Malbec

Malbec – The deep, dark red wine from France & Argentina

Malbec is one of the red wine varieties with the strongest character and is particularly known for its deep dark colour, powerful structure and intense fruit flavours. The grape variety originally comes from Cahors, France, but it was only in Argentina, particularly in Mendoza, that it developed into a globally acclaimed wine.

Typical of Malbec are its strong tannins, dark fruit flavours and often smoky, spicy notes. The wines often exhibit flavours of blackberries, plums, violets and cocoa, while mature varieties have additional earthy, leathery and vanilla notes.

🔹 French Malbec (Cahors): Structured, savoury, with notes of dark berries, leather & smoke.
🔹 Argentinian Malbec (Mendoza, Patagonia): Fruit-driven, softer tannins, flavours of blackberries, plums & chocolate.
🔹 Matured Malbec (Reserva, Gran Reserva): Complex, with roasted aromas, dark chocolate, coffee & liquorice.

With its robust structure and intense fruit, Malbec is an excellent accompaniment to grilled meat, savoury dishes and mature cheese.

➡ Which dishes harmonise best with Malbec? Here are the ideal food pairings!

🥩 Malbec & food – the best food pairings

1️⃣ Fruity-spicy Malbec (e.g. Argentina, young Cahors wines)

Flavour: Medium to full-bodied, juicy fruit, velvety tannins.
Typical flavours: blackberries, plums, violets, chocolate.

✅ Best food pairings:

✔ Argentinian asado & grilled meat → Beef steak, lamb chops, grilled sausages
✔ Hearty burgers & BBQ dishes → Beef burgers, spare ribs, pulled pork
✔ Spicy vegetable dishes & mushroom dishes → Portobello burgers, aubergine casserole, ratatouille

➡ Recommended recipes:
– Argentinian ribeye steak with chimichurri
– Grilled aubergines with herb butter

2️⃣ Structured, spicy Malbec (e.g. Cahors, Mendoza Reserva)

Flavour: Strong, spicy, mineral, with elegant acidity.
Typical aromas: blackcurrant, leather, smoke, pepper.

✅ Best food pairings:

✔ Braised meat dishes & hearty meals → leg of lamb, boeuf bourguignon, ossobuco
✔ Hearty pasta & stews → Pasta with beef ragout, chilli con carne, ratatouille
✔ Medium to mature cheeses → Manchego, Gruyère, Comté

➡ Recommended recipes:

– Boeuf Bourguignon with Malbec reduction
– Pasta with slow braised beef ragout

3️⃣ Matured, complex Malbec (e.g. Gran Reserva, old Cahors wines)

Flavour: Deep, velvety tannins, long, spicy finish.
Typical aromas: tobacco, dark chocolate, espresso, liquorice.

✅ Best food pairings:
✔ Game dishes & fine cuisine → Venison medallions, duck breast, braised pigeon
✔ Strong cheeses & spicy flavours → Roquefort, parmesan, mature cheddar
✔ Dark chocolate & rich desserts → Chocolate fondant, chocolate mousse

➡ Recommended recipes:

– Venison medallions with port wine jus
– Chocolate mousse with chilli

🔍 Malbec & food pairing at a glance

🚀 Conclusion: Why Malbec is perfect for strong dishes

Malbec is one of the most powerful and fruity red wine varieties, ideal for grilled meat, braised dishes and flavoursome cheeses. Whether as a fruity Argentinian Malbec, spicy Cahors or mature Gran Reserva – this grape variety always offers the perfect wine accompaniment! 🍷

➡ Which combination did you like best? Discover all the recipes here! 😊🚀