Malbec
Red grape · Argentina’s bold, inky red.
Unofficial study resource · not affiliated with or endorsed by WSET®In short
Full-bodied with medium to high tannin, showing dark plum, blackberry, and a floral violet note.
Where it grows
Mendoza in Argentina, and Cahors in south-west France, its original home.
Food pairing
Steak and grilled red meat.
Why it matters for WSET
Originally a minor Bordeaux blending grape, Malbec is now the flagship variety of Argentina.
Practise your grape knowledge
Grape varieties are core WSET material. Try free practice questions with explanations, then get the full bank and a wrong-answer notebook in the Eclavin app.
Download Eclavin on the App StoreFrequently asked questions
Where is Malbec from?
Originally Cahors in France, but it is now most famous from Mendoza, Argentina.
Is Malbec a heavy wine?
Yes, it is typically full-bodied with dark fruit and firm tannin.