What is Malbec?

Malbec is a full-bodied red wine grape, now most famous from Mendoza, Argentina, that tastes juicy and plush with blackberry, plum and a hint of cocoa, and it's softer than Cabernet.

Malbec is the big red that doesn't bite. It's dark and rich like Cabernet but rounder and juicier, with gentler tannin. It's also one of the best values on the red shelf.

Tastes like: Blackberry, plum, black cherry, cocoa, violet
Sweetness: Dry
Where it's from: Mendoza, Argentina; originally Cahors, France
Price range: About $9–20
Serve at: Cool room temperature, 60–65°F

Bodylight → big
Sweetnessdry → sweet
Zingsoft → zippy
Gripsmooth → grippy

What Malbec tastes like

Ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry, often with milk chocolate, sweet spice or a floral, violet note. It feels smooth and full without the heavy grip of Cab.

Where it comes from

Malbec started in southwest France, around Cahors, where it makes darker, more rustic wine. It hit the big time in Argentina, where high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza give it ripe fruit and a fresh tang. Nearly every Malbec on a US grocery shelf is Argentinian.

How to pick a bottle

At $10 you get juicy, simple fun. Around $15–20 the wines get deeper and more layered. 'Uco Valley' on the label points to higher, cooler vineyards and a fresher style.

If you like a French twist, look for 'Cahors' on the label. It's Malbec, but earthier and more savory.

What to eat with it

Grilled steak with chimichurri is the Argentine classic. Malbec also loves burgers, BBQ, tacos, chili and empanadas. Its softness means it handles a little spice better than Cab does.

Malbec to try

Catena Malbec
about $18
MalbecDrink this one
Polished and layered, from one of the names that put Argentine Malbec on the map.
Alamos Malbec
about $10
MalbecGood buy
Juicy, smooth and a steal at about $10.
Trapiche Malbec
about $9
Malbec
Simple, fruity and very cheap. Fine for a burger night.

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Last checked 2026-10-11.