The Malbec grape variety is a favourite among many sommeliers, industry professionals, and wine aficionados because a good Malbec can offer bang for your buck. This dry red wine appeals to many for various reasons including its approachable dark fruity aromas. Indigenous to France, Malbec is typically used both as a blending grape and as a single varietal. Although, nowadays many would be more familiar with a Malbec from Argentina.

Another popular reason this red wine is a fan favourite is due to its natural pairing ability with various dishes such as red meat, cheese, herbs and spices. Below, we delve deeper into how best to serve this wine and the pairings you should consider at your next dinner party. 

Malbec: How Best to Serve This Wine

The proper service of wine is an element of the wine tasting experience that many don’t pay enough attention to. We’ve spoken previously about how a wine’s serving temperature can impact both its aroma and taste profile. This is true for all wines, including red wines such as Malbec. 

There is a misconception that full-bodied, red wines should be served at room temperature or above 21℃ (70℉). This is far from the truth. Instead, for a big red like Malbec to maintain its round tannins and lush mouthfeel, it benefits from slight cooling. 

Place in the fridge for 25 minutes and cool to between 17-21°C (63 – 69℉), then proceed to serve in a large red wine glass with a good surface area. This will allow for the wine to breathe allowing the aroma profile to open up. 

4 Wine Pairings to Try With Malbec

Now that you understand how to serve Malbec, let’s look at the various food pairing options that you can enjoy with a glass of this delicious red varietal. 

Salmon Tartare Appetizer 

While Malbec is often thought of as a bold, full-bodied red wine that doesn’t mean it can’t be paired with a pre-dinner appetizer. In fact, many sommeliers note that an elegant appetizer such as this Salmon Tartare by Saveur using a mixture of soy sauce, cilantro, and a skinless salmon filet is a perfect match. 

Since salmon is a fattier, richer fish it can pair well with a  young, medium body Malbec. 

Garlic and Jalapeño Bison Burgers 

An Argentinian Malbec is capable of complementing and balancing juicy, red meats such as sirloin steak and gamey, earthy meats such as bison or buffalo. If you are looking for a main dish that will leave a lasting impression, this Garlic and Jalapeño bison burger recipe by Primal Palate is a must-try. 

The spiciness of the jalapeño combined with the richness of the meat pairs well with the full bodiness of the wine ensuring that neither element overpowers the other. 

Vegetable Beef Stew 

A hearty beef and vegetable stew such as this recipe by the Spruce Eats is an ideal pairing with Malbec. Packed with flavour, this stew calls for a wine that is as hearty, intense, and comforting as it is. The medium, plush tannins of Malbec cut through the leanness of the beef while its fruity flavour profile contrasts expertly with the earthiness of the stew. Imagine this pairing in the depths of winter beside a roaring fire. 

Blue and Soft Cheese Board

Malbec is one of the few red varietals that pair exceptionally well with blue cheese as well as soft pungent cheeses such as gorgonzola. For a vegan alternative, offer herb-flavoured cashew-based creams with dried red fruit and some black olive bread selection. 

A Great Malbec to Buy Right Now in Ontario

Malbec earns a place in your wine collection and, when paired correctly, can offer a memorable, heartwarming experience when dining out or at home. At The Small Winemakers Collection, we’re fans of those Argentinian vintners that have made a name for themselves thanks to the Malbec grape. 

The Septima Malbec 2018 from Mendoza offers notes of dried figs, ripe plum, black cherries and violets. With soft, round tannins and a nice fruity finish, this red wine is the ideal pairing partner for various dishes including those mentioned above. 

If you would like to know about our selection of red wine, get in touch with our team today and we’ll be more than happy to help. Here’s to your next great glass!