Malbec grape variety

Malbec is a red grape variety that originally comes from France and is now mainly cultivated in Argentina. The wines are deep red in colour and full-bodied, with medium to high tannin and acidity. Malbec wines typically show flavours of dark fruits such as plum and blackberry, complemented by spicy and chocolate notes. For superior qualities, ageing in wood is obligatory. Malbec is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meat and savoury dishes as well as spicy cheese and chocolate. The wines can be enjoyed when young, but high-quality examples have significant ageing potential. Malbec is Argentina's signature red variety.

Order Malbec wines online

Bodegas Salentein Puramun Reserva Malbec 2020

Mendoza, Argentinia

18.90 €

0.75 l, 25.20 €/l
in stock

99 Suckling

Vina Cobos Malbec Cobos Mendoza 2018

Mendoza, Argentinia

220.00 €

0.75 l, 293.33 €/l
in stock

100 Suckling

Malbec Cobos Mendoza 2019

Mendoza, Argentinia

249.00 €

0.75 l, 332.00 €/l
in stock

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Malbec wine

What characterises the Malbec grape variety?

Malbec is Argentina's red signature variety and stands for deep, dark, full-bodied wines with flavours of plum, blackberry, spice and chocolate. It has strong tannins and acidity and is ideal with grilled meat and savoury dishes. High-quality Malbecs also have good ageing potential.

What is Malbec wine?

Malbec is a full-bodied red wine that is known for its deep dark colour, intense aromas and pleasant spiciness. It is considered a wine with a strong character that will delight both wine lovers and beginners.

Where does Malbec wine originally come from?

Malbec originated in south-west France, particularly in the Cahors region. However, it became internationally famous in Argentina, where it is now considered the national wine and benefits from the high altitudes of the Andes.

What does Malbec wine taste like?

Malbec is characterised by strong, juicy aromas of dark fruits - plums, blackberries and black cherries dominate. The flavour is often complemented by subtle notes of chocolate, tobacco and spices. The tannins are soft and the structure harmonious.

What foods is Malbec wine best paired with?

Malbec is a perfect accompaniment to savoury dishes. It goes particularly well with
- Beef steaks and grilled meat
- lamb dishes
- strong cheeses such as Manchego or blue cheese
- Spicy stews and grilled vegetables

How should Malbec wine be stored?

Malbec wines should be stored in a cool, dark place in a horizontal position. The ideal temperature is between 12 and 16 °C. Young Malbecs can be enjoyed immediately, while high-quality vintages gain depth through several years of storage.

What are the typical flavours of Malbec wine?

Aromas of dark fruit (plum, blackberry, cherry) are typical, complemented by notes of violet, cocoa, leather, tobacco and vanilla - depending on the ageing in wooden barrels.

Which regions produce the best Malbec wine?

- Argentina (Mendoza, Salta): World leader, powerful and fruit-orientated
- France (Cahors): Traditional, spicier and earthier
- Chile & USA: Fruity, modern interpretations.

How does Malbec wine differ from other red wines?

Compared to Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, Malbec is fruitier and softer in its tannins. At the same time, it is stronger than Pinot Noir and has an unmistakably dark, almost purple colour.

Is Malbec wine expensive?

Malbec offers an excellent price-pleasure ratio. Good everyday wines are available from as little as €7-10. Top wines from Argentina or France are usually between €20 and €50.

What is the alcohol content of Malbec wine?

Most Malbec wines are between 13.5% and 15% alcohol by volume - ideal for emphasising the intense aroma without being heavy.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Barbera

Barbera is the most widely cultivated red grape variety in the northern Italian region of Piedmont - but is also widespread in Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna. It produces fruity, accessible red wines with an intense ruby red colour and aromas of red fruits, cherries, plums and spices. They are medium-bodied on the palate, with moderate tannins and lively acidity even when fully ripe.

Cinsault

Cinsault is a red grape variety that is mainly cultivated in southern France, particularly in Languedoc-Roussillon, where it most likely originated. It is heat-resistant and produces wines with a light body, low tannins and a rather light colour. Typical flavours are red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry and cherry, often surrounded by floral tones.

Grenache

Grenache is a red grape variety grown mainly in southern France and Spain (where it is known as Garnacha). The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with low tannins and high acidity.

Mourvèdre/Monastrell

Mourvèdre is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in the south of France and Spain, where it is known as Monastrell. The wines are deep-coloured, medium to full-bodied, with high, often rough tannins when young and moderate to high acidity.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in central Italy. Its wines are full-bodied, rich in extract, with strong alcohol and moderate acidity. They typically show flavours of dark fruits such as plums and cherries, often complemented by spicy or tobacco notes.

Lemberger/Blaufränkisch

Lemberger, better known as Blaufränkisch in Austria, is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in southern Germany and Austria. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with moderate to strong tannins and fresh acidity. Lemberger wines have great finesse and the potential to reflect the terroir from which they originate.

Garganega

Garganega is a white grape variety that is mainly grown in the Italian region of Veneto. As little known as the variety is, as famous is the wine made from it: Soave. It is usually light to medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and plenty of finesse. The wines show flavours of citrus fruits, green apples, pears and flowers, complemented by almond and mineral notes that come from the volcanic terroir.

Müller-Thurgau)

Müller-Thurgau is a white variety that is mainly cultivated in Germany and Austria. The wines are light to medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and a strong flavour, usually with a typical muscat tone. Müller-Thurgau wines are usually dry or semi-dry and vinified in steel tanks.

Muscat/Muskateller

Muscat, also known as Muscat or Moscato, is not so much a single grape variety as a fairly large family of grape varieties that is widespread throughout the world and includes both wine grapes and table grapes.

Riesling

Riesling is one of the best-known white grape varieties and is cultivated all over the world - first and foremost in Germany, of course. It is more flexible and versatile than almost any other grape.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of the best-known white grape varieties in France. It actually originated in the Loire - but is now cultivated worldwide as the second most important noble variety after Chardonnay. New Zealand in particular has become the second home of Sauvignon Blanc.

Silvaner

Silvaner is a white grape variety that originated in Austria, but is now most widespread in Germany, where it plays an important role alongside Riesling. Other noteworthy stocks can still be found in Alsace in France. The wines are known for their freshness, minerality and sometimes strong, earthy character.

Here you can find information on other grape varieties.

Malbec grape variety

Order Malbec wines online

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Malbec wine

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Barbera

Cinsault

Grenache

Mourvèdre/Monastrell

Montepulciano

Lemberger/Blaufränkisch

Discover more grape varieties for white wines.

Garganega

Müller-Thurgau)

Muscat/Muskateller

Riesling

Sauvignon Blanc

Silvaner