Malbec wine: A comprehensive guide | Pairing

In this article, you will learn the characteristics and flavors of Malbec wine, as well as what to pair it with and much more.

What Is Malbec wine?

Malbec is a dry, red wine made from a red grape of the same name.

It is a full-bodied wine known for its dark fruit flavors and smoky finish.

Originally from France, it has become the flagship wine of Argentina, where it thrives due to the high-altitude vineyards and warm, sunny weather.

It is popular for its rich flavors and deep purple color.

What Malbec wine tastes like

Malbec is known for its deep, dark color and flavors of black cherry, plum, blackberry, and cocoa.

It often has smoky or spicy undertones, along with hints of leather and tobacco.

It’s typically full-bodied with medium acidity and medium, soft tannins.

Brief history of Malbec wine

Malbec was originally grown in the Cahors region of France.

It was traditionally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux wines, but it struggled with disease and weather issues.

In the mid-19th century, it was brought to Argentina, where it flourished in the dry, sunny climate.

Today, Argentina is the leading producer of Malbec, though it’s still grown in France and other countries.

Argentinian Malbec

According to Wines of Argentina, Miguel Amado Pouget is credited with first bringing the Malbec grape to Argentina.

He was a political exile who left France after Napoleon III’s coup in 1851.

Argentina has the largest plantings of Malbec in the world (around 70%).

It is where the Malbec grape is most at home and finds its best expression.

The growing conditions and climate are some of the reasons why the Malbec grape grows well in Argentina.

The Malbec grape is a fussy grape that requires the right growing conditions. It is susceptible to frost, rot and pests.

Argentine vineyards are often planted at high altitudes – the average elevation being approx. 3000 feet or 900 meters above sea level.

The dry mountain air reduces risk of disease, and the use of pesticides.

The naturally low-disease growing environment means that Argentina is leading the way in the production of organic wines.

Mendoza is one of the world’s leading organic regions, with organic winemakers like Bodega Argento.

The high altitudes also provide hot days with low temperatures at night. This variation in temperature provides the environment Malbec needs to develop acidity.

Acidity is important in wines for flavor and is a necessary component for age-worthy wines.

The low overnight temperatures are also important in order to grow wine so close to the Equator.

Best Argentinian Malbec

Argentina produces some of the best Malbec in the world.

The vast majority of Argentinian wine is produced in Mendoza (76%), and Central Mendoza has a long history of producing some of their best quality wine.

Some of the best and most famous winemakers are based there, such as Bodegas Bianchi.

Luján de Cuyo

Lujan de Cuyo, which lies south of Mendoza city has a reputation for producing high-quality Malbec.

It is known for its old vines that produce quality, concentrated wines.

It was the first Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) on the continent and it was introduced in the early 1990s by producers looking to protect and define their regional style, which features the use of old vines (generally considered to produce better quality wine).

Lujan de Cuyo DOC controls include:

• Vines must be at least 10 years old.
• Wine must be aged for at least a year in barrels and for two years before it is released on the market.

French Malbec wine

In the past, Malbec was grown widely in France, but it is not widely grown there anymore.

Today, Malbec is grown in Cahors, Bordeaux and the Loire valley.

Malbec is a permitted Bordeaux blend but it has not been widely grown there since the majority of the crop was wiped out by frost in the 1950s.

French Malbec is usually grown to be blended with other grapes.

Cahors in South Western France is where the majority of Malbec is grown in France.

The traditional name for Malbec in Cahors is Cot or Auxerrois.

Local wine regulations (Appellation d’Origine Controlee AOC) require at least 70% of wines are Malbec with the remained being Merlot or Tannat.

Wines from Cahors were traditionally known as ‘black’ wines because of their deep color and high level of tannins.

Young Cahors have aromas of black fruit that can evolve into ripe plum and prunes.

The best Cahors Malbec is deeply colored with intense black fruit, high tannins and are aged in oak.

French Malbec is sometimes described as gamey or rustic where Argentinian Malbec is often described as spicy and velvety.

Malbec winemaking techniques

Winemaking decisions like oak aging and maceration time can affect Malbec’s style.

Unoaked Malbec is fresh, fruity, and typically more focused on primary fruit flavors with a straightforward structure.

Oak-aged Malbec has more complexity, with flavors of vanilla, cocoa, and spices from the oak. Oak aging also softens the tannins.

Malbec Reserva

Malbec Reserva wines are aged longer, usually 12-18 months in oak barrels.

This extended aging enhances the wine’s structure and complexity.

Reserva Malbecs often show deeper fruit flavors (blackberry, fig), more pronounced oak influences (vanilla, chocolate, cedar) and stronger tannins, making them more suitable for aging.

They tend to be fuller-bodied and more robust compared to standard Malbec wines.

Malbec wine regions

Argentina is the world’s top Malbec producer, with regions like Mendoza, Salta, and Patagonia being particularly renowned.

Mendoza, with its high-altitude vineyards, produces some of the best Malbecs.

France, especially the Cahors region, continues to grow Malbec, though in a more tannic, earthy style.

Malbec is also produced in:

• The U.S. (California and Washington)
• Chile
• Australia

Malbec wine pairing guide

Malbec is a versatile red wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of foods due to its bold flavors, medium acidity, and smooth tannins.

The rich fruit notes, smoky undertones, and sometimes spicy finish make it ideal for pairing with hearty, flavorful dishes.

Here’s a detailed guide on the best food pairings for Malbec:

Grilled and Roasted Meats

Malbec’s bold flavors and moderate tannins make it a perfect match for grilled or roasted meats.

The smokiness in the wine complements the charred flavors from grilling.

Here are some great meat pairings:

Steak: Malbec’s juicy plum and blackberry flavors enhance the rich, savory taste of a well-cooked steak, particularly ribeye, sirloin, or T-bone.

Lamb: The soft tannins in Malbec balance the gaminess and richness of lamb, especially grilled or roasted preparations.

Beef Brisket or Short Ribs: These slow-cooked, tender cuts of beef work well with the depth and fruitiness of Malbec, making the meal feel even heartier.

Barbecue (BBQ) Dishes

Smoky, spicy BBQ dishes pair wonderfully with Malbec, particularly when the wine has oak aging that introduces vanilla or spice notes.

BBQ Ribs: The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce complements the wine’s dark fruit flavors.

Pulled Pork: The richness of pulled pork pairs well with the wine’s soft tannins and smoky finish.

Roasted and Grilled Vegetables

Vegetarians can also enjoy Malbec paired with roasted or grilled vegetables, especially those with a bit of char and smokiness.

Mushrooms: Earthy grilled or roasted mushrooms, like portobello or shiitake, match well with Malbec’s body and rich fruit flavors.

Bell Peppers and Zucchini: Grilled vegetables with a bit of olive oil and seasoning highlight Malbec’s fruit and spice notes.

Malbec and cheese pairings

Malbec pairs nicely with rich, flavorful cheeses that can stand up to its bold character:

Aged Cheddar: The sharpness of aged cheddar contrasts with the wine’s fruitiness, while the fattiness balances the tannins.

Gouda (Smoked or Aged): Smoked gouda enhances Malbec’s smoky notes, while aged gouda adds nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the wine’s complexity.

Blue Cheese: For a bolder pairing, Malbec’s fruit and spice can balance well with the pungent flavors of blue cheese.

Hearty pasta and stews

Malbec pairs excellently with pasta dishes and stews that have rich, meaty, or tomato-based sauces:

Spaghetti Bolognese: The savory, meaty sauce is complemented by Malbec’s fruit and soft tannins, creating a balanced pairing.

Lasagna: Layers of rich tomato sauce, cheese, and meat pair well with the wine’s acidity and fruit-forward profile.

Beef Stew: A slow-cooked beef stew with vegetables and herbs works perfectly with Malbec, bringing out the wine’s smoky and earthy flavors.

Spicy and Smoky Cuisine

Malbec can also pair well with lightly spiced and smoky dishes, but it’s important to balance the spice level with the wine’s tannins:

Chorizo or Spicy Sausages: The smokiness and spiciness of the sausages complement Malbec’s robust flavors.

Chimichurri Sauce: Common in Argentine cuisine, chimichurri’s fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar work wonderfully with Malbec’s acidity and fruitiness, especially when paired with grilled meats.

Rich and hearty casseroles

Malbec’s weight and intensity make it a great pairing for rich casseroles:

Shepherd’s Pie: The combination of mashed potatoes, beef, and gravy pairs well with Malbec’s fruit and tannin structure.

Moussaka: This Greek dish of eggplant, ground beef, and béchamel sauce complements the wine’s fruit, spice, and smoky notes.

Food to avoid pairing with Malbec

While Malbec is versatile, there are a few pairings to avoid:

Delicate fish or seafood: Malbec’s bold flavors can overwhelm light dishes like white fish or shellfish.

Spicy, acidic dishes: While Malbec can handle mild spice, dishes with high acidity or heat (such as spicy Indian or Thai food) can clash with the wine’s tannins and intensify bitter flavors.

How to serve Malbec wine

Malbec should be served at room temperature, around 59-64°F (15-18°C).

Use a large, round glass to allow the wine to breathe.

See our article to read more about red wine serving temperatures.

Aging potential of Malbec wine

While many Malbec wines are made to be enjoyed young, higher-quality Malbec can age for 5-10 years or more.

With age, Malbec develops more complex flavors, such as dried fruit, leather, and tobacco, while softening its tannins.