Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation
Free shipping
Shipping within 24h*
Largest selection for South Africa and Portugal
Service: +49 (0)8192 - 9337370

Malbec - the perfect partner for a cuvée

It produces fruity wines with tobacco and plum notes and strong tannins. Originating from the south-west of France and found in Spain almost exclusively in the upper Duero Valley, it is part of the great "Vega-Sicilia". Formerly very popular, it is now on the decline due to its poor yield - it tends to trickle - and produces a dark-coloured, tannic wine. The most famous is the Cahors from the south-west of France. There, the variety is called "Cot" and is blended with other varieties to produce the "Black Wine of Cahors". In the past, it was often cultivated in Bordeaux, but today it is only found in a small proportion in a few wines, e.g. in some wines from Graves. A few years ago, it was also introduced to Spain, mainly to Ribera del Duero. Today, it produces great wines, especially in Argentina, which generally age well.

Icon-profil

Profiles

Malbec has also gained in importance in South Africa in recent years, although it is less widespread than in Argentina or France. Malbec is mainly grown in the cooler wine regions of South Africa, such as Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, where it benefits from the moderate climatic conditions. The grapes here develop an excellent balance between fruitiness and acidity. South African Malbec is known for its intense colour, strong aromas and velvety tannins, which make it a unique wine.

Fruit ★★★★★
Body ★★★★
Tannin ★★★★
Acidity ★★★★
Alcohol ★★★★
Icon-aroma

Flavours

South African Malbec is characterised by its pronounced fruit and complexity. The flavours are often deep and multi-layered, with the following dominant notes:

Black and red fruits:
- Blackberry
- black cherry
- blackcurrant

Spices:
- Pepper
- cinnamon
- cloves

Floral notes:
- Violet
- lavender

Earthy tones:
- Tobacco
- leather
- Roasted coffee

These flavours develop through the influence of the South African terroir, which gives the wines a unique complexity and depth. The fruit flavours are often somewhat fresher and brighter compared to Argentinian Malbecs.

Icon-passtzu

Harmonises with

Its full-bodied character and fine acidity make it an ideal accompaniment to spicy and hearty dishes from South African cuisine. South African Malbec is an ideal companion for savoury dishes that are intensely spiced or grilled. It goes particularly well with traditional South African braai, where different types of meat are grilled over an open fire. Game, such as kudu or ostrich, is also an excellent accompaniment to this wine. Malbec also complements strong dishes, such as stews or braised dishes, and is also ideal for cheese platters with mature cheese.

South African Malbec is an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of dishes that emphasise the rich flavour and structure of the wine. It harmonises particularly well with:

- South African Braais: Grilled meats, especially steak and boerewors (South African sausages)

- Game: springbok, kudu, ostrich

- Spicy dishes: Bobotie (a spiced minced meat dish), curries

- Hard cheese: Gouda varieties, Gruyère

Its full-bodied character and fine acidity make it an ideal accompaniment for savoury and hearty dishes from South African cuisine.

South African Malbec is an ideal accompaniment for savoury dishes that are intensely spiced or grilled. It goes particularly well with traditional South African braai, where different types of meat are grilled over an open fire. Game, such as kudu or ostrich, is also an excellent accompaniment to this wine. Malbec also complements strong dishes, such as stews or braised dishes, and is also ideal for cheese platters with mature cheese.

Icon-info

General information

Malbec has gained more and more attention in South Africa in recent years. South African winemakers are taking advantage of the favourable climatic conditions, particularly in cooler wine regions such as Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands, to produce high quality Malbec. The wine benefits from long maturation periods and moderate temperatures, which give it complexity and elegance. In South Africa, Malbec is often bottled as a single variety, but is sometimes also used in blended wines to give them more structure and depth. These wines not only offer powerful fruit and rich texture, but also a hint of spice that reflects the South African influence. South African Malbec wines are still an insider tip, but they are becoming increasingly popular, both locally and internationally.