Best Malbec Wine Online in Malaysia

Hailing from Argentina, Malbec has ascended the ranks to become one of the most popular red wine varieties on the market. With its range from bold and smoky to light and fruity, Malbec is versatile, making it ideal for various occasions and pairing well with different foods.

It offers a delightful experience for both avid wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

What is Malbec wine?

Malbec is a full-bodied red wine from the Bordeaux region of France, but it has become especially prominent in Argentina, particularly in the Mendoza region. It’s known for its rich, dark colour and robust tannins. Malbec wines typically feature deep fruit flavours, subtle notes of cocoa and tobacco, and sometimes a leathery or earthy finish.

French Malbec wines from the Cahors region, are known for their structured, tannic nature with complex notes like earth, black pepper, and dark fruits. These characteristics are shaped by Cahors’ cooler, variable climate, which contributes to the wine’s higher acidity and robust tannins.

In contrast, Argentinian Malbec from Mendoza is fruitier and smoother, featuring ripe flavours of blackberry and plum. The warm, consistent climate and high-altitude vineyards help produce wines with richer fruit flavours and softer tannins.

This crowd-pleasing style contains an alcohol content of 13% to 14.5% and offers a robust character and body that adapt well to various settings. Known for its excellent value compared to other red wines, Malbec also pairs exceptionally well with lean meats and strong cheeses, making it an ideal choice for diverse culinary explorations.

So, when seeking a red wine that caters to diverse palates, Malbec stands out as a reliable and satisfying option.

Is Malbec a good wine for beginners?

Absolutely! This wine’s fruit-forward flavours make it approachable and easy to drink. Although it contains tannins, which can create a drying sensation on the tongue, they are relatively subtle in this variety.

This makes Malbec gentler on the palate compared to more tannic reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. Its adaptability with food pairings also makes it an excellent introductory wine that can enhance a meal without overwhelming the palate.

Why is Malbec so popular?

Malbec’s popularity is largely due to its versatility. This red wine features a juicy, fruity flavor that appeals to a wide array of palates, making it enjoyable for many. Its ability to pair well with various dishes enhances its appeal for both casual and formal occasions. Furthermore, Malbec is often priced more affordably than other red wines of comparable quality, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The widespread cultivation of Malbec significantly contributes to its global success. Grown in several countries including Argentina, France, and the United States, Malbec’s availability on an international scale boosts its popularity. Its easy accessibility and affordability further enhance its appeal, making it a favored option among wine enthusiasts worldwide.

Tasting notes

Malbec red wine is known for its juicy and expressive character. Typical tasting notes include:

• Dark fruits: Ripe plum, blackberry, black cherry, raisin
• Red fruits: Raspberry, blueberry, pomegranate
• Other notes: Cocoa, milk chocolate, mocha, coffee, leather, molasses, earth, black peppers, sweet tobacco, gravel, and green stem

On top of this, Malbec aged in new oak may develop intriguing flavours like vanilla, chocolate, dill, and coconut.

Is Malbec wine sweet or dry?

Malbec wine is typically dry, featuring a robust body and rich tannins. While it has a fruity profile, these flavours do not indicate sweetness from sugar but are natural fruit characteristics. Argentinian Malbecs are often fruitier and riper, which might give a perceptibly sweeter taste, even though they are still dry wines.

For a true taste of Argentinian Malbec, Terrazas Reserva Malbec stands as an excellent choice. This Malbec wine is crafted from grapes sourced from various vineyards across the estate, each influenced by distinct altitudes and soils. This blend highlights Terrazas’s distinctive winemaking approach, delivering a wine that embodies the rich, complex character of Mendoza’s varied terroirs.

When pouring yourself a glass, expect a burst of raspberry and cherry on the palate, followed by hints of chocolate and coffee. The delicate tannins and well-balanced acidity add finesse to this red wine.

Food pairings: What to eat with Malbec?

This red’s versatility shines through when it comes to food pairings. Here are some matches for you to try:

• Meat: Dark meat poultry, pork, duck, chicken leg, lamb, beef, ostrich, buffalo, and pork shoulder, lean red meat cuts like  sirloin, flap, hanger, filet, and skirt steak
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, provolone, melted Swiss cheese, blue cheese, and other other pungent soft cheeses.
• Herbs and spices: Parsley, sumac, thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, black pepper, cumin, clove, garlic, shallot, green onion, porcini powder, coriander, juniper berry, and barbeque sauce.
• Plant-based pairings: Mushrooms, roasted vegetables, green and red bell peppers, potatoes, chard, arugula, beets, kale, grilled endive, onions, lentils, black beans, tempeh, and black rice.

Drinking Malbec: Tips and etiquette

Follow these tips to enjoy this full-bodied red wine to the fullest:

• Temperature: Serve slightly chilled, between 15-20°C.
• Glass type: This wine is best served in a medium-sized, tulip-shaped red wine glass.
• Decanting: While not always necessary, decanting it for 30 minutes can soften the tannins and enhance the aroma.
• Cellaring: 5 to 10 years.

Now, let’s look at the etiquette for drinking this red wine:

• Pouring: When serving Malbec, fill the glass only to the widest part of the bowl to allow the wine to breathe and aerate properly.
• Holding the glass: Hold the glass by the stem to keep the wine at the right temperature.

• Swirl and sip: Before sipping, swirl the wine in your glass to release its aromas before taking a sip, allowing the flavours to fully develop on your palate.

Malbec vs Merlot: Know the differences

Malbec, originally French, thrives in Argentina’s warm climate, resulting in a bolder style. Merlot, famed in cool-climate Bordeaux, offers a lighter expression. This difference in origin significantly influences the final style of the wine.

Malbec red wine is known for its bold expressions of plum, blackberry, and even hints of spice, which some describe as having a touch of smokiness. Merlot, in contrast, leans towards red fruit flavours like cherry and plum, often interwoven with earthier tones.

When it comes to body, the former tends to be fuller-bodied than Merlot. This translates to a more structured drinking experience, often attributed to its slightly higher tannins. While Merlot has tannins as well, they are generally softer, resulting in a lighter and smoother mouthfeel.

Indulge in the richness of Malbec

Experience the luxurious taste of Malbec wine, a wallet-friendly choice compared to other bold reds. Whether you’re well-versed in wine or just starting to explore, Malbec offers a welcoming and enjoyable introduction to red wines. Discover our handpicked selection of Malbecs, including the celebrated Terrazas Reserva and a diverse array of other options, each promising to delight a variety of palates.