Wine Connoisseur? Here Are The Best Malbecs in 2022
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Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard Malbec 2019 -
Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2020 -
Catena Malbec 2019 -
Buyer's Guide
Historically used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, France, malbec has gained popularity in recent years as its varietal. Since not much Malbec is grown in France or other Old World countries, it's relatively rare to find 100 percent malbec, or even a primary malbec blend coming from this part of the world. New World winegrowers, especially those in Argentina, have taken it upon themselves to make world-class wines that allow the bold flavor of this grape to shine.
Malbec requires warm, dry conditions to thrive. It's susceptible to frost and mildew and tends to develop problems when grown in cool, moist climates. Because of this, production is limited to hot, sunny hillsides in some of the world's warmer appellations.
Though many winemakers in Northern California and Australia now produce malbec, these wines are not the most popular, and distribution is largely limited to local wine shops. Major wine distributors, including online stores and large retail chains, primarily carry Argentinian malbec.
But we've found three high-quality malbecs available here in the states. Keep on reading to figure out which one will suit your palate best; our accompanying buying guide at the bottom will also make it super intuitive for how to properly taste wine!
Our Top Three Favorite Malbecs
Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard Malbec 2019 - Best Malbec Overall
Malbec may be new to the world market, but it isn't new to Argentina. Catena Winery has been producing malbec for over a century, and today's generation of winemakers have learned how to make this wine shine. Catena Zapata Argentino is our absolute favorite malbec. It's very dark in color, with red and violet hues that bring to mind the dark fruit flavors and aromas that malbecs are known for. The nose of this wine has cassis, blueberries and violets, along with a strong suggestion of soil tones. The palate shows off even more dark fruit, with sweet black and blue fruits complemented by notes of flavors of mocha, dark berries, spice, and minerals. This truly is a remarkable wine, and one that's perfectly ready to enjoy right now, though it will also hold for another 15 years.
Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2020 - Runner Up
A wine so dark it could be used as ink, the Zuccardi Concreto Malbec is a powerful wine with lots of dark flavors and aromas. It has subtle aromas of red fruit, mountain herbs and graphite, and great acidity which gives tension and structure along with the tannins that backs up the big berry flavor with espresso, mineral, and balsamic vinegar. The finish is long and well-structured, with an acidic bite at the end that helps this wine finish nice and clean. The Zuccardi's approach to sustainability, biodiversity, and the usage of solar energy makes it even better knowing that you are helping the environment and getting the cleanest product possible.
Catena Malbec 2019 - Best Malbec under $20
Known for making some of the best malbec around, Catena makes an excellent, affordable malbec for those who don't want to spend a hundred dollars a bottle. This winery's malbec is a jammy wine with big fruit flavors and aromas. The nose has big blackberry aromas, while the palate highlights softer raspberry and blueberry flavors. In addition to this wine's fruity qualities, it also has notes of lavender and violet, and hints of mocha and vanilla on the nose, along with leather and cinnamon on the palate. The tannins are big enough to support the complexity of the wine, and the finish long and acidic, with notes of minerality.
Buyer's Guide
Characterized by its deep purple color, spicy, fruity flavor, and full-body, malbec has gained immense popularity in the last couple of decades after being resurrected by Argentina. If you are a wine-lover who wants to try something unique, malbec deserves a spot on your wine rack. Read on to find out more about this rich, hearty wine.
History of Malbec Wine
Even though malbec has gained acclaim in the last few decades, its production dates back to a century ago in the southwest of France. As one of the grapes of the Bordeaux blend, malbec was better known as Côt.
The black, thick-skinned malbec grapes require precise weather conditions to grow, a reason for their unpopularity in France. Especially after the frost of 1956, most of the malbec vineyards were uprooted or replaced by merlot, cabernet sauvignon and franc. Currently, Cahors in France is the only city producing malbec varietal wines.
In the 19th century, malbec was first planted in Mandoza, Argentina. Previously known for its juicy, strong flavor malbec wine was only considered ‘food-friendly. It has now matured into a rich, oak-enhanced wine gaining popularity in the US and UK simultaneously making Argentina a noteworthy wine-producing region.
The Malbec Grape
The malbec grape thrives in a dry climate, with hot days and cold nights. It is very sensitive to weather and easily rots. However, the malbec grape survives well with dirt and nutrients.
Malbec’s Blinding Taste Test
Malbec is a deep purple wine with a characteristic bright, magenta rim. When you see that rim, you know it’s the real thing!
Malbec Wine
On its own, malbec is used to make single-varietal wines. Unlike before, when malbec was used as a blending grape, Argentinian malbec is used in seventy percent of its wine production and is incorporated in almost all the wines, even to a small degree.
Color
Malbec has a dark purplish-red color and it is mostly opaque. Young wines specifically leave behind a magenta hue.
Taste
The small, dark malbec grapes produce a fruity, smoky wine with undertones of black fruits like blackberries and plum. With moderate tannin levels, robust structure, and a hearty, plush flavor, malbec weights similar to shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, or petit verdot.
When matured with oak, hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves are incorporated which makes the wine smoky flavored and umami and the texture of the wine silky.
The wine has medium levels of acidity which is difficult to maintain, especially in hotter climates.
A flavor of dried fruits and meat is developed in high-quality, rich Malbec wines when aged in a bottle.
Blends
Malbec is one of the five blending grapes in the Bordeaux blend but no more than two percent of it is included. As a part of the Right Bank Bordeaux blend, malbec is blended with Merlot and Petit Verdot.
In Argentina, a regional red grape (Duece Noir) is sometimes blended with malbec.
Serving Temperature
Malbec shrinks at lower temperatures and loses its core flavors and is, therefore, best served at room temperature.
What Are the Levels of ABV and Tannin in Malbec?
There is about 14 to 15 percent alcohol in a bottle of malbec, so be careful with this boozy bottle at dinner. But there is nothing to worry about, the alcohol level is almost as much as a bottle of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay.
Malbec is a dry wine. An expensive, luxurious Argentine malbec has higher levels of tannin and if therefore, drier on the mouth. Malbec wine produced in the USA however, may have lower levels of tannin for a silky, velvety wine texture.
What Is the Difference Between Malbec and Pinot Noir?
Malbec and pinot noir are red wines with the latter being more popular. Both the grape varieties are sensitive towards weather and thrive in specific climatic conditions hence, they are produced in lesser quantities than their counterparts like merlot.
Malbec has a more nutty, umami flavor while being full-body whereas pinot noir has an aromatic, light flavor with lower levels of alcohol.
Lower levels of tannin in pinot noir contribute to its popularity as an easy-drinking red.
What Is the Difference Between Malbec and Merlot?
Merlot is one of the most popular wine grapes in the world because of its ability to grow in harsh conditions. Both merlot and malbec are part of the Bordeaux blend and are considered as easy-drinking reds. Merlot has a fuller body and is smoother than the thin, fruity malbec.
The French Vs. Argentine Malbec
High-altitude regions like Mendoza on the foothills of Adens in Argentina produce malbec with a distinct flavor and texture. This is mainly due to the dry, arid climate and sunny days. The levels of tannin and acidity in the Argentine malbec are high to complement the plushy, strong fruit flavor. The wine has an underlying tangy taste of red plums, red cherries, and blueberries paired with chocolate and a tobacco finish.
The French malbec is comparatively earthier in flavor, with lower levels of tannin. The flavor is often described as savory bitter or spicy with a leathery aroma. The most prominent flavors are that of red and black currants, licorice, tobacco, and coffee. The french Malbec ages longer due to its lower alcohol levels.
Foods That Go With Malbec
Malbec is a popular crowd-pleaser at dinners. It is said that malbec and steak are a match made in heaven but malbec nearly goes with everything from appetizers to dessert. A rich, umami flavor full of spices complements malbec best. Mushrooms and spicy beans are also well-enjoyed alongside a hearty glass of malbec. Hard cheeses like sharp cheddar or a nutty manchego also go well with Malbec.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where else are malbec grapes still grown in the world?
A: Apart from Argentina and France, the USA, Chile, and Australia grow malbec grapes.
Q: How is 'malbec' capitalized?
A: The proper capitalization is 'malbec'. Wines are named either after the region where they originated from, or from another purpose. Only wines named after a region are capitalized; for example, 'shiraz' and 'pinot noir' are not named after a region, so they are lowercase.
Q: Can I have malbec if I am cutting down my alcohol intake?
A: Malbec can have up to 15% alcohol, which is significant for wine, so be careful. But it is no bother to enjoy a glass or two occasionally.
