Malbec
/MAHL-bek/Malbec is Argentina's signature grape and the country's greatest wine success story — elevated from a minor blending variety in Cahors to a world-class, single-variety wine in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. Argentine Malbec at elevation produces deeply coloured, plush, approachable wines with soft tannins and rich dark fruit. The finest examples — particularly from the Uco Valley at 1,000+ metres — show remarkable freshness, structure, and capacity for extended ageing.
Grape profile
Character & style
| Trait | Character |
|---|---|
| Body | full |
| Acidity | medium |
| Tannins | medium |
| Sweetness | dry |
| Alcohol tendency | medium |
| Origin | Cahors, France (historical) / Mendoza, Argentina (modern) |
| Common flavours | blackberry, plum, cocoa, coffee, dark fruit, spice |
| Aromas | blackberry, plum, violet, cocoa, coffee, vanilla, herbs |
Pairing
Best food pairings
- Grilled steak
- asado
- barbecue
- beef empanadas
- hard cheeses
- chocolate
Where it thrives
Key regions for Malbec
Argentina, France, Chile, United States, South Africa
Mendoza
Mendoza is Argentina's wine powerhouse and the world capital of Malbec, growing deep-coloured, high-altitude r…
Uco Valley
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