AUSTRALIAN MALBEC

Neglected for decades in France as a lesser blending grape, Malbec was resurrected in Argentina as a bold, single varietal star.  We're enjoying a similar resurgence in Australia too, with excellent Australian Malbec coming from regions such as Clare Valley, Langhorne Creek, Margaret River, Frankland River, and more.

WHAT IS MALBEC WINE?

Malbec is a bold, full-bodied red wine known for its deep colour, plush dark fruit flavours, and smooth, rich finish. An excellent blending grape and a powerhouse in its own right, it’s prized for both its intensity and depth of fruit. Malbec is also famously food-friendly, pairing beautifully with rich, hearty dishes.

What type of wine is Malbec?

Deeply coloured and packed with rich flavours, Malbec is a full-bodied red with notes of plum, blackberry, and gentle spice. Its velvety texture and bold structure make it both powerful and approachable. Typically, Malbec wines have an alcohol content ranging from 13.5% to 15% ABV, making them the perfect choice for lovers of big, bold reds.

Is Malbec Red or White?

Malbec is a bold red wine. While a white wine made of Malbec is a rarity, you can occasionally come across a Rosé made from Malbec grapes. It is also used in blends, often with varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, to add depth, colour, and structure to the wines.

What is the difference between Argentine, French vs Aussie Malbec?

Argentine Malbec is all about bold, juicy flavours. Grown in high-altitude vineyards, it boasts rich notes of blackberry and plum, delivering a full-bodied, velvety wine with a perfect balance of acidity and soft tannins.

French Malbec, in contrast, offers an earthy, tannic profile. Dark fruits like blackcurrant and plum are accented with leather and spice, creating a structured wine that matures beautifully with age.

Australian Malbec sits right in the sweet spot between the two styles. With the diverse climates of regions like Clare Valley and Margaret River, it combines the ripe, bold flavours characteristic of Argentine Malbec with a touch of peppery spice and firm tannins that are distinctly French. It's approachable, yet has the depth to satisfy those who enjoy a wine with a little extra bite.

What does Australian Malbec taste like?

Australian Malbec has big, juicy, and plush flavours, backed by a robust structure and moderately firm tannins. It features a deep, distinctive purple colour and offers notes of red plum, blueberry, vanilla, cocoa, and a hint of tobacco. The wine’s bold character makes it both rich and complex, with a smooth finish that lingers.

Is Malbec sweet or dry?

Malbec is typically a dry wine. Despite its bold, fruity flavours of plum, blackberry, and cherry, it has no noticeable sweetness. Its rich, full-bodied nature is balanced with moderate acidity and firm tannins, making it a dry wine that pairs well with hearty meals.

Is Malbec similar to Pinot Noir?

Malbec and Pinot Noir are quite different in style, though they share a few similarities. Both are red wines, but Malbec is much bolder, fuller-bodied, and more tannic, with flavours of dark fruit like blackberry and plum. Malbec also tends to have a deeper colour and a more structured finish than Pinot Noir, which is lighter, with softer tannins and more delicate flavours of red fruit, like cherry, raspberry, and strawberry.

Is Malbec similar to Grenache?

While both Malbec and Grenache are red wines, Malbec is fuller-bodied with bold dark fruit flavours and more intense tannins, whereas Grenache is lighter, fruitier, and smoother with softer tannins. They both have a touch of spice, but Malbec is typically more robust and structured.

Is Malbec similar to Cabernet?

Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are both bold red wines, but they have some key differences. Malbec tends to be fruitier, with flavours of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, along with a smooth, velvety texture and softer tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is known for its robust tannins, more complex structure, and flavours of blackcurrant, cedar, and pepper.

BEST MALBEC IN AUSTRALIA

Malbec might be best known for its Argentine roots, but Australian wine producers are giving it a bold new identity. While producers like Drop Zone and Parishes craft juicy, dark-fruited Malbec with loads of charm, Jackson’s Hill and Carillion bring boutique elegance and cool-climate finesse. From Knappstein and Stone Bridge in Clare Valley to small-batch gems elsewhere, Australian Malbec is stepping up with styles that range from plush and spicy to structured and age-worthy, proving this varietal’s has serious home-grown potential.

WHAT REGIONS IN AUSTRALIA MAKE THE BEST MALBEC?

Across Australia, local winemakers are crafting distinctive expressions of this bold, dark-skinned grape – each shaped by the climate, soil and character of their region. Here’s a look at the standout regions helping define the future of Australian Malbec.

Margaret River Malbec

Traditionally known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River has proven equally adept with Malbec. The maritime-style climate lends itself to producing structured, dark-fruited Malbec with fine tannins and impressive cellaring potential.

McLaren Vale Malbec

McLaren Vale delivers bold, ripe, and generous Malbec with concentrated plum and blackberry fruit, a touch of spice, and firm tannins. These wines often showcase Malbec’s richness and depth, with plenty of power.

Rutherglen Malbec

Though better known for its fortified wines, Rutherglen is also producing small but characterful parcels of Malbec. Rutherglen's Malbec tends to be dense, earthy, and savoury with bold fruit and rustic charm.

Hunter Valley Malbec

Though still a novelty, boutique producers are increasingly exploring the potential of Malbec in the Hunter Valley. The region’s warm climate and long ripening period result in medium-bodied styles with lifted aromatics, gentle spice, and fine structure.

Orange Malbec

The high-altitude vineyards and cooler climate of Orange deliver Malbec with vibrant acidity, floral aromatics, and a refined edge. These wines are typically more elegant and perfumed, with a brightness that sets them apart from warmer-climate expressions.

Mudgee Malbec

Located in New South Wales, Mudgee’s hot days and cool evenings strike the perfect balance, allowing Malbec to maintain its freshness while developing deep, dark flavours. The resulting wine showcases earthy undertones and a full-bodied, slightly rustic character that adds distinctiveness to the region’s offerings.

DO YOU CHILL MALBEC WINE?

In the warmer months, Malbec can be placed in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving, as the ideal temperature for Malbec is between15-18°C (60-65°F), which is just below room temperature.

DOES MALBEC AGE WELL?

Malbec can age well, especially high-quality examples, which can be cellared for up to 10 years. While some Malbec wines are made for early drinking, those with structure and complexity can improve with age, developing more nuanced flavours over time.

BEST FOOD PAIRINGS FOR MALBEC?

Malbec's bold flavours, robust structure and deep tannins mean that it compliments food with strong flavours, such as grilled meats and sausages, but it is also versatile with a selection of charcuterie of fine cheeses.

When it comes to Malbec food matches, some of our favourite recipes include Argentinean beef steak with chimichurri sauce and Miguel Maestres chickpea and chorizo hotpot.

Dive deeper and learn more facts about Malbec.

HOW TO BUY MALBEC FROM WINE SELECTORS?

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