Malbec
Originally from Southwest France and Argentina
Once a blending grape in Bordeaux, Malbec found its spiritual home in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, producing wines of extraordinary depth, velvety tannins, and dark plum character. At altitude above 900m, it achieves a finesse it rarely shows in France.
Malbec is a purple grape variety used to make red wine. It is known for its inky dark color and robust tannins, and is one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine.
Taste profile
Where Malbec is grown
Food pairings
Deep dive
Malbec originated in south-west France, where it is known as Côt in Cahors and produces dense, tannic wines. Today, Argentina has made it famous worldwide.
The Argentine story: French agronomist Michel Pouget brought Malbec cuttings to Mendoza in 1853. The high-altitude environment transformed the grape: at 800-1,500 metres above sea level, intense UV light thickens the grape skins (more tannin and colour), while cool nights preserve acidity and floral aromatics.
Aromas & flavours: Dark plum, blackberry, violet, cocoa, and leather. High-altitude examples add fresh blueberry and floral notes; lower-altitude wines are denser and more tannic.
Structure: Medium-high tannin, medium acidity, full body, 13.5-15% alcohol. Naturally very deep purple, Malbec is high in colour pigment (anthocyanins).
Key regions: Mendoza (Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco) produces the benchmark. Cahors, France, offers a darker, earthier, more rustic style. Also grown in Chile, South Africa, and California.
Food: Grilled beef (especially Argentine asado), lamb, empanadas, aged cheddar.
Notable Malbec wines
Alta Vista Estate Malbec Mendoza
Red WineAlta Vista Estate Malbec Mendoza · Mendoza
Paraje Altamira Malbec
Red WineCatena Zapata · Paraje Altamira, Mendoza
Colección de los Andes Malbec
Red WineNorton · 2025 · Mendoza
Lunlunta Malbec
Red WineCatena Zapata · Lunlunta, Mendoza
Grand Reserve Malbec Lujan De Cuyo
Red WinePiattelli Grand Reserve · Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza
91 James Suckling
Drink 2024–2030
Similar grapes
Malbec FAQ
What is Malbec?
Malbec is a red wine grape that originated in Southwest France and Argentina. Once a blending grape in Bordeaux, Malbec found its spiritual home in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, producing wines of extraordinary depth, velvety tannins, and dark plum character. At altitude above 900m, it achieves a finesse it rarely shows in France.
What are the characteristics of Malbec?
On the palate it reads as full-bodied, medium acidity, medium-plus tannin. Structurally: body 5/5, acidity 3/5, tannin 4/5, sweetness 1/5.
Is Malbec sweet?
Malbec is almost always vinified bone dry, so expect no perceptible sugar in the glass.
What does Malbec taste like?
Think of it as a full-bodied red. Once a blending grape in Bordeaux, Malbec found its spiritual home in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, producing wines of extraordinary depth, velvety tannins, and dark plum character. At altitude above 900m, it achieves a finesse it rarely shows in France.
What food pairs with Malbec?
Reach for Malbec alongside Argentine asado, Empanadas, Hard cheeses, Grilled vegetables.
Where is Malbec grown?
You will find its finest expressions in Mendoza, Argentina, Luján de Cuyo, Valle de Uco, Cahors, France.
What grapes are similar to Malbec?
If you enjoy Malbec, try Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon. Similar dark fruit and body but more peppery and savoury.
Find Malbec wines in SomeWine
Scan any bottle to identify the grape, get tasting notes, and discover pairings.
Get SomeWine