A deeply coloured, plush red grape from south-west France that found worldwide fame in Argentina.
History
Malbec, also called Côt, comes from south-west France, where it makes the dark 'black wines' of Cahors. It was once common in Bordeaux too, but frost and disease reduced it there to a minor blending grape.
French immigrants took it to Argentina in the 1800s, and in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza it became the country's signature grape.
Malbec in Australia
Malbec has been grown in Australia since the 1800s, with a long tradition in the Clare Valley and Langhorne Creek, where some old plantings remain.
It was traditionally used to add colour and softness to Cabernet blends, but varietal Malbec has become more popular, and it is also grown in Margaret River, the Barossa and McLaren Vale.
Tasting notes
Deep purple, medium to full-bodied with soft, velvety tannins. Expect blackberry, plum, black cherry and violet, with cocoa, sweet spice and sometimes a leathery or smoky note from oak.