Red wine· Argentina, France
What does Malbec taste like?
Malbec is a juicy, full-bodied red wine bursting with dark fruit and a smooth, plummy finish. Think blackberry jam meets a hint of cocoa, with soft tannins that make it approachable from the first sip.
At a glance
The breakdown
Everything that shapes how Malbec tastes, in plain language.
Fruit
01Dark fruits dominate: blackberry, plum, and black cherry are usually front and center.
Body
02Full
Acidity
03Medium
Tannins
04Medium
Flavor profile
- Blackberry and plum
- Dark cherry
- Cocoa and mocha
- Subtle vanilla and tobacco
- Smooth, velvety tannins
Who will like it
Anyone who loves bold, fruit-forward reds without harsh tannins. A great gateway from Cabernet.
On the nose
Common aromas
Smell these in your glass? You're probably tasting Malbec.
In plain English
“Imagine biting into a ripe plum, then chasing it with a square of dark chocolate. That's Malbec in a glass: dark, fruity, smooth, and easy to love.”
At the table
Food pairings
Malbec works best with these foods.
- 01Grilled steak and burgers
- 02Roasted lamb
- 03Empanadas
- 04Aged cheddar
- 05Mushroom risotto
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Beyond the page
Don't just read about Malbec. Taste it.
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Adjacent
Similar wines
If you enjoy Malbec, these are worth exploring next.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of bold reds: rich, structured, and built to age. Expect dark fruit like blackcurrant and blackberry, layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, and a firm tannic grip.
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah (called Shiraz in Australia) is bold, peppery, and unmistakable. Expect dark fruit, smoked meat, and a signature kick of cracked black pepper that sets it apart from every other red.
Merlot
Merlot is the smoothest big red — soft, plummy, and easy to drink with no rough edges. It's everything you love about Cabernet, with the volume turned down a notch.
A natural next step
If you liked Malbec, try…
Argentine Malbec
Argentine Malbec — especially from Mendoza — is the wine that put South America on the map. Expect intense blackberry and plum, plush tannins, and a signature floral note of violet from the high-altitude vineyards.
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah (called Shiraz in Australia) is bold, peppery, and unmistakable. Expect dark fruit, smoked meat, and a signature kick of cracked black pepper that sets it apart from every other red.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is California's bold, jammy red — full of ripe berries, sweet spice, and a touch of black pepper. It's the wine equivalent of barbecue: big, fun, and unmistakably American.
In the wild
Where to find this wine
Look for Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina at most wine shops. French Malbec from Cahors offers a more rustic, earthy version.
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The closing pour
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