Spicy and full of dark fruit flavors, Malbec is an excellent entry to the world of red wines. In the past decade, it has exploded into the collective consciousness of wine drinkers everywhere, and although it was born in southwest France just outside of Bordeaux, is it Argentinian Malbec that steals the show, especially the ones from Mendoza. The French were in the process of uprooting much of the Malbec in Cahors until Argentina and Chile's new expressions started to tickle the collective conscious. Much like Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec had to move to New World vineyards to thrive.
What are the best Malbec wines?
The New World Malbec wines are softer and less tannic than the Old World but still manage to showcase the terroir of their sites. Malbec is a varietal that proves you can't predict where the next great wine might come from. The finest expression comes from the high-altitude Adrianna vineyards of Bodega Catena Zapata winery in the Uco Valley, where Malbec is planted alongside Cabernet Sauvignon at almost 5000 feet of elevation.
What are the tasting notes of Malbec wine?
Malbec is known for making a deep purple wine full of dark fruits and ripe tannins. It can take oak aging, but it can also stand on its own. Typical tasting notes include spice, tobacco, black cherry, blackberry, and violets. It works well in Bordeaux blends, as it allows the winemaker to finesse the structure of sometimes flabby red blends. We don't often see Malbec vines in the wine regions of the United States, but a few nice examples come from Oregon. Food pairings are particularly easy with this wine grape due to the ripe tannins; try pairing it with red meats. Whether you choose French Malbec or an (as of now) unheard-of Malbec from Patagonia, it's likely that you will find something interesting to drink about.
Want to learn more about Malbec?
Want to learn more about Malbec? Check out Firstleaf’s Ultimate Guide to Malbec.