Malbec is a type of red wine that has gained immense popularity among wine enthusiasts. This grape variety originated in France but has now found its way into several wine appellations across the globe. Some regions are known to produce Malbec wine that stands out from the rest.
South America, France, and the United States are among the best wine regions that produce top-quality Malbec wines. The unique climatic conditions and soil types found in these areas make them great for growing the Malbec grape variety.
To celebrate World Malbec Day on April 17, let’s explore the terroir and flavors of these Malbec wine regions…
1. Malbec Wines from South America: Chile & Argentina
Chilean and Argentine Malbec wines differ in their flavor profiles and region terroir. Chilean Malbecs tend to be more acidic, with a lighter body and a fruit-forward flavor profile. Malbecs crafted in Argentina, on the other hand, are often fuller-bodied with more tannins, giving them a more complex and structured taste.
A cool climate and volcanic soils define the terroir of Chile’s Central Valley. In contrast, the best Argentine Malbecs are often grown in the Mendoza region’s warm, dry climate, known for its high-altitude vineyards and rocky soil.
The differences between Malbec wines from Chile and Argentina make them unique and appealing to different wine-tasting palates. Malbecs of Chile are an excellent option for those who enjoy lighter, fruit-forward wines with refreshing acidity. Argentine Malbecs are perfect for those who prefer more complex and full-bodied red wines with a bold tannin structure. Both countries produce high-quality wines that showcase their special terroir and winemaking traditions.
WTSO Malbec Wine Recommendation
The upcoming Premium Wine Club tasting set features four wines from South America, one of which is crafted from single vineyards of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon by Casarena Estate in Mendoza, Argentina. The 2019 bottling is an elegant blend with a persistent finish. Its balance between spice and fruit character allows for easy meal pairings. Subscribe to the WTSO monthly wine subscription to get bottles of Argentine and Chilean wines shipped directly to your door!
2. French Malbec: Bordeaux & Cahors
France is widely recognized as one of the best wine sources for Malbec, thanks to growers in Bordeaux and Cahors. Bordeaux, located in southwest France, excels in producing full-bodied and complex Malbec wines. The region’s terroir, with pockets of gravelly soil and a maritime climate, provides the perfect conditions for Malbec grapes to thrive. Bordeaux Malbecs are deep in color with aromas of dark fruit and spices. On the palate, these wines offer a bold and tannic structure with blackberry, plum, and tobacco flavors.
Cahors, located southeast of Bordeaux, is known for producing intense and powerful Malbec wines. The appellation’s soil, consisting of limestone or gravel-sand terraces, provides the ideal conditions for Malbec grapes to grow. The grape variety must comprise at least 70% of all wines. Malbecs from Cahors are dark in color with intense black fruit, chocolate, and leather aromas. They deliver a rich, full-bodied structure with black cherry, blackcurrant, and licorice notes.
France’s appellations of Bordeaux and Cahors are renowned for their exceptional Malbec wines, which offer a unique expression of the terroir and an unforgettable tasting experience.
WTSO Malbec Wine Recommendation
Château Candeley achieves a generous varietal expression with this 2020 bottling. Deep blueberry, black plum, chocolate, and spice flavors complement a round mouthfeel and dense concentration of tannins. In 2022, this 100% Malbec from Bordeaux received 95 Points from the Decanter Wine Awards! Make sure to pluck up your share for over half off from WTSO.com before sold out.
3. Malbec Made in the United States:
North Coast & Napa Valley
The United States is quickly becoming one of the best wine regions for growing Malbec grapes. The North Coast of California and Napa Valley are particularly notable for their exceptional Malbec wines. The unique terroir of these regions, combined with the expertise of local winemakers, creates ideal growing conditions for varietal wines.
The North Coast’s cool, foggy climate and well-draining soils provide the perfect environment for Malbec grapes to thrive. These grapes produce Malbec wines with notes of black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate, often with a hint of spice, similar to those from Argentina.
Napa Valley’s warm days, cool nights, and volcanic soils offer another ideal location for growing Malbec grapes. Malbec wines from this region showcase blackberry, blueberry, and vanilla notes with a smooth, velvety finish.
California’s North Coast and Napa Valley produce some of the best Malbec wines in the world, highlighting unique flavors and characteristics of these appellations.
WTSO Malbec Wine Recommendation
Encantado‘s 96% Malbec red blend from the North Coast comes loaded with dark plum and berry flavors that mingle alongside hints of violet and mocha while boasting a full-body thanks to additions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. Lovers of Argentine Malbec: we have a delicious wine alternative you must try!