Wine 101: Malbec

Originally used as a blending grape in France’s Bordeaux region, Malbec has found its true home in Argentina’s Mendoza region.

There, the grape produces darkly fruity wines with hints of black pepper and leather—like a traditional rustic country red, but with riper, fuller fruit. Malbecs are often very affordable, too, and go wonderfully with steaks and roasts, hearty stews and grilled sausages.

Rustic, Peppery Malbec

Top Bottles

• Terrazas de los Andes (Argentina)
• Bodega Catena Zapata Catena (Argentina)
• Altos Los Hormigas (Argentina)

The following wines pair particularly well with grilled steak:

• 2005 Mapema (Argentina)
• 2007 Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza (Argentina)
• 2007 High Note (Argentina)
• 2005 Tiza Mendoza (Argentina)

Recipe Pairings

• Beef-Stuffed Poblano Chiles
• Feijoada
• Mixed Grill with Chimichurri Sauces and Roasted Peppers
• Spicy Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing »

More Expert Wine Advice

Features and Columns

• Easy to Find Wines: Malbec
• Argentinian Malbec and Gaucho Pizzas
• Argentina & Chile’s 17 Best Values
• The Appeal of Argentina’s Wine Country
• The Great Wine-Bargain Hunt

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Published February 2008