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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Trivento 2018 Eolo Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceGreat complexity on the nose with enticing floral, blackberry, plum and subtle ...See Full Review$79 -
Colomé 2017 Altura Máxima Malbec (Salta)
OtherBlack olive, plum, herbs and salt shape the nose of this high-altitude ...See Full Review$150 -
Siete Fincas 2017 Gran Secreto Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThis wine presents a perfumed and floral nose. Chalk, cherry, and cranberry ...See Full Review$56 -
Mendoza Vineyards 2019 R&B Single Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThe complex nose features aromas of leather, ripe cherry, red plum, and ...See Full Review$125 -
Tapiz 2017 Black Tears Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceThe enticing nose shows aromas of plum, blackberry, baking spices, and rosemary. ...See Full Review$50 -
Valentín Bianchi 2018 IV Generación Single Block Gran Malbec (Los Chacayes)
Mendoza ProvinceThe enticing nose offers aromas of chalk, black olives and baking spices. ...See Full Review$55 -
Pascual Toso 2019 Alta Barrancas Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceIt's a juicy full-bodied red with aromas of plum, cherry, dark chocolate, ...See Full Review$50 -
Finca La Anita 2019 Malbec (Agrelo)
Mendoza ProvinceBasil, licorice, raspberry, blackberry, and cigar box shape the complex nose. This ...See Full Review$65 -
Viña Cobos 2017 Reptil Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceRipe blackberry, plum and subtle tobacco aromas on the nose of this ...See Full Review$50 -
Alta Vista 2018 Single Vineyard Serenade Alto Agrelo Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)
Mendoza ProvinceRipe red fruit, dried herbs, and spices fill up the bouquet. This ...See Full Review$50 -
TeHo 2019 Tomal Vineyard Malbec (La Consulta)
Mendoza ProvinceThe nose shows herbs and ripe black fruit flavors with a touch ...See Full Review$50 -
Desquiciado 2018 Salvaje Malbec (Tupungato)
Mendoza ProvincePeppercorn, floral and licorice notes sit atop a core of intense red ...See Full Review$36 -
Piattelli 2019 Trinità Grand Reserve Red (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThe nose shows cherry, raspberry and vanilla aromas with a hint of ...See Full Review$27 -
Finca La Luz 2018 Callejon del Crimen Gran Reserva Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceThe austere nose shows aromas of flowers and salt. The palate offers ...See Full Review$35 -
Piattelli 2021 Reserve Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)
Mendoza ProvinceChocolate and blackberry aromas open the nose of this young red. A ...See Full Review$17 -
Fuego Blanco 2019 Malbec-Syrah (Pedernal Valley)
OtherA blend of Malbec and Syrah, this red opens with aromas of ...See Full Review$45 -
La Posta 2020 Paulucci Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThis well-crafted red offers ripe strawberry and raspberry aromas intertwined with herbs ...See Full Review$18 -
The Pledge 2019 100 Malbec (Argentina)
OtherRipe plum, licorice, and crushed pebbles aromas lead to a flavorful palate ...See Full Review$75 -
Alta Vista 2021 Vive Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceBlackberry, blueberry, and peppercorn aromas on the nose. Light to medium in ...Best BuySee Full Review$12 -
Santa Julia 2021 Organic Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceStrawberry and cherry on this fruit-forward organic red. The palate shows juicy ...Best BuySee Full Review$12
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