Today’s post comes from Mark Fang. Mark is a Certified Sommelier and Founder of WineO Mark (www.wineomark.com). WineO Mark leverages their 10+ years of Wine Industry Experience to find the best wine deals for great-tasting wines. This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on one and make a purchase, I will receive a small percentage of that sale at no additional cost to you.
Malbec is perhaps one of the most overlooked wines varietals, often considered the “lowly” alternative to the pricier bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. But there’s a lot more to Malbec than its affordable price.
Argentina, specifically the Mendoza region, and Malbec go hand in hand. However, did you know that Malbec was actually born in France? In the 1860s, Malbec was first imported to Argentina. The goal was to save the original varietal, but most French-grown Malbec was lost due to a frost in the 1900s. Therefore, Argentina Malbec is quite different from French Malbec.
Today, the majority of France’s Malbec is grown in a small town called Cahors. But Argentina now leads Malbec production, with over 75% of all Malbec acres in the world.
Malbec Flavors
Argentine Malbec – The sunshine in Argentina, specifically the Mendoza region, makes their Malbec more fruit-forward. The more the sun, the riper the grape. Thus, bringing out the fruit flavors. Traditional flavors of a good Argentinian Malbec will give you the primary flavors of plums, blackberry, and black cherry. Other nuanced flavors will offer violet flowers, cocoa powder, milk chocolate, leather, depending on its oak aging period. They tend to be smooth with soft tannins.
French Malbec – Just like most French wines, you can expect earthier flavors from French Malbec. The flavor profile of a good French Malbec is in line with tart currants, black plums, pepper, and tobacco. They also tend to have a tasty bitterness at the start. French Malbec tends to be a darker wine with significantly higher tannins and acidity, but with lower alcohol, so it usually ages longer.
Food Pairing with Malbec
Remember the 1st rule to wine and food pairings – respect the region. It means if you have an Argentina Malbec, it’s best paired with Argentinian food. So, Asado (barbeque), beef empanadas, flank steak are always a great pairing for a good bottle of Argentina Malbec.
Meanwhile, the food pairing for a French Malbec is those with a similar flavor profile. Go with earthier types of meat – lamb, bison, and venison. So, a lamb or bison burger will go very well with your French Malbec. Funkier cheeses, like cheddar and blue cheese, will also bring out the fruitiness of the Malbec. Pairing a French Malbec with smoky meats will also bring out its luscious tobacco flavors.
Malbecs to Try
If you want to start trying out Malbec, here are some excellent bottles to help you taste and understand what a good Malbec has to offer.
Catena Malbec (sold on saucey and wineonesale)
This wine is from one of the biggest and most popular Argentina wineries. It’s a microclimate blend of Malbec grapes from four vineyards. It’s deep in all sense – very dark plum color and deep aroma evident upon pouring. Even the dark black cherry aroma is noticeable from afar. If you gravitate towards dry red wines or unique flavor profiles, you’re going to enjoy this one.
Tasting Notes: black fruit, red fruit
El Enemigo Malbec (sold on wineonesale)
This is an extra-dry, medium-plus-bodied Malbec from Mendoza. It’s rich and concentrated with lovely dark colors and plenty of fruit flavors. It’s a good wine to pair with your meat lover’s pizza, beef tenderloin, or pasta with a rich meat sauce.
Tasting Notes: raspberry, dark plum, blueberry, cherry
Amancaya Malbec-Cabernet Sauvignon (sold on saucey)
This wine is from two large and distinguished wineries. It’s an exceptionally rich wine that combines the classic Bordeaux style and the Argentinian grape terroir.
Tasting Notes: black fruit, oak, berry, chocolate
For a French Malbec, try Les Jamelles Malbec. It’s a powerful, elegant, and spicy wine you can drink with Mediterranean cuisine. This is the bottle you can pair with grilled red meats or a chocolate dessert.
Feeling Fancy? Try These Bottles
If you want to splurge on a splashier bottle of Malbec, perhaps for a special occasion, these are our top two choices.
Vina Cobos Bramare Malbec (sold on wineonesale)
This fully oaked Malbec has won many prizes in the International Wine Challenge and Wines of Argentina. If you want something full of character, this one is your Malbec.
Red Schooner Caymus Voyage 9 (sold on wineonesale)
It is made by the famous Napa Valley winery Caymus. Their line of wines is always amazing, including this Malbec from Mendoza. It’s ripe plum mixed with rustic aromas on the nose and smooth and silky on the palate.
