Okay okay, these Malbec food pairing ideas aren’t actually magic, it’s more science and understand how wine and food interact. Like Carmenere, Malbec is a French grape that made a huge splash in South America. The grape originates in Bordeaux, is synonymous with Cahors in Southwest France, but ultimately became famous in Argentina.
Malbec is an excellent food wine and pairs with many different foods. Malbec food pairing is easily perfected when you take into consideration the components of the wine and of the food. Malbec is a full-bodied red wine. It’s fruity, with soft tannins and mild acidity. That makes Malbec a great match with an array of foods from grilled meats, vegetarian dishes, and cheese. Another great perk of Malbec is that it’s relatively inexpensive for how delicious it is.
But first…
Brief History of Malbec
Malbec, otherwise known at Côt in France, is one of the 6 permitted varieties in Bordeaux blends (Bordeaux recently allowed an additional 6 varieties to adapt climate change). It was never the star of the show in Bordeaux. It’s a particularly sensitive grape that farmers had difficulties with. After a great frost 1956, it was replaced with by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Cabernet Franc. Now in France, Malbec is better known in Cahors, a region in south-west France where it makes up 70% of the blend with Merlot and Tannat.
Argentine Malbec
In the mid-1800’s, Michel Pouget was tasked to bring vine cuttings to Argentina but it wouldn’t be until the 1990’s that Malbec would start to make waves. It is now the mostly widely planted grape variety in Argentina. Malbec grows especially well at high elevations. The best regions for Malbec in Argentina are in Mendoza, specifically in Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyo.
How to Pronounce Malbec: Malbec is pronounced how you would assume with nothing tricky- “mal-bek”.
Elements to Consider When Pairing Food with Malbec
Malbec is a full-bodied red wine with lots of fruit flavors of plum, black cherry, and berries. It has a velvety texture and chocolaty finish. When pairing food with Malbec, a heavier dish with bold flavors would be best. Following the saying, if it grows together, it goes together, clearly Malbec pairs very well with the cuisine of Argentina as well as South-West France.
Taste Differences of Malbec: Cahors vs Argentina
Malbec from Cahors is more tannic and acidic than Malbec from Argentina. Argentinian Malbec is softer but more full-bodied. Malbec food pairing with Cahors will be best with tougher cuts of meat, whereas Argentinian Malbec is best with tender meats. Frankly, Malbec from Argentina is pleasant enough to drink without food.
Malbec Food Pairing
For this post, I’ll be focusing on pairing food with Argentinian Malbec since it’s more widely available and consumed. Here are some meals, dishes, and foods that make a great pairing with Malbec wine. You’ll notice a lot of beef dishes, grilled meats, and game meats. Cahors pairs well with these in addition to poultry dishes. Argentinian Malbec, not coincidentally, is a great match with other South American dishes, specifically Peruvian food. I’ve created a separate list of vegetarian foods that pair best with Malbec, too.
Malbec Food Pairing: Meat Dishes
- Classic Argentine Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
- Lomo de Llama (you read that correctly)
- Asado Beef Ribs
- Beef-filled Empanadas
- Chorizo Sandwich
- Flank Steak
- Stuffed Pork Loin
- Beef Tacos
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
- Roast Duck Breast
- Arroz con Pato (Rice with Duck)
- Bahn Mi
- Christmas Goose
- Lomo Saltado
- Coq au Vin
- Turkey with Gravy
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Cheeseburgers
- Tri-tip Sandwich
- Italian Beef au jus
- Salami, Jamon, Proscuitto and other cured meats
Malbec Food Pairing: Vegetarian Dishes
Yes, it is possible to pair Malbec with vegetarian dishes. Here are some of my favorite vegetarian foods that go with Malbec.
- Portobello mushroom sandwiches
- Mushroom and black bean chili
- Bean burritos
- Baked eggplant
- Macaroni and cheese
- Baked ziti with tomato sauce
- Poutine (with vegetarian gravy)
- Bean burgers
- Stir-fried eggplant with plum sauce
Malbec Cheese Pairing
Whether you’re making a charcuterie board or just snacking, Malbec is a great wine with cheese.
- Blue Cheeses like Gorgonzola
- Cheddar Cheese
- Goat Cheese with Cranberries
- Fondue
- Havarti
- Gouda
Best Cheese with Malbec
The best cheese with Malbec has to be a special Argentine dish called Provoleta. It’s essentially provolone cheese melted into cheesy goodness.
Malbec Snack Pairing
Let’s be honest, Malbec is great all on it’s own without any food. The tannins are soft and the acidity is mild in most Malbecs. Those two components of wine are usually what drives us to want something to eat as we drink. Because Malbec is low(ish) in both, it’s a great wine to sip and nibble on small snacks. Here is a list of snacks to pair with Malbec: (For more red wine and snack pairings, check out this post.)
- Roasted Chickpeas
- Trail Mix
- White Cheddar Cheez-Its
- Peanut Butter & Jelly
- Chocolate-covered Pretzels
- Apple Slices with Almond Butter
What does Malbec look like?
On the vine, Malbec has big bluish black berries that are tightly packed together. It needs a lot of sun and ripens mid-season. Malbec is one of the inkiest wines, it is dark purply-red and nearly opaque in the glass.
Aromas of Malbec
Malbec smells like plums, prunes, black cherries, and chocolate. Great Malbec will smell like blackberry, tobacco, leather, and have earthy characteristics as well.
What does Malbec taste like?
Malbec tastes like strawberry chocolate milk, okay, I’m kidding, kind of. Malbec coats your mouth with berry fruit and there are hints of bitter chocolate. Oak-aged Malbec will also have vanilla and baking spice flavors. Malbec is full-bodied with medium acidity and mild tannins.
World Malbec Day is April 17th, 2023
World Malbec Day is recognized internationally on April 17th every year. This wine holiday began in 2011 and has had wide participation worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions about Malbec Food Pairing
What appetizer goes with Malbec?
Malbec can go with many different appetizers. Malbec pairs especially well with meat and cheese plates, baba ganoush, grilled sausages, and chicken wings. For light appetizers, Malbec goes with trail mix, hummus and veggies, as well as bruschetta.
Does Malbec go with pasta?
Malbec pairs best with pasta with a meat sauce or ragu. Pair Malbec with spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna, or meat-stuffed ravioli.
What is the best way to serve Malbec?
Serve Malbec in a universal red wine glass with a large bulb. Malbec does not need to be decanted. The perfect serving temperature for Malbec is a very slight chill.
Does Malbec go with spicy food?
Malbec is a great wine with spicy food because Malbec doesn’t have high tannins or high alcohol; the two elements in red wine that inflame spice. Malbec is quite fruity and will complement spicy food well.