Malbec Adrianne Dow Young

Malbec is a black grape that makes food-friendly wine. It is often described as inky with purple fruit flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, plum, blackberry, blueberry, and raisin. It has a serious side of coffee and molasses. When aged in oak, Malbec takes on the dessert flavors like vanilla, coconut, and mocha. It is often referred to as “plump.”

In the vineyard, Malbec does not luxuriate in fertile, even-keeled climates; mold and rot dog its health. Coulure is ever a threat, especially if the weather is cool during bloom or the vine is in high vigor, to which Malbec is prone.

The climate forms flavors: cooler climates produce brighter tones of fruit, and warmer climates draw out those purple fruits that can’t help but lure cocoa and chocolate. Malbec is a go-getter in the soil but sets fruit poorly.

In Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, it is a minor varietal and used for blending sparingly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Malbec was brought to California’s Santa Clara Valley in the, but many vineyards were lost to phylloxera. Thanks to a broadened understanding of the importance of site-appropriate clones in winemaking, they have set down new roots in the state.

“Malbec” is synonymous with “Argentina.”

Malbec had been planted in Argentina before it was famously kicked out of Burgundy in the mid to late 20th century. Heartier vines replaced Malbec in Burgundy due to its unpredictable harvest and a number of remarkably diseased growing seasons. Other than the lustily rustic (but not widely distributed) Cahors, Malbec was a well-known grape only in the various regional pockets dedicated to developing it.

In the early-mid 1990s, Malbec from Argentina began to make its way onto the wine shop shelf. It immediately presented itself as an incredible deal for wine in its price point. Having been given “junk” status by the industry, Malbec became the favorite of wine sellers and wine buyers without a formal introduction.

Thanks to Argentina’s high, arid altitude and rocky soil, Malbec survived to make its way back to Bordeaux, where it has revived its role in the Bordeaux Five – the five first growths of the region.

Look for Malbecs from Washington, Oregon, and Chilean offerings out of Colchagua, Curicó, and Cachapoal. Compare bottles from South Africa to those from South Australia and New Zealand’s Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.

More information can be found either in the review text or on the producer’s website. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Malbec wines among our extensive Malbec wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Malbec wine reviews will give you a general idea of what to expect from wines made from Malbec and will help you find one that best suits your needs.