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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Achaval-Ferrer 2018 Finca Altamira Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceAn aromatic nose of red and black fruit followed by rosemary transports ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$150 -
Walsh & Sons 2020 Westside Malbec (Margaret River)
Western AustraliaThis is a characterful wine from a sensitive, small batch Margaret River ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$32 -
Thirty-Seven 2018 Reserve Malbec (Petaluma Gap)
SonomaMouthcoating and rich, this bold and velvet-textured wine made in a tiny ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$54 -
Bodega Catena Zapata 2018 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec (Paraje Altamira)
Mendoza ProvinceThe nose is aromatic, opening with thyme, plum and dark chocolate. Coming ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$100 -
Salentein 2018 Single Vineyard La Pampa 1997 Vineyard San Pablo Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceThe winery's single vineyard series presents wines from its best estates in ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$59 -
Achaval-Ferrer 2018 Finca Mirador Malbec (Medrano)
Mendoza ProvinceOpening with aromas of chocolate-covered cherry and hints of thyme, this wine ...See Full Review$150 -
Trapiche 2017 Terroir Series Finca Orellana Malbec (La Consulta)
Mendoza ProvinceThis one comes from 60-year-old vineyards in La Consulta, Uco Valley, and ...See Full Review$50 -
Achaval-Ferrer 2018 Finca Bella Vista Malbec (Luján de Cuyo)
Mendoza ProvinceThis red comes from vineyards planted in 1910 in Perdriel, Luján de ...See Full Review$150 -
Donati Family Vineyard 2020 Family Reserve Malbec (Paso Robles Geneseo District)
Central CoastDark and hearty aromas of blackberry are dusted in leather, mocha and ...See Full Review$52 -
Salentein 2017 Single Vineyard El Tomillo Vineyard Paraje Altamira Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceThe nose exhibits fresh cherry and plum aromas followed by a light ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$59 -
Bodega Catena Zapata 2018 Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThis well-crafted red is made with grapes from the winery's estates in ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$60 -
Justin 2019 Reserve Malbec (Paso Robles)
Central CoastFruity aromas of boysenberry jam are enhanced by elegant violet, lilac and ...See Full Review$50 -
Salentein 2017 Single Vineyard Los Cerezos Vineyard Gualtallary Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceMade in a classic style, this red from Gualtallary opens with bright ...See Full Review$59 -
Zuccardi 2020 Poligonos San Pablo Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceA touch of black pepper lends spice to a nose of Jarilla, ...See Full Review$30 -
Salentein 2018 Single Vineyard Los Jabalíes Vineyard San Pablo Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceThe grapes for this wine were sourced from vineyards at 4500 feet ...See Full Review$59 -
Allan Hancock 2021 Malbec (Santa Barbara County)
Central CoastTruth be told, every single one of this producer's wines should be ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Bodega Norton 2020 Altura Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceAppellation Los Chacayes in Uco Valley, gives birth to well-structured wines. This ...Best BuySee Full Review$16 -
Altocedro 2019 Finca Los Gallegos Malbec (La Consulta)
Mendoza ProvinceAn austere nose shows light notes of licorice. Coming from 90-year-old vineyards ...See Full Review$35 -
Fourth Wave 2021 Little Brute Malbec (Australia)
Australia OtherEvocative smells fill the nose: tobacco, mint, bay leaf and black olive ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Midnight 2019 Solstice Malbec (Paso Robles)
Central CoastSweet kisses of oak weave through dark, jammy fruits on the nose ...See Full Review$52
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