MALBEC

Malbec is a purple grape variety used to create bold red wines. Native to the Cahors region of Southwestern France, it’s now widely grown in many areas worldwide, notably in Argentina’s Mendoza region and throughout Australia in the wine regions of Clare Valley, Margaret River and Langhorne Creek.

The dark-coloured Malbec grapes create wines with intense black fruit flavours and a smoky finish. You can often taste blackberry, plum and cherry notes in Malbec, along with subtle hints of chocolate and sweet tobacco.

Malbec is a grape variety that is native to the Cahors region in Southwestern France. It’s believed to be a cross between Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes grapes. In Bordeaux, Malbec is often used in blends with other red grapes, including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In the mid-19th century, Malbec was brought to Argentina, where it’s now grown in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. Argentinian Malbec differs from the French one, with smaller berries and vineyard practices, climate and winemaking techniques resulting in Malbec wines with less tannins and acidity. This difference has made Argentinian Malbec popular and it now accounts for the majority of global Malbec sales.

Malbec is now grown across Australia and is steadily growing in popularity. Each wine region creates wines with different flavour profiles thanks to their unique climate and soil. Key Malbec wine-producing regions include:

• Margaret River, Western Australia – Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines, this region also grows excellent Malbec wines. The consistent maritime climate allows the grapes to ripen evenly, producing high-quality premium wines.
• Langhorne Creek, South Australia – One of Australia’s oldest wine regions, Langhorne Creek has a warm climate that contributes to producing Malbec wines with fuller bodies and concentrated fruit flavours.
• Clare Valley, South Australia – Although primarily known for its Riesling, Clare Valley also grows Malbec. The region’s high-altitude vineyards and its day and night temperature variations help retain acidity in the grapes, which balances the richness of the Malbec wines produced here.
• King Valley, Victoria – The diverse microclimates within the King Valley region produce a range of wine styles. Its Malbec wines are noted for their vibrant fruit character and strong tannins.

Malbec wines are typically strong and robust, high in tannins and alcohol content (usually around 13-14%). They are typically full-bodied, which makes them suitable for ageing in oak barrels. Their dark fruit flavours, like blackberry and plum, lend the wines a deep, purplish colour and a delicious, complex taste, especially after ageing.

While Malbec shines as a single-varietal wine, it’s sometimes blended with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon to create rich, fruity red wine blends.

Malbec wine is well-known for its rich and intense dark fruit flavours, such as raspberry, blackberry, cherry and plum. But Malbec’s specific taste and characteristics can vary depending on where it is grown. Along with its fruity notes, Malbec can also exhibit hints of vanilla, chocolate and sweet tobacco.

In cooler climates such as France, where Malbec originates, flavours such as black cherry, raspberry, blackcurrant and black pepper take centre stage. Meanwhile, the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza produce Malbec wines that are softer with flavours, such as ripe plum, black cherry, and chocolate. Australian Malbec wines are typically full-bodied with lush, dark fruit flavours and soft tannins.

When Malbec is aged in oak barrels, it can develop additional flavours of leather and sweet tobacco.

Malbec and Shiraz – also known as Syrah – are two distinct red grape varieties, each producing unique styles of wine.

Malbec, originating from Cahors in Southwestern France, is primarily grown in Argentina, particularly in the Mendoza region. It’s usually a medium to full-bodied wine with a rich, dark fruit profile, featuring flavours such as blackberry, plum and black cherry, and sometimes a hint of chocolate or sweet tobacco. Its moderate tannins and medium acidity make it smooth and approachable.

Shiraz, on the other hand, comes from the Rhône region of France and is extensively grown in Australia, where it is known as Shiraz. Wines from this grape are usually full-bodied with robust black fruit flavours, like blackberry, plum and blackcurrant. They often have a unique spice note, particularly black pepper, and sometimes exhibit hints of chocolate or liquorice. Generally, Shiraz wines have higher tannin levels and medium to low acidity, lending them a bolder, more robust structure.

However, style and winemaking practices influence the tannin levels in both varietals.

When choosing a Malbec, consider whether you want a blend or a single-varietal wine. Malbec has a strong flavour and high tannin content, which makes it good for blending. Blended wines, such as those from Bordeaux, France, can be complex and balanced. A single-varietal wine will let you fully taste Malbec’s rich flavours.

Also, consider where the wine is from. Argentinian Malbec, particularly from Mendoza, is world-renowned. They are typically bold, fruity, and offer great value. French Malbec, primarily from Cahors, tends to be more restrained and earthy. In Australia, Margaret River, Langhorne Creek, Clare Valley and King Valley are renowned for producing quality Malbec. Australian Malbecs tend to offer a balance of fruit-forward character and structure, similar to South African Malbecs.

Other things to think about are whether the wine has been aged in oak, which can make the flavours more complex, and the colour of the wine, which can give you an idea of its body and age. A darker colour usually means a fuller body, while a lighter, ruby colour can mean a younger, fresher wine.

Australian Malbec wine pairs well with red meat dishes, and its smoky undertones make it a great match for barbecued or grilled dishes. Burgers, especially with blue cheese, are a great match with this full-flavoured red. Spicy dishes, including lamb curry, Szechuan beef, chorizo and bean stew, also pair well with this bold red wine. Other options include fatty fish such as salmon or dark game meat.

French Malbec can complement nut-based dishes and cheeses, particularly Stilton or Manchego. If you prefer a lighter dessert, Argentinian Malbec pairs well with flavourful desserts such as tiramisu.

Malbec is ideally served at or slightly below room temperature. Feel free to chill it in the refrigerator or a wine cooler for about half an hour before serving, as this can sharpen the flavours and mellow its structure. Decanting the Malbec for 30-60 minutes ahead of serving is also recommended, as this lets the wine’s flavours and aromas unfold.

Serve the wine in a traditional red wine glass with a large bowl, as this shape enables the wine to continue aerating. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your Malbec fully!