, ...See Full Review$38 -
Loscano 2019 Grand Reserve Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceWith a mineral character and a good amount of fruit, this red ...See Full Review$26 -
Mendel 2020 Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThe grapes for this red are sourced from a vineyard planted in ...See Full Review$25 -
Scott Peterson 2020 ROX of the Andes Malbec (Argentina)
OtherThis is a bold red that opens with aromas of cherry, black ...See Full Review$32
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