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Malbec

Full-bodied red

Malbec: taste & food pairing

Say it: MAHL-bek · Also called Côt (Cahors)

Argentina’s signature red: plush plum and blackberry with soft tannin and a cocoa finish. Big flavor for the money and made for grilled beef.

BodyLightFull
SweetnessDrySweet
AciditySoftCrisp
TanninSmoothGrippy
AlcoholLowHigh
Tastes likeplum, blackberry, cocoa, violet, sweet tobacco
Alcohol13.5-15%
Serve at60-65°F (16-18°C)
GlassLarge red glass
Decant?Optional; 20 minutes helps
What to payExcellent value from $10-$20

Malbec came from southwest France but found its home at altitude in Mendoza, Argentina. High-elevation sun gives ripe, dark fruit while cold nights keep it fresh. The result is a big, smooth red that rarely costs much.

Best food with Malbec

MeatSteak Cabernet Sauvignon · Malbec · Syrah / Shiraz MeatBurgers Zinfandel · Malbec · Syrah / Shiraz MeatBBQ ribs Zinfandel · Syrah / Shiraz · Petite Sirah Italian & takeoutTacos & Mexican food Rosé · Malbec · Albariño MeatBeef stew & braises Syrah / Shiraz · Cabernet Sauvignon · Nebbiolo (Barolo)

How it tastes

Ripe plum, blackberry and black cherry with violet, cocoa and sweet tobacco. Argentine Malbec is soft and round; French Cahors is darker, firmer and more rustic.

Food it loves

Malbec and grilled beef is Argentina’s national pairing (asado). It also handles chimichurri, burgers and mildly spicy tacos better than Cabernet because its tannins are gentler.

Buying tips

  • Under $15: almost any Mendoza Malbec from a known producer.
  • Step up: look for sub-regions like Uco Valley or Luján de Cuyo on the label.

Where it’s grown

Mendoza (Argentina) Cahors (France) Chile California

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If you like Malbec, try…

Full-bodied redCabernet Sauvignon blackcurrant · black cherry · cedar · tobacco · vanilla (from oak) Full-bodied redSyrah / Shiraz blackberry · blueberry · black pepper · smoked meat · olive Medium-to-full redMerlot plum · black cherry · chocolate · bay leaf · soft vanilla Medium-to-full redCarménère red plum · black cherry · green peppercorn · paprika · cocoa