Best Malbec wine: Top Argentinian bottles - Decanter (2023)

FAQs

Is Costco Malbec good? ›

This one is very similar to the prior vintage, and we're going to rate it the same at 88 points. It's right there among the best vintages of this Malbec that we've tasted. Hard to beat at this price.

Malbec wines are best served in a traditional red wine glass, slightly chilled, somewhere in the realm of 60-65 degrees.

'Malbec is our main red grape and the market knows Malbec. But I encourage consumers to keep on tasting Malbec from different origins in Argentina. It is very perfumed and fruity but also can be quite austere, still with a lot of character on the palate,' adds Paz Levinson, DWWA Regional chair for Argentina 2022.

Argentina doesn't just produce the best quality malbec wines, but they also produce some of the most affordable quality malbec wines.

Merlot and malbec are similar easy-drinking reds and both are used in Bordeaux blends, but they have certain differences as well: Malbec is more tangy and fruity than merlot and therefore tastes thinner, where Merlot is more full-bodied and smooth. Malbec is more commonly paired with spicy foods.

As an especially thick-skinned variety, Malbec claims higher antioxidant levels than other red wines especially in terms of resveratrol. This variety has two to four times the amount of anti-inflammatory, health boosting antioxidants than other popular red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

In fact, nearly all wines benefit from decanting for even a few seconds, if only for the aeration. However, young, strong red wines particularly need to be decanted because their tannins are more intense. Wines that should absolutely be decanted include: Malbec.

Whether it's a young Napa Cab, an Argentine Malbec or Aussie Shiraz, these wines typically need a dose of oxygen to smooth out any roughness and soften tannins. Of course, if you enjoy the punch that these wines can pack straight out of the bottle, there's no need to delay.

Contrary to popular belief, red wine isn't always best served at room temperature. Malbec wine is no exception. Before serving Malbec, try popping it in the fridge for half an hour. This should cool it to just below room temperature, and will allow you to experience Malbec's full depth of flavor.

Pinot Noir is best served between 55-60°F, while Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are best served between 60-65°F. If you're storing your wine in a warm area, such as your kitchen, put a bottle of red in the fridge about 30 minutes before you're ready to serve it.

What is the average price of Malbec? ›

The $35 to $50 Malbec Price Range.

You'll find Malbec a great match for steak, pork, and lamb, as well as fattier fish like salmon and poultry with dark meat. Game meat—like bison, ostrich, and venison—are also a safe bet. In addition to meat pairings, consider foods with richer sauces or more vibrant flavors.

What Does Malbec Taste Like? Most Malbec wines are smooth with jammy fruit flavor and savory notes of black cherry, pomegranate, plum, raspberry, and raisin. There are also hints of coffee, leather, tobacco, molasses, and black pepper.

Malbec wines can fit most occasions. However, they tend to be more popular in informal gatherings. You can serve Malbec wines for aperitivo, pre-meal drinks.

In addition, pinot noir has the lowest sugar content and the least amount of calories among red wines. Malbec: Due to their thick skin, Malbec grapes have a high concentration of resveratrol, quercetin, and other antioxidants that can improve cardiovascular and immune health.

Malbec Wine vs Shiraz Wine

While Malbec and Shiraz are both fruity, full-bodied wines, Shiraz is slightly more complex. Malbec is smoother with notes of plum, blackcurrant, and vanilla, whereas Shiras is smoky and spicy, delivering a peppery finish on the palate.

Dry

Malbec / Sweetness of resulting wine

Pinot Noir is rated as the healthiest wine because of the high levels of resveratrol. It is made of grapes with thin skin, has low sugar, fewer calories, and low alcohol content. Sagrantino made in Italy contains the highest concentration of antioxidants and is packed with tannins.

Even though both red wine and white wine have similar impacts on health but red wine has a slightly higher composition of vitamins and minerals which boosts the condition of the kidneys and reduces the risks of chronic kidney diseases.

Malbec, a smooth red wine with notes of blackberry and chocolate, has high levels of antioxidants and has been linked to both heart health and immune health.

How long should I decant a Malbec? ›

Medium-Bodied Red Wines: 30-60 minutes. A few examples include Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Merlot, Malbec, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Tempranillo. Full-Bodied Red Wines: 60 minutes or more.

If stored in the decanter, you'll want to be sure to enjoy it within 2 to 3 days. Storing wine any longer than that once it has been opened is not recommended. Following these simple guidelines will help you achieve maximum pleasure from your wine, in the fullest expression of its flavors and aromas. Enjoy!

Feel free to enjoy the wine after only a few minutes in the decanter, up to about 15–20 minutes. Longer than that isn't really necessary. If you're decanting older reds in the traditional manner, ideal decanting is anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Red wine with higher tannin levels, such as Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are most likely to improve with aging.

If you enjoy red wine or drink more affordable wine on a regular basis, then using a decanter is a great idea. Decanting may not look like much, but the increased oxygen exposure to wine greatly improves the taste by softening astringent tannins and letting fruit and floral aromas come out.

Allowing a wine to breathe

Most red and white wines will improve when exposed to air for at least 30 minutes. The improvement, however, requires exposure to far more than the teaspoon or so exposed by simply uncorking the wine. To accomplish this, you have to decant the wine.

Preserving Malbec Wine's Lifespan

The more full-bodied and robust types, often from France, can easily remain stable for 20 years if you keep the bottles in an ideal temperature and storage area. Sweeter varieties and those with a lower alcohol percentage will retain their quality for at least 10 years.

“Standard” Red Wine Glass

A great glass for medium- to full-bodied red wines with spicy notes and/or high alcohol. Spice is softened because flavors hit your tongue more progressively from the smaller opening. Try wines like Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah (Shiraz), and Petite Sirah with this glass.

Full-Bodied Red Wine

When sealed and stored in a cool, dark place or a fridge, red wines like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec can last for around four days. As a general rule, red wines with higher tannin and acidity tend to last longer once opened.

What is the most popular wine in Argentina? Mendoza Malbec is by far the most popular regional style of wine produced in Argentina in terms of both notoriety and volume.

What is the most famous drink in Argentina? ›

Maté is becoming increasingly popular and can be enjoyed at any time of day, on its own or as a blend. But did you know that it is THE national drink in Argentina, and that it is consumed as part of a unique ceremony? Read on to find out more.

Argentina Wine Regions

The region is best known for Malbec, but it also grows several other grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and more. The wineries in this region produce around 80% of the country's wine.

For fuller bodied reds such as Malbec or Shiraz, these can last nearer to 5 or 6 days due to the higher tannins and the slightly higher alcohol levels these varieties tend to have, which slow the ageing process.

Malbec is so popular because not only is it affordable but it's easy to drink, it's a perfect pair to many different types of food, and it's a crowd pleaser. If you're looking an affordable, delicious alternative to the usual Merlot of Cabernet Sauvignon you should give Malbec a try!

Full-flavoured foods pair best because Malbec is a fuller-bodied wine. Malbec produces red wines with medium acidity and medium tannins. Through the full flavours, and medium acidity, Malbec is less overwhelming or niche on the palette, making this flavour more popular.

Malbec is the most important red grape variety of Argentina, but it also produces excellent wine in many other countries around the world. Malbec has become the most important vinous calling card for Argentina, as the grape variety is responsible for the country's most famous and highly regarded wines.

If there were, it would be: $15 to $30 a bottle is fine if the giver is relatively young and still paying off student loans; $30 to $50 is a good range for most career and professional adults who want to give something nice without looking extravagant; and $50-plus is right if the giver and receiver are both wine nerds ...

Cabernet Sauvignon: Alcohol Content. You can expect Malbec to have a 13% - 15% ABV, with most varieties teetering towards the bottom. Cabernet Sauvignon is usually 13 - 14.5% ABV, so slightly lower, but there's little to choose between them.

Meaty pasta dishes, such as Spaghetti bolognese or pasta with meatballs, will pair well with Malbec. Pasta with salsiccia or other sausages will also be good pasta pairings for a bottle of Malbec.

What Cannot be eaten with red wine? ›

Extremely popular, Argentinian Malbec is an inky, medium-bodied, dry red wine with strong impressions of dark fruits on the nose and palate.

This high-altitude Malbec gives aromas of vibrant plums and cherries on the nose. Warming oak spices add to the richness, making it an ideal pairing with grilled meats – as one would enjoy in Argentina.

Kirkland Signature 2020 Malbec, Mendoza 14% (Argentina) $6.00. Kirkland Signature 2021 TI Point, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 12.5% (New Zealand) $6.00.

Costco's wine markups are half that of most stores.

Costco's markups hover around 14 percent. That means the cost of the same bottle of wine purchased at Costco versus another retailer could differ greatly — making Costco the much better bargain.

Syrah is more similar to Old World Malbec with its notes of olive, black pepper spice, smoke, and even bacon fat in some instances. It is commonly seen as a single variety wine or can be blended with other grape varieties such as Grenache and Mourvedre in Côtes du Rhône blends.

You find Malbec grown mainly in two wine regions in the world: in Mendoza in Argentina and in Cahors in France. On the Argentine wines you will always see the grape variety prominently displayed on the label.

This is achieved through the help of the micro-climates and soil types in California. It's here, in carefully selected vineyards, where Apothic wine begins its journey.

Who owns Kirkland wine? ›

Kirkland Signature is, of course, Costco's private label brand covering all types of products, including wine. And just like the other products in this line, while the overall quality is high and they tend to be priced very competitively, there are a handful of products that really stand out.

Much of Trader Joe's wine is made under a private label arrangement by Bronco wine co.. It is one of the largest wine producers in the United States and is located in Ceres, California, which is near Modesto, just south of Sacramento.

If there were, it would be: $15 to $30 a bottle is fine if the giver is relatively young and still paying off student loans; $30 to $50 is a good range for most career and professional adults who want to give something nice without looking extravagant; and $50-plus is right if the giver and receiver are both wine nerds ...

Given that aging is a part of the winemaking process, it can safely be said that all wine gets better with age. That's because the change wine endures during aging is a purposeful, built-in part of the winemaking process.