Malbec is typically a medium to full-bodied red wine. Ripe fruit flavors of plums and blackberry give it a jammy characteristic. The tannins are typically a bit tight and the earthy, wood-like appeal makes for a fairly rustic, yet versatile wine.
Food Pairings
Definitely a red meat wine that is adaptable enough to stand up to spicy Mexican, Cajun, Indian or Italian fare (especially with tomato-based sauces). Consider giving Malbec a go with barbecue, chili and sausage.
The mighty Malbec is Argentina's prized red wine offering, that has consumers on the international market raving! If you want to see what all of the fuss is about, then check out these Malbec wines - at a variety of price points, to get a handle on Argentina's famous varietal.
Catena Malbec 2004 (Argentina) $18
An amazing introduction to the Malbec grape varietal - juicy dark fruit, with warm spice and tangible tannins. Delicious!
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2006 (Argentina) $14
This is a delicious Malbec with intensity and kick, fruit and firm tannins. Malbec continues to be Argentina's signature grape and for good reason - it is rugged enough to handle a variety of meats, sausages and chipotle accents. The flavor profile consists of blackberry and some plum with a bit of smokiness and vanilla spice. The Trapiche Broquel Malbec is a fuller-bodied wine with good flavor and a decent finish. Should be a fairly versatile wine for summer grilling.
Luca Malbec 2007 (Argentina) $32
This Malbec displays a stunning, dense violet color in the glass. And the density carries on to the palate in the form of jam-packed berry fruit, layered with mocha notes. The wine's innate depth and well-honed balance of acidity, alcohol, tannin and flavor concentration is striking. This Malbec is made for filet mignon, NY strip and other favorite red meat cuts.
Andeluna Winemaker's Selection Malbec 2006 (Argentina) $10
This Malbec from Argentina is a truly lovely red wine. On the nose you'll note strawberry and spice, then moving to the palate profile again you'll see strawberry, along with cherry and vanilla. This is a well-balanced wine with good tannin content, ripe fruit and a robust finish. Consider pairing with grilled meat, chili, and some mildly spiced Mexican food favorites.
Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec 2007
A fantastic introduction to good-value Malbec wine. This is a wine that will take to a variety of foods and offers a woodsy character melded with plenty of raspberry fruit. Another great offering from Crios.
Maipe Malbec 2008 (Argentina) $9
The Maipe Malbec is perfect for virtually any red meat based dish. The plummy fruit, adequate structure, and flavor versatility of this red wine will complement and support a variety of foods.
Wine of the Week: Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2006 (Argentina) $20
The 2006 Ultra Malbec from Kaiken is a full-bodied red wine bursting with deep fruit flavors, predominately blue and blackberry, from the initial attack to the well-honed finish. Lots of color in the glass - dark inky hues of purple dominate and then give way to shades of violet. The nose has a roasted, sweet coffee and caramel aroma mingled with bright fresh floral notes and ripe berry fruit. The flavor profile is full of fruit - dark berries and plums, softly restrained with delicate tannins and enveloped in spicy cloves. This is a winning Malbec wine, perfect for year round consumption - makes a great partner to barbecue, fajitas, burgers, pizza and many grilled meats.
