Malbec wine is a dry French red wine with full, rich taste. It is renowned for its full-bodied flavor and notes of floral licorice. The name, Malbec, comes from the wine’s grape variety, originally from the South West region of France.
Malbec is among the six grape varieties that can be mixed with Bordeaux grapes in the wine-making process.
The Viticulture of Malbec
Malbec is among the most sensitive wine grape varieties. It is susceptible to mildew, coulure, and rot if cultivated in the wrong conditions. Malbec does well in high elevation, but cannot produce enough acidity in low elevation. The best climate for Malbec is high elevation, where the temperature swings dramatically from day to night.
Malbec grapes are best for wine when they have been grown to a small yield. It is possible to cultivate Malbec to yield a high volume of fruit, however, this has been shown to shallow and simplify the taste. So, the best Malbecs are grown in smaller quantities. Want to appreciate the taste of wine better?
Malbec by Region
Malbec produces the most reliable and high-quality grapes in South West France (and Argentina). Though, quite different in their topography and ecosystem, Malbec does well in a wide range of soil types. However, the home of Malbec, in the South West of France, is filled with limestone-rich soil. The combination of high elevation, varied temperatures, and high soil acidity lend to Malbec’s dark, bold, tannic flavor.
Today, Argentina and France produce the most highly recognized Malbecs in the world. Though California is among the three largest producers, France and Argentina are considered the mainstays of Malbec. And all Malbecs have very different flavors.
No matter the region of the world that your bottle of Malbec comes from, there is a tell-tale sign of this wine. After taking your first sip from a mine glass, if you see a light magenta color around the rim, you’re drinking a Malbec.
Learn more about the Wine Regions of France.
French Malbec
French Malbec has a starkly different taste than that of Argentinian Malbec. Whereas Argentinian Malbec demonstrates strong fruit flavors, French Malbec presents prominent notes of currant, black plum, savory, and bitters. Secondary notes of the French Malbec include black pepper and a distinctive spice.
French varieties have a much higher tannin percentage and a lower alcohol content than that of Argentinians. The French Malbec’s limestone-rich soil makes for the high acidity necessary to produce these savory notes, as well, as the French varieties plump grapes, as opposed to Argentina’s smaller Malbec grapes.
French Malbec grapes have historically been used in combination with Bordeaux grapes. Malbec provided the deep inky color and fruity notes to Bordeaux. Malbec is responsible for the full-bodied flavor of many inexpensive red wine blends.
Malbec Wine & Food Pairings
Whereas other rich, dry red wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, can have a long finish, Malbec does not. The light finish of a Malbec makes it a great red wine to pair with lean meat and rich, savory foods.
● Meats
Malbec tastes great with lean red meats, like lamb and pork, and, dark poultry meat, such as duck, chicken, and turkey. Drink a French Malbec with beef, brisket, and BBQ ribs.
● Herbs & Spices
The earthy notes of Malbec lend to pairings with deeply flavored spices and savory herbs. Smoky flavors are perfect for pairing with French varieties of Malbec. Try pairing it with cumin, paprika, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, clove, garlic, onion, and BBQ sauce.
● Cheeses
French Malbec go well with semi-soft to hard cow’s cheeses. Cheese with a strong aroma and sharp flavor go well with any Malbec. Try Smoked Gouda, Pecorino, and Gruyere.
● Veggies, Mushrooms and More
Save the fruit. Malbec goes best with strong, savory, earthy tastes. Almost any vegetable tastes great with Malbec. In particular: kale, chard, onion, beets, lentils, and arugula are good pairings.
French Malbec wines are particularly well paired to all mushroom varieties, as well. The mushrooms distinctively earthy flavors can shine through Malbec’s dark, sumptuous flavors.
● Desserts
Malbec is perfect for pairing with desserts that are chocolate based or vanilla based. The wines savory fruit is less suited towards fruity desserts, but can go nicely to accompany dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
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