How Does Malbec Taste? (Tasting Notes by Region, Food Pairings)

Malbec wine has a cross-continental history - it may have originated in France, but it was perfected in Argentina!

The Malbec varietal wine is full-bodied and delicious with a deep purple color and spicy flavors.

Let’s explore the distinct Malbec taste, how to pair and serve Malbec wines, and what makes Malbec different from Merlot and Pinot Noir. 

What Does Malbec Taste Like?

Most Malbec wines are smooth with jammy fruit flavor and savory notes of black cherry, pomegranate, plum, raspberry, and raisin. There are also hints of coffee, leather, tobacco, molasses, and black pepper. 

Although Malbec wine is bold with medium acidity and tannin levels, it doesn't taste too bitter or tannic due to its concentrated fruit flavors.  

Like Syrah, Malbec wines are high in alcohol - usually around 13-14% ABV.   

Major Malbec Wine Regions and the Varied Tasting Notes 

Malbec differs slightly in taste depending on the region, terroir, and winemaker. 

Malbec vines from warmer climates (such as Argentina, South Africa, and Australia) produce wines with rich dark fruit flavors of plum and blackberry. 

Malbec from cooler vineyard climates (like Cahors in France) creates a more elegant wine with dominant red fruit and black cherry flavors with subtle hints of raspberry. 

France and Argentina are the world’s leading Malbec producers, so let’s explore how Malbec wines from these two countries differ:

1. French Malbec Wines

The Malbec grape variety from the Cahors and Loire Valley regions produces acidic wines with intense tart currant, black pepper, and spice flavor notes. 

The Cahors Malbec also has a savory bitterness with moderate tannin and acidity levels. French Malbec wines are usually lower in alcohol than Argentine Malbec. 

2. Argentine Malbec Wines

Malbec, like Carmenere, originated in France but has become a flagship wine of South America. 

Grown mainly in the Mendoza region, Argentinian Malbec is known for its fruit forward flavour. 

The palate of this Argentine wine opens up with juicy notes of black cherry, plum, and blackberry. 

There are also nuanced flavors of milk chocolate, cocoa powder, and leather. In some cases, depending on the amount of oak aging, Argentinian Malbec could have a sweet tobacco finish. 

Malbec Wine Food Pairings

Most red wine varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec pair well with red meat. However, it’s best to pair Malbec with leaner cuts of beef, turkey, roasted pork, or game meats.

Malbec also pairs perfectly with blue cheese dishes like blue cheese souffle or a cheeseboard.

Vegetables that go great with Malbec include bell peppers, potatoes, arugula, kale, grilled endive, onions, beets, lentils, black beans. 

Avoid pairing Malbec with bitter greens, fish, and acidic dressings, as these will make the wine taste flat. 

Serving Malbec Wines

Before serving, pop your Malbec wine bottle into the fridge for half an hour or so. This way, it can cool to just below room temperature, which will bring out the full flavor and depth of the wine. 

Decant your Malbec for 30 minutes before serving to enhance its flavors and aromas, and serve in a wide-bowled glass. 

How Malbec Differs From Merlot and Pinot Noir

Malbec is often confused with other red wine styles like Pinot Noir and Merlot wine.

While Malbec shares similarities with these wines, there are some key differences. 

1. Malbec vs. Merlot

Both Merlot and Malbec are popular blending grape varieties, often used in Bordeaux red blend wines (with Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.) 

However, while Malbec is fruity and tangy with a deep, inky hue, Merlot wine is usually smooth with a ruby red color. 

2. Malbec vs. Pinot Noir

Both Malbec and Pinot Noir are difficult to grow and have small yields. 

But, while Malbec is a structured full bodied red wine with higher tannin levels, Pinot Noir is lighter, more aromatic, with milder tannins and lower alcohol content. 

Enjoy A Decadent Malbec Now

Malbec is a luscious wine everyone can enjoy - fledgling wine drinkers and wine connoisseurs alike! 

If you’re looking for a way to grow a portfolio of investment-grade wines, visit the Vinovest website, a leading wine investment platform that helps you buy, store, and sell fine wines.