Malbec wine guide

Malbec is a black grape that has become famous for its presence in Argentina. But did you know that Malbec actually has a French past? This grape variety isn’t grown widely in Australia, so you may not have tried it yet. But it makes for a perfect food wine that can actually be incredibly affordable. So let’s dive into what makes this grape special in this Malbec wine guide.

Spotlight on Malbec

Malbec is a black-skinned grape variety that is native to France but has become famous because of Argentina. It was a relatively forgotten variety until about a decade ago. It has a similar weight to Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot with big, juicy and plush flavours and firm tannins. This Malbec wine guide will help you learn the ins and outs of this wine. So let’s get started!

Origin

Malbec originated in France where it is sometimes called Côt. It quickly became common as a blending grape in Bordeaux, but because the grape is susceptible to fungal disease and pests, it never flourished. Over time it was planted less and used only in blends. Today it is still grown there, mainly in near Bordeaux in Cahors.

Instead, Malbec found a new home in Mendoza, Argentina, where it was planted in 1868 by order of the mayor. The vines thrived in this environment with its dry, high elevations and quickly became the main grape of Argentina. Depending on the altitude, Argentina produces a range of wines from blends and mass-produced to intense wines that can age for years.

Flavour profile

Malbec is big, juicy and plush with medium tannins and acidity, although this can vary based on where it is grown. Generally, it is robust with a distinctive dark purple colour and intense fruit flavours. These wines are dry, jammy and rich, and tend to have high alcohol.

The main flavours of Malbec are those well-known to come from moderate climates like Argentina. These are fruit-forward with blackberry, plum and black cherry. However, in cooler climates such as those in France, you may get a more savoury wine with higher acidity, cherry and raspberry. Depending on the amount of oak used, you may also get cocoa, milk chocolate, coffee, black pepper, vanilla or tobacco.

Where you’ll find Malbec

Argentina is the place to go for Malbec, with over 75% of all acres of Malbec in the world being planted there. Now it grows across several countries as it has grown in popularity, including France.

In Australia, it is gaining popularity but is best grown in moderate climates otherwise the acidity can be too low. If you are looking for an Australian Malbec, check out wines from Clare Valley, Langhorne Creek, Rutherglen, Margaret River and Great Southern.

What to look for

The first thing to look for with Malbec is to take note of the geography and what the elevation might have been. Malbec can struggle to produce enough acidity, so avoid wines from climates that are too warm. Higher elevation is also important for producing more acidity in the grapes, so wines from regions that are elevated will usually have a better taste and will age better.

Price is also an important factor. The great thing about Malbec is that it is generally quite affordable, however, you can pay more for bottles with exceptional quality. Generally, wines between $12-$20 are good as an introduction to the variety. These wines are mass-produced and usually juicy and fruity. $20-$50 generally come from high-quality producers and have extended aging to bring out rich and chocolatey flavours. Above $50, if you’re in the market for something special, you’ll find mostly iconic producers. However, lesser-known producers will often create wines that are of high quality for less than $50.

What to pair it with

Malbec loves food, and food loves Malbec. Normally, pairing wine with umami flavours is difficult, but for Malbec, it thrives! Malbec doesn’t have a very long finish, unlike Cabernet Sauvignon, so it is great when paired with leaner red meats. Think duck, lamb, beef and pork. A beef brisket would be my pick!

It also pairs really well with funky flavours: think blue cheese, mushrooms and cumin. You can also pair it quite well with hard cheese, or soft goat’s milk cheeses.

In summary: Malbec wine guide

If you are looking for a great food wine at a very affordable price, definitely check out Malbec. It is jammy, rich and full of fruity flavours. Pairing oh so well with those funky food flavours or meat, you can’t really go wrong! I hope you’ve learnt something new about this Argentinian wine in this Malbec wine guide – and maybe next time you’re in the bottle shop you’ll know to look out for it!