Malbec Guide
Argentina's signature red: plush, purple and made for the grill.
What does Malbec taste like?
Argentine Malbec is ripe and juicy: plum, blackberry and black cherry with floral violet notes and hints of cocoa and vanilla from oak. Tannins are smooth, making it easy to drink young.
Argentina vs. France
Malbec originally comes from Cahors in southwest France, where it makes darker, firmer, more savory wines. It found fame in Mendoza, Argentina, where high-altitude sun gives riper fruit and fresh acidity. See our Mendoza guide.
How to serve it
Serve at 60-65°F. Young, bold Malbecs can benefit from 30 minutes in a decanter.
Best food pairings
- Grilled steak with chimichurri
- Burgers and barbecue
- Beef empanadas
- Aged cheddar and blue cheese
Try our Catena Malbec review, a benchmark Mendoza bottle.
Grilling tonight?
See our BBQ wine pairing guide and our favorite wine openers.
Malbec FAQ
Is Malbec sweet or dry?
Malbec is dry. Its ripe fruit can make it taste smooth and generous.
Is Malbec similar to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Both are full-bodied, but Malbec is softer and fruitier, while Cabernet has firmer tannins. See our Cabernet guide.
Why is Argentine Malbec good value?
Large plantings, favorable growing conditions and lower production costs let Argentina make high-quality Malbec at friendly prices.