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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
Midnight 2019 Solstice Malbec (Paso Robles)
Central CoastSweet kisses of oak weave through dark, jammy fruits on the nose ...See Full Review$52 -
Viña La Ronciere 2020 Licanten Idahue Estate Malbec (Curicó Valley)
ChileAn enticing nose of fresh strawberry, blackberry and tart cherry (with a ...See Full Review$25 -
Altocedro 2019 Finca Los Tanos Malbec (La Consulta)
Mendoza ProvinceWell balanced, this red opens with light aromas of aniseed and berries. ...See Full Review$35 -
Soda Rock Winery 2018 Runway Reserve Malbec (Dry Creek Valley)
SonomaThis robust and moderately tannic wine offers tasty blackberry, cinnamon and cedar ...See Full Review$49 -
Bodega Catena Zapata 2020 La Consulta Malbec (La Consulta)
Mendoza ProvinceThis wine has a nose of subtle plum, blackberry and eucalyptus, complete ...See Full Review$27 -
Bodegas Fabre 2021 Phebus Reserva Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceThis classic Malbec showcases blackberry, plum and a touch of black pepper. ...Best BuySee Full Review$15 -
Zolo 2020 Gaucho Select Reserve Estate Grown and Bottled Malbec (Mendoza)
Mendoza ProvinceAÂ spicy nose offers ripe cherry and blackberry, mixed with peppercorn and a ...Best BuySee Full Review$20 -
Maipe 2020 Reserve Malbec (Gualtallary)
Mendoza ProvinceThis red opens with intense notes of dried herbs followed by gentle ...See Full Review$21 -
Lexème 2019 Malbec (Rogue Valley)
Southern OregonPerfume-like aromas of violets, freesias and macerated strawberries are joined by a ...See Full Review$42
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