All About Malbec

Appearance

  • Color: Deep, inky purple to dark ruby red.
  • Opacity: Typically opaque due to high levels of anthocyanins, contributing to its dark hue.

Aroma

  • Primary Aromas: Black fruits such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum dominate.
  • Secondary Aromas: Often includes hints of cocoa, milk chocolate, and coffee.
  • Tertiary Aromas: Aging in oak barrels can impart notes of vanilla, tobacco, and sweet spices like cinnamon and clove.

Flavor Profile

  • Fruit Flavors: Rich and concentrated flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum, and blueberry.
  • Other Flavors: Secondary flavors can include chocolate, mocha, and a touch of violet.
  • Oak Influence: Depending on the aging process, you might detect vanilla, caramel, and toasty notes from oak barrels.

Structure

  • Body: Full-bodied with a velvety texture.
  • Tannins: Moderate to high tannins, providing a firm structure and aging potential.
  • Acidity: Moderate acidity, balancing the wine’s fruitiness and contributing to its food-friendly nature.
  • Alcohol: Generally high, typically between 13.5% and 15%.

Join the club

Get this varietal often & more delivered to your doorstep when you join our wine club!

Pairings for Malbec

Steak

Pairing steak with wine enhances the dining experience by balancing flavors and textures. Rich, fatty cuts like Ribeye or T-bone are best paired with bold red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends, which have the tannins to cut through the fat and complement the meat’s robust flavors. Leaner cuts like Filet Mignon pair well with lighter reds such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, which do not overpower the delicate flavor of the steak. For spiced steaks, Zinfandel provides a sweet contrast that balances the savory spices.

Get recipe

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a traditional Tuscan dish featuring a thick cut of T-bone or porterhouse steak, ideally from Chianina cattle. Grilled over high heat, it's seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary and sage, allowing the beef's rich flavor to shine through. The steak is typically served rare, with a beautifully charred crust and tender, juicy interior. This dish embodies the essence of rustic Italian cooking and is often accompanied by local wines, enhancing the meal's overall experience.

Get recipe

Aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino

Aged cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino are rich, complex cheeses renowned for their firm texture and deep flavors. Parmigiano-Reggiano, with its nutty and savory notes, is often grated over dishes or enjoyed in thin shards. Pecorino, made from sheep's milk, has a distinctively sharp and tangy profile. These cheeses excel as stand-alone snacks, paired with fruit and nuts, or incorporated into various recipes. Their aging process intensifies their flavors, making them ideal for pairing with bold wines, enhancing culinary experiences through their robust characteristics.

Get Recipe

Popular Locations for Malbec

1 2