Red grape variety

Malbec

Also called Côt, Auxerrois, Pressac

Malbec is a red grape from Cahors in South West France known for inky, plummy wines with violet notes and robust tannins. It is now Argentina's flagship red, especially in Mendoza. By 2003 Argentina had over 20,000 hectares, making it the country's most planted red grape.

Color	Red (black-skinned)
Origin	Cahors, South West France (a half-sibling of Merlot)
Body	Full
Acidity	Medium
Tannin	Medium to high
Typical aromas	plum, damson, blackberry, violet, tobacco, raisin
Key regions	Mendoza (Argentina), Cahors (France), Salta (Argentina), Bordeaux (France), Colchagua Valley (Chile), California (United States)

Origin and history

Malbec comes from South West France, where its stronghold has always been Cahors. Côt is probably its original name; it is also called Auxerrois in Cahors and Pressac in parts of Bordeaux. DNA work on Merlot shows the two are half-siblings through a shared parent, Magdeleine Noire des Charentes. Malbec was once widely planted in Bordeaux, but a severe frost in 1956 devastated many vineyards and growers largely replanted with other varieties. Its second life began in Argentina, where the French agronomist Michel Pouget introduced it in the 19th century. There it flourished, and by 2003 Argentina had over 20,000 hectares, while France had only about 6,100 hectares in 2000.

Where it grows

Mendoza is the centre of Argentine Malbec, from Luján de Cuyo and Maipú to the high-altitude Uco Valley, including Tupungato and Paraje Altamira, and San Rafael further south. Cheval des Andes blends it with Cabernet Sauvignon. Further north, it grows in Salta's Cafayate, and also in San Juan's Valle de Tulum and Patagonia's Neuquén. In France, the Cahors appellation requires at least 70% Malbec, and it remains a minor Bordeaux grape, used for example at Château Valandraud. Chile grows it in the Colchagua Valley, and there are plantings in California and Washington State.

Taste, wine styles and food

Malbec gives inky, dark wines with robust tannins. The two main styles differ: Cahors versions are firmer and more rustic, with aromas of damsons, tobacco and raisin, while Argentine Malbec is riper and juicier, with plum and blackberry fruit and a characteristic violet perfume. Many of Argentina's leading vineyards lie at high altitude in Mendoza. The grape also blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and, in Cahors, Tannat. Its fruit and supple structure make it a classic partner for grilled beef, which in Argentina means asado, as well as lamb, empanadas and hard cheeses. Read the old world vs new world guide for the contrast between Cahors and Mendoza.

Test yourself: the Malbec quiz

Wines made with Malbec (12)

WineGuessr lists 12 wines made with Malbec, from 3 countries. Most come from Argentina (9).

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Malbec: questions and answers

Is Malbec French or Argentine?

Malbec is French in origin, from Cahors in South West France, but Argentina now grows far more of it. By 2003 Argentina had over 20,000 hectares, against about 6,100 in France in 2000.

What does Malbec taste like?

Argentine Malbec tastes of plum and blackberry with violet aromas and soft but robust tannins. Cahors Malbec is firmer, with damson, tobacco and raisin notes.

Is Côt the same as Malbec?

Yes. Côt, probably the grape's original name, is the same variety as Malbec, which is also called Auxerrois in Cahors.

Why did Malbec disappear from Bordeaux?

A severe frost in 1956 destroyed many Bordeaux vineyards, and growers mostly replanted with other varieties, leaving Malbec a minor grape there.

How much Malbec must Cahors contain?

The Cahors appellation requires at least 70% Malbec in its red wines.

Other red grapes

All grape varieties →

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org

Last reviewed October 2026.