Malbec Wine

Malbec is a delicious, full-bodied red wine known for its dark fruit flavors and smoky finish. While native to Cahors in South West France, where it is known as Côt, the Malbec grape variety is grown worldwide and is strongly associated with the vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina.

The inky purple Malbec grape produces equally dark juice when pressed. It is one of the six grapes used in the famous red wine blends of Bordeaux. Wine lovers will adore its mouth-coating blackberry, plum, and cherry flavors, along with hints of chocolate and sweet tobacco.

Looking for a great Malbec wine to buy online? We’ve got a wide selection of handcrafted Malbec wines, with a delicious bottle to suit every taste and budget. Whether you’re after a fruity, full-bodied wine or a more elegant, dry style—you’re sure to find the perfect wine for you.

The Malbec story originates in France with a natural cross of two obscure grape varieties—Prunelard from Gaillac and Magdeleine des Charentes from Montpellier.

Malbec is grown in Bordeaux, where its rich, fruity flavors have made it a favorite for blending, creating some of the most flavorful wines in the world. Malbec came to Argentina when a French botanist planted Malbec vines in Mendoza in 1868 to improve the quality of wine in the region. Flourishing in the warm climate and alluvial soils, Malbec has become the principal red grape of Argentina.

Malbec grapes thrive in sunny regions around the world, including:

• Spain
• Italy
• Argentina
• New Zealand
• Australia
• United States
• South Africa
• Uruguay

Malbec wine is known for being high in tannins and alcohol (around 13-14% ABV), with a medium to full body—making it an ideal choice for oak aging. The dark-fruit flavors give these wines an inky-purple hue and a delicious depth, which becomes even more complex after some maturation. Although Malbec is fabulous as a single-variety wine, it is sometimes blended with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to produce full, fruity red wine blends.

Malbec packs a punch with dark-fruit flavors ranging from raspberry and blackberry to cherry and plum, but taste can vary depending on where the grape is grown.

In cooler climates, such as its original home in France, Malbec’s flavors include:

• Black cherry
• Raspberry
• Black currant
• Black pepper

When grown in sun-drenched climates with cool nights, such as Australia, Malbec grapes produce red wines with the following flavors:

• Blackberry
• Plum
• Black cherry
• Sweet tobacco
• Milk chocolate
• Cocoa powder
• Leather

There are a few points to consider when choosing a Malbec, beyond whether you want a blend or single-variety wine. While Argentina is a world leader in Malbec wine, other regions, such as Chile and Australia, are worth exploring.

The way the wine is made, from the type of aging to labeling terms, such as ‘aged in oak barrels’ or ‘oaked wine’, can offer insight into the wine’s unique flavor profile. For example, Malbec aged in oak barrels will allow oxygen in, slowly producing a smoother wine. The color of the wine is another indicator of the quality, and it should appear a deep dark red with a touch of violet.

Red meat dishes are a natural match with Malbec, making it a popular pairing for grilled and barbecued meats. Think steak, lamb shoulder, or meaty stews with your Malbec. Spicy dishes with chorizo are also a good partner for this fruity red and, for vegetarians, serve vegetable curries with a glass of Malbec.

If fish is your dish of the day, Malbec will pair well with meatier fish options, such as salmon or tuna steak.

Traditional French Malbecs will complement meats, nut-based dishes and cheeses, especially blue cheese. Lighter-style Argentinian Malbec can be the perfect pairing for a flavorful dessert, such as tiramisu.

Malbec wines are best served in a traditional red wine glass, at a room temperature around 68°F.