Grape · Red

Malbec

Also known as Côt in Loire, Auxerrois in Cahors or Côt in France

Warm climate

About

Originally from Bordeaux and Cahors; now most associated with Argentina's Mendoza region. Produces full-bodied, deeply coloured wines with velvety tannins.

Typical profile

Body

Rounded

Tannins

Integrated

Acidity

Bright

Sweetness

Dry

Aromas

What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.

Young · fresh from the glass

blackberry plum black cherry violet

Aged · develops with bottle time

fig game leather tobacco

Explore aromas

Oak influence

Common

Growing regions

How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.

Argentina

Mendoza

Fuller↑Rounder↓

High-altitude Malbec at its plushest. Luján de Cuyo brings ripe blackberry, plum, and graphite; the Uco Valley adds violet, floral lift, and bracing acidity from cooler nights.

Patagonia

Cool-climate Malbec with fresh acidity and fine tannins, closer to red fruit and spice than the plush Mendoza style.

Salta

Extreme-altitude Malbec, deeply colored and firm, with dense fruit and a savoury, peppery edge from fierce sun and cool nights.

San Juan

On the high limestone terrace of Pedernal, Malbec turns precise and mineral, a world away from the valley floor.

France

Sud-Ouest

Known locally as Cot or Auxerrois, the original Malbec from Cahors produces deeply colored, tannic age-worthy reds

Food pairings

Grilled Argentine beef empanadas with chimichurriBraised short ribs with red wine reduction and roasted root vegetablesGrilled portobello mushrooms stuffed with blue cheese and walnutsLamb tagine with dried apricots and Moroccan spicesDark chocolate tart with espresso ganacheGrilled flank steak with caramelized onions and herb butter

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Malbec taste like?▼

Malbec offers rich flavors of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry when young, often with floral violet notes. It's a full-bodied wine with velvety tannins and deep, intense color.

Where does Malbec grow best?▼

While originally from Bordeaux and Cahors in France, Malbec now thrives best in Argentina's Mendoza region. It performs well in warm climates that allow the grape to fully ripen and develop its characteristic intensity.

What food pairs with Malbec?▼

Malbec's full body and velvety tannins make it perfect for grilled meats, especially beef and lamb. The wine's rich fruit flavors also complement hearty dishes like braised short ribs or aged cheeses.

How does Malbec age?▼

As Malbec ages, it develops complex tertiary aromas of dried fruit, meat, leather, and tobacco. The wine's velvety tannins soften further over time, creating an even more smooth and integrated drinking experience.

Is Malbec similar to other similar grapes?▼

Malbec shares similarities with other full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah in terms of body and intensity. However, it's distinguished by its particularly velvety tannin structure and signature violet aromatics when young.