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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Stolen Owl 2019 Malbec (Knights Valley)
SonomaSo powerful and so gentle at the same time, this opulent wine ...See Full Review$45 -
Chappellet 2019 Malbec (Napa Valley)
NapaThis exciting wine with a friendly dragon on the label is a ...See Full Review$70 -
Fritz 2019 Estate Reserve Malbec (Dry Creek Valley)
SonomaAn amazing creamy texture supports rich, concentrated blueberries, black currants and cocoa ...See Full Review$65 -
DeLille 2020 Red Willow Malbec (Yakima Valley)
Columbia ValleyWhile blackcap raspberry and shiitake mushroom jerky aromas captured my attention, a ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$55 -
Altos Las Hormigas 2019 Appellation Malbec (Gualtallary)
Mendoza ProvinceThe Appellation series shows the terroir's characteristics of subregions in Uco Valley. ...Cellar SelectionSee Full Review$45 -
Savage Grace 2019 Côt Dineen Vineyard Malbec (Rattlesnake Hills)
Columbia ValleyA modest alcohol percentage with concentration and muscular tannins—what a rare and ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$35 -
Pascual Toso 2018 Magdalena Toso Barrancas Vineyards Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThis wine comes from vines that grow at 2,600 feet—not the highest ...See Full Review$130 -
William Grassie 2016 Knox Malbec (Columbia Valley (WA))
Columbia ValleyThis rich, full-bodied wine is a superior example of American Malbecs available ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$42 -
Argento 2020 Single Vineyard Finca Altamira Organic Malbec (Paraje Altamira)
Mendoza ProvinceYoung winemaker Juan Pablo Murgia offers an elegant savory Malbec. Made with ...See Full Review$40 -
Hamilton 2018 Estate Bona Vita Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain)
Columbia ValleyPowerful blueberry and citrus aromas are joined by lesser amounts of tobacco, ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$40 -
Serca 2018 Single Vineyard Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceThis Malbec offers aromas of cassis, plum and eucalyptus. The herbaceous palate ...See Full Review$50 -
Pianetta 2020 Malbec (Paso Robles Geneseo District)
Central CoastIntense and dark aromas of black plum and cassis meet with savory ...See Full Review$40 -
Pascual Toso 2019 Magdalena Toso Barrancas Vineyards Paul Hobbs Barrels Selection Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceA nose of berries, black pepper and light notes of vanilla introduce ...See Full Review$130 -
Bedarra 2019 Estate Grown Malbec (Alexander Valley)
SonomaArresting notes of blackberries, crushed grapes and orange blossoms catch the attention ...See Full Review$50 -
Skitzo 2017 Malbec (Howell Mountain)
NapaSurprisingly silky and refined, this wine is gentle in texture, low in ...See Full Review$40 -
Terrazas de Los Andes 2019 Grand High Altitude Vineyards Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceGrapes grow at an altitude of 3,280 feet, enjoying diurnal temperature variation. ...See Full Review$60 -
El Enemigo 2019 Malbec (Gualtallary)
Mendoza ProvinceAged 15 months in foudres, this is an elegant Malbec from Gualtallary ...Editors’ ChoiceSee Full Review$29 -
François Lurton 2018 Chacayes Vinedo Unico de Bodega Piedra Negra Malbec (Uco Valley)
Mendoza ProvinceThe nose opens with violets followed by prune and hints of cacao ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Marchiori & Barraud 2020 Cuartel Dos Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceCassis and peppercorn merged with hints of rosemary on the nose. A ...See Full Review$32 -
Browne Family Vineyards 2020 Estate Vineyard Malbec (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
Columbia ValleySweet, powdery huckleberries are accented by aromas of thyme and lemon on ...See Full Review$60
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