Throughout history, wine has always been a popular choice of beverage. This is especially true for red blends. This is no surprise, considering how many varieties are created all over the world.
Red wine is a staple of every hearty meal and dinner date. But which one? As you might know, no red wine is the same. Today, we’ll compare two popular blends, Malbec and Cabernet. We’ll see what are their similarities and differences, as well as how they pair with different meals. So let’s dive in.
Main Differences Between Malbec And Cabernet
You don’t have to be the wine connoisseur to realize that main differences between these two wine varieties are:
- Malbec flavour varies significantly by the region the grapes are grown, while Cabernet is more or less consistent.
- Malbec is very versatile when it comes to food pairing, while Cabernet is more limiting in that way.
- Malbec tends to be more full-bodied with moderate to high tannins, meaning it feels heavy in the mouth. Cabernet, on the other hand, is a light-bodied wine with a lower tannin level.
- Between the two, Malbec is on the drier end.
The Magic Of Red Wine
Over time, wine creation came to be one of the world’s largest industries. There are countless types of wines and even more wineries around the world, so everyone can find their favourite.
With so many different wines out there, comparing is no small task. That’s why our focus today is on these two popular wine blends: Malbec and Cabernet.
Malbec vs Cabernet: How Do These Two Varieties Compare Against Each Other?
Before we get into deep explanations on both of these wines, let’s tackle the names first. The word Cabernet can mean a lot of different wines such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Gros etc. But in this article, we’ll be discussing Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is made of grapes that are a hybrid of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and that’s one of the most popular wine grapes in the world today. In the article, we’ll refer to this wine simply as Cabernet.
Both Malbec and Cabernet are full-bodied red wines with fruity notes. This naturally means they have a large alcohol content, which, in this case, is over 12%. They also have complex flavours and have a rich mouthfeel.
But even though they might seem very similar at the first glance, these two wine varieties are far from twins. The main difference between them lies in the fact that Malbec’s taste varies a lot, depending on the region it’s grown. With Cabernet, on the other hand, you can expect to have a rather consistent flavour, regardless of the location grapes are from.
Another way these two wine varieties differentiate is the food they’re good to pair with. In this case, Malbec definitely wins the battle as wine that goes well with most types of meat, unlike its cousin Cabernet, which usually goes best with red meat.
But there’s much more to be said about both Malbec and Cabernet, like their history, flavours etc. Let’s get into details about each characteristic of these wines.
About Malbec Wine
There’s a theory that claims that Malbec wine got its name from a Hungarian peasant whose last name was Malbec or Malbeck. It is said that he was the one to spread the grape all over France. Before that, it was known as Côt, which basically means coast in French.
Although not as popular as Merlot or Pinot Noir, Malbec is a red wine loved all over the world. It’s known for its dark purple colour and a perfect combination of spicy and savoury notes. If you love strong, rich-bodied wine, you won’t go wrong by picking Malbec. Just make sure to pick a glass with a wide mouth. The shape of the glass allows you to feel the intense fruity aromas of this wine, while at the same time it softens the spicy flavours and balances the savoury notes.
Malbec: What Are Its Tannin And Alcohol Levels?
Malbec is moderate to high in tannins, a compound that leaves a drying sensation on the tongue. However, since it’s a fruity wine, it’s not as bitter as you might expect such wine to be. With that being said, Malbec wines from different regions contain different amounts of tannins. So for example, a highly-priced bottle of Malbec from Argentina will be heavy on tannin content, so naturally, it’s rather dry. The wine produced in the United States, on the other hand, is moderate in this ingredient, so it has a sweeter taste.
Being a high-bodied wine, you can expect Malbec to have high alcohol content. Generally, it’s around 13 to 14%, which is at a comparable level with other rich wines like Cabernet and Merlot.
Malbec Grape: The Characteristics
Malbec is a dark purple-coloured thin-skinned grape. It requires a lot of sunshine to ripen, which usually occurs mid-season. This means that it is rather sensitive to change in the climate. That’s why Malbec wines from different regions have quite different tastes. A variety that grows in a warm climate will be plummy and soft in texture compared to those from cooler regions, which are more savoury and tart.
Because Malbec grapes are so fruity, the wine doesn’t have to be aged a lot in oak barrels. Some low-cost Malbec wines usually spend only 4 to 6 months in oak whereas high-end blends are aged anywhere from 18 to 20 months.
Argentina’s Malbec Grapes And Cultivating Regions
While Malbec originates in France, it is quite popular in Argentina. It was brought to South America back in 1868 by French agricultural engineer Michel Pouget. It wasn’t long after that this wine variety became a “national variety.” Today, Malbec vineyards in Argentina covered over 45,000 hectares of land. What’s more, 17th April, when the first agricultural school in Argentina was founded, is now considered the date that changed this country’s wine industry and is celebrated as the International Malbec date.
Malbec grapes grown in Argentina are both smaller in clusters and in berries than their French relatives. This leads us to believe that the cuttings that were brought in the 19th century to Argentina from France are now extinct in their original country. Today, Malbec is produced in several regions across the country: Mendoza, La Rioja, Salta, San Juan, Catamarca and Buenos Aires.
These regions differ in climate and therefore the wine they produce has a unique flavour. Grapes in Malbec regions grow in the foothills of Andes Mountain, at the altitude of 1,500 meters. That’s three times higher than the Shanghai Tower. But, there are also some common characteristics Argentinian Malbec wines share, like deep colour and intense fruity notes with a velvety texture.
Other Regions In The World That Cultivate Malbec Grapes
Today, Argentina is the largest producer of Malbec wine in the world. But that doesn’t mean it’s not grown elsewhere. A couple of countries that are known for harvesting this type of grape include:
France
Malbec grape originates in France, but it declined in popularity after 1956, when the frost killed the vast majority of crops in Bordeaux. The grape’s susceptibility to different diseases and viticultural hazards were just too much of a risk for French winemakers. According to the 2000 census, only 6,100 hectares of Malbec vineyards remain in France, mostly located in the southwest, with the most important regions being Blaye, Côtes-de-Bourg and Entre-Deux-Mers.
The United States
For the longest time, Malbec grapes were used for blended bulk wine production. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that it rose to fame as an important part of Bordeaux-style blends. Nowadays, Malbec vineyards can be found all across the West and East Coast as well as in Texas, Colorado and Idaho.
Chile
The beauty of Argentinian Malbec was soon realized by the neighbouring country, Chile. Their wine, however, is more tannic, primarily used in Bordeaux-style red blends.
Australia
In the 19th century, Malbec arrived on the Australian continent. At that time, it was mainly used for producing bulk wine. That was due to the poor quality clones and their high susceptibility to frost and mildew. Luckily, that didn’t affect this wine’s popularity in Australia, and as new clones became available, the quality of wine drastically improved. Today, Victoria and South Australia are the main planting regions on this continent.
New Zealand
Hawkes Bay and Gisborne are the main producing regions in New Zealand, and Malbec they create is mainly used in Bordeaux-style blends.
South Africa
While Malbec has been cultivated in South Africa since the 1920s, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that it was first bottled as a single varietal wine. Since then, its popularity seems to be growing, with 450 hectares of Malbec vineyards in 2016.
What Does Malbec Wine Taste Like?
French-style Malbec is fruity, acidic and with high alcohol levels. According to the w
Wine connoisseur Jancis Robinson, it’s a rustic version of Merlot wine. French Malbec grows in a colder climate, which gives the wine a black cherry flavour with hints of raspberry. Warm-climate varieties, like those produced in Argentina, South Africa and Australia, are more tannic and thus darker in colour. They have dark fruity flavours like blackberry and plum.
Depending on the region, Malbec wines can exhibit a variety of strong flavours, including:
Fruity: Black cherry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Pomegranate, Plum, Raspberry, Raisin
Oaky And Earthy: Vanilla, Molasses, Coconut, Chocolate, Mocha, Cocoa, Gravel
Other: Milk Chocolate, Leather, Black Pepper, Green Stem, Cocoa
Nutritional Values Of Malbec
Dry red wines in general have carb amounts ranging from about 4 grams to 5.5 grams per glass. As for the calories, a typical glass of Argentinian Malbec contains roughly 122 calories, no more than other similar red wines.
Health Benefits Of Drinking Malbec Wine
As you might know, red wines, when consumed in moderation, can be good for your health. Malbec grapes have very thick, dense skin, which means it’s very high in resveratrol. This compound has a very high antioxidant potential, which ultimately protects our bodies from cell damage. Although not yet scientifically proven, researchers believe resveratrol could be helpful in the prevention and treatment of several types of cancer. Aside from that, this natural ingredient has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, and it improves bone density, which can help with certain chronic diseases.
The beautiful dark colour of Malbec grapes is due to the high amount of tannins. Tannin is a polyphenol that improves the function of blood vessels and helps with cholesterol absorption. By doing that, they also prevent high blood pressure and blood clots from forming.
While drinking Malbec can stain your teeth, it doesn’t mean this wine is bad for them. Quite the contrary. Antioxidants in Malbec wine also help with fighting plaque and keeping your teeth in check.
How To Pair Malbec Wine
The great thing about Malbec wine is that it goes well with a variety of different meals. Being a red wine, it obviously goes well with red meat. Whether it’s beef, pork, lamb or horse for that matter, you can rest assured a bottle of Malbec is a good pairing. This is not an explicitly fancy wine, so it can go exceptionally well with burgers, too. The smokiness of meat complements well the smoky finish of this wine.
But unlike most red wines, Malbec doesn’t have a long finish, so it can also be paired with turkey, salmon or ostrich.
Cheese and wine are a match made in heaven, and Malbec goes very well with blue cheese. Making a cocktail party? Blue cheese souffle is an ideal option. Having friends over? You can’t go wrong with grilled cheese sandwiches.
Malbec wine can also be paired with vegan dishes. Mediterranean stuffed peppers will really bring out the red pepper flavour in the wine. Just make sure to use olive oil to counteract the dry nature of Malbec.
The possibilities don’t end there. Indian, Thai, Mexican, Italian – each of these cuisines can be complemented with a fine glass of Malbec wine.
The Best Malbec Brands Around The World
With Malbec history in mind, it’s no wonder Argentina is the main producer of this wine variety in the world. Yet, as we’ve seen, prominent flavours depend a lot on the climate grapes are grown in. The difference between the French and Argentinian variety, for instance, is unmistakable. But none is better than the other, and it all comes down to personal preference. And the only way to find out your favourite is to try them. Here are some popular brands you should consider when trying out Malbec varieties for the first time:
Argentina
- Altos Las Hormigas
- Paul Hobbs
- Bodegas Piedra Negra
- Trapiche
- Catena Zapata
- Antigal
- Susana Balbo
- El Esteco
- Bodegas Bianchi
- Bodegas Septime
- Don Miguel Gascón
- Zuccardi
- Estanzia Mendosa
France
- Château Lamartine
- Château Du Cèdre
- Château Quatre
- Domaine Cosse Maisonneuve
- Château Tire Pe
- Château Chambert
United States
- Eighty Four Wines
- The Infinite Monkey Theorem
- Barefoot
- Boutique Winery
- Quady North
Australia
- Cloudburst
- Jilyara
- Mockingbird Hill
- Vinaceous Wines
- Zonte’s Footstep
- Franco & Rico
Other Countries
- Rustenberg (South Africa)
- Leftfield (New Zealand)
- Viu Manent (Chile)
Malbec vs Cabernet: What is Cabernet?
While one may think that Cabernet is a single type of wine there are actually quite a few varieties of Cabernet. The most famous one is, by far, Cabernet Sauvignon, so that’s what we’ll mainly focus on today. However, Cabernet Sauvignon is definitely not the only Cabernet that exists. In fact, it is believed that Cabernet Sauvignon is the product of crossing Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon blanc.
In any case, Cabernet Sauvignon grape is used to produce a wine with the same name. Cabernet Sauvignon is a red wine with a full body and fairly high tanning contents as well as acidity. The flavour of this wine has a strong character, and so does the liquor: it has a fairly high alcohol content, usually ranging between 13 and 14 percent.
The Cabernet Sauvignon Grape
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is a fairly peculiar type of grape. What makes it different from all other Cabernet varieties is the fact that it came into existence as a cross between a red grape and a white grape. The red part is the Cabernet (Cabernet Franc, in particular) and the white part is Sauvignon (Sauvignon Blanc). As you can see, this heritage is still reflected in the name of the wine.
Be that as it may, this doesn’t mean that Cabernet Sauvignon is somewhere between red and white wine. In fact, it’s a fairly bold red, rich in tannins and full of character. For this reason, ti is possible to find Cabernet Sauvignon wines both made exclusively from the grape of the same name and as blends with other varieties.
Cabernet Sauvignon Grape: Main Characteristics
As we mentioned, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is a fairly interesting one. Besides the fact that its ‘parent’ varieties are a red grape and a white grape, there are three more important characteristics of this grape that every wine connoisseur should know.
1. Small but tough
The Cabernet Sauvignon fruits are fairly small compared to some other varieties. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. These grapes are also tough in every sense of the word. They can withstand all sorts of weather conditions, they thrive in a wide variety of climates, and they are resistant to most diseases. These characteristics help explain why Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular wines worldwide.
2. Strong in every sense of the word…
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is resistant to all sorts of external factors, as we mentioned above. This is in part due to the fairly thick skin of the grape. Inside the skin is a grape that’s loaded with tannins which give it the bold colour and flavour.
3. Cabernet Sauvignon Loves Oak Barrels
This is another peculiar characteristic of Cabernet Sauvignon – it is the perfect wine for aging in barrels. Not all wines can do this, but Cabernet blends especially well with the wood flavour that comes from aging in a barrel – especially oak.
Cabernet Sauvignon Regions
We already mentioned that Cabernet Sauvignon is an exceptionally tough grape variety. Since it can grow without problems in all kinds of climates, it shouldn’t surprise us that Cabernet Sauvignon can be found all around the world. It’s a truly international grape. However, Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape that takes a long time to reach full ripeness, which is why it does like areas where there is lots of sun.
The fact that this strain of Cabernet is grown on all continents and in different areas also allows for a great variety of notes. Not every Cabernet Sauvignon tastes the same and we do think that’s a good thing. One could spend years just exploring the different aspects of Cabernet Sauvignon that come from different regions.
But where does the best Cabernet come from? Here are some of the regions known for the production of Cabernet Sauvignon:
Bordeaux
As you might guess from the name, France is the motherland of Cabernet Sauvignon. As such, it shouldn’t surprise us that you can still find lots of it in France. Cabernet Sauvignon is especially popular in Bordeaux, but it is also widely grown throughout France due to the natural sturdiness of the grape.
California (Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley)
Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in California in fairly large quantities. It even has a fairly long tradition there (mind you, nowhere as long as in France, but still…). The California Cabernet acquired somewhat of a cult status during the 1970s, where some claimed it’s even superior to that produced in its region of origin – Bordeaux.
One peculiar characteristic of Californian Cabernet Sauvignon is that it’s frequently produced as pure, single-sort wine, while in other corners of the world Cabernet Sauvignon is often blended with other sorts.
Cabernet Sauvignon was originally grown in Napa Valley (when it comes to California) and the Napa Cabernet is still quite well known. However, in recent years, Sonoma Valley is starting to outshine Napa. Due to the vicinity of the ocean and other geographical characteristics of the region, it has been producing quite exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
South Australia
Somewhat like California (although very different), South Australia is known for a warm and dry climate with lots of sun exposure for the grapes. As such, it is really the perfect region for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, and wine growers from Australia had not overlooked that fact. In fact, they produce some of the world’s most coveted Cabernet wines.
The Most Popular Blends of Cabernet Sauvignon
As we have already mentioned, Cabernet Sauvignon is a frequent ingredient in red wine blends. In fact, that’s the most popular way to enjoy this variety, with the exception of the Californian 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The most classic blend that involves Cabernet Sauvignon is the Bordeaux blend. What is inside a Bordeaux blend, you might ask? Well, actually, there is no set recipe. A Bordeaux blend is essentially a mix of the varieties grown native to Bordeaux.
Probably the most common Bordeaux blend involves Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but the composition can also include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Malbec, or Verdot.
Besides those, Cabernet is also sometimes paired with other red grapes like Shiraz, Tempranillo, or Sangiovese.
What Does Cabernet Sauvignon Taste Like?
The most peculiar not of Cabernet Sauvignon is the nte described as green bell pepper. It is the distinctive characteristic of Cabernet flavour and it comes from an organic compound under the name pyrazine.
The next thing one can note about pretty much any Cabernet is that it’s definitely a dry wine. While the body can vary from medium-bodied to full-bodied, you’ll always find that these wines are not sweet but fairly fry.
Moreover, each Cabernet, be it alone or in a blend, exhibits a high tannin content. Still, the flavour is fairly bright but complex.
Flavour notes found in Cabernet:
- Green bell pepper
- Blackberry
- Blueberry
- Black cherry
- Black pepper
- Cedar
- Boysenberry
- Truffle
- Tobacco
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Mint
- Eucalyptus
What Pairs Well With Cabernet Sauvignon?
Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that’s fairly high in tannins, and very acidic. That is, exactly the kind of wine that is known to be difficult to pair with food. However, there is actually no reason to worry. There are a couple of safe bets when it comes to pairing wines like Cabernet. These include dishes with beef and lamb, game, and appetizers like strong-flavoured cheeses or jamon. There is really a lot to work with there, you just want food that is bold enough for the flavour of Cabernet Sauvignon not to overpower it.
Tasting Cabernet Sauvignon
As we mentioned above, there are quite a few regions around the world that produce exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon. That’s why tasting different kinds of Cabernet can be a real adventure. If you want to feel the contrast between wines coming from different regions, you should definitely always start by tasting a Cabernet Sauvignon from France and one from California. The difference is subtle but always notable.
When you swish the wine in your mouth, think about the notes you can feel. Can you feel the characteristic flavour of bell pepper? Is the wine richer in notes like berry and fruit or is it more earthy? Can you feel the spicier notes like black pepper, mint, or eucalyptus?
Best Cabernet Sauvignon Wines to Try
- Cabernet Sauvignon Antica 2014. This is a prime example of the Californian Cabernet. Made by Antinori Family Estates in Napa Valley this Cabernet shows off a full body with subdued acidity and a bold aroma of currants.
- Sassicaia 2004. This blend from Tuscany combines Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, both grown in the region on the Italian coast.
- Seña Blend 2015. If you are looking to try a Chilean Cabernet blend, this should definitely be your choice. While Cabernet Sauvignon dominates this blend, it also includes Carmener, Malbec, and traces of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. While it might all sound like a lot, the result is a complex but perfectly balanced flavour profile.
Cabernet Sauvignon Nutrition
Cabernet Sauvignon is not that different from most red wines when it comes to nutrition. Many experts say a glass a day of red wine can do you good, and this is definitely true when it comes to Caberne that is lower in sugar than most other wines. A serving of Cabernet Sauvignon contains 123 calories and just 4 grams of carbs.
Benefits of Drinking Cabernet Sauvignon
The main benefit of drinking Cabernet Sauvignon is the antioxidant content. This wine is even richer in antioxidants than other red wines. The extremely high levels of antioxidants probably come from the fact that the skin of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is thicker than in most other varieties. This variety also has exceptionally high levels of resveratrol.
All the known health benefits of red wine also hold true when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon. Taken in moderation, this wine can help keep Alzheimer’s and dementia away. It also has the potential to boost your immune system and enhance cardiovascular health.
Using Cabernet Sauvignon
As we have already mentioned, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs quite well with red meats, game, and bold savoury flavours in general. That’s why a bottle of good Cab Suv is always nice to have at home. You can open it and enjoy it on it’s own, with a cheese plate, with appetizers like prosciutto and olives, or with dinner. It’s also a great wine for cooking, especially considering that good Cabernet Sauvignon really doesn’t have to be expensive. Use it in your stews and sauces for an added dash of exquisite flavour.
Key Producers of Cabernet Sauvignon
- Penfolds
- Jardin
- Pine Ridge
- Beringer
- Hogue
- Caymus
- Sterling Vineyards
- Shafer Vineyards
- Château Maucaillou Bordeaux
- Mondavi
- Ridge
- Beaulieu Vineyard
- Clos du Val
- Columbia-Crest
- Chateau St. Jean
- Souverain
- McMains
- Greg Norman
- Ribcon
- Grgich Hills
- Hall
- Screaming Eagle
- Paul Hobbs
- Ramey
- Concha Y Toro
- Montes
- Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
- Joseph Phelps
Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Direct Comparison
- Geography: Cabernet Sauvignon can grow pretty much anywhere in the world. While it is a late-ripening variety and grows best where there is lots of sun, it can survive without too much heat or light too. Malbec, on the other hand, needs lots of heat to produce flavourful grapes.
- Complexity: Cabernet Sauvignon is a very complex wine with a deep flavour profile. Compared to Cabernet, Malbec is fairly mild ]
- Flavour notes: Malbec is dominated by flavour notes that remind us of plums, while the profile of Cabernet Sauvignon leans more towards blackberry, black currant, or black cherry.
- Aroma: Cabernet Sauvignon can surprise with the depth and smokiness (or sometimes earthiness) of its aroma. You can expect notes of toasted oak or even tobacco. On the other hand, Malbec will charm you with softer notes of fruit, plums, and jam.
- Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold wine that pairs best with strong flavours in food like red meat or strong cheese. It will overpower delicate flavours. Malbec, on the other hand, will work great with gentler flavours in food.
Red Wine Styles
We’ve talked a lot so far about both Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, but now we wish to take a moment to consider something that many wine beginners don’t really understand, although they are often embarrassed to admit it. When connoisseurs talk about wine, they will often describe them as ‘full-bodied’ or ‘medium-bodied’. People say those words like they are self-explanatory, but what do they really mean?
We’ll break it down below and describe each type of wine in terms of ‘body’. One fun fact is that the body of the wine can actually be influenced quite a bit by the wine-making process. One would expect it depends purely on the grape variety, but this is not always the case.
Light-Bodied Wine
Light-bodied wines feel really light when you drink them. The level of tannins in these wines is lower than in medium or full-bodied wines, although the body is not simply the level of tannins. Red wines which are light-bodied are fairly rare. They are playful and casual, and easy to pair with almost anything. One great example of light-bodied red wine is Beaujolais Nouveau, a famous red wine from France that is made from the Gamay grape.
Medium-Bodied Wine
A medium-bodied red wine is already a fairly strong flavour. These wines have a bold aroma, and give you a stronger ‘mouthful’. You definitely cannot sip one of those without thinking about the complexity of the flavour at least a bit. Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that is usually full-bodied, but there are some wines that are medium bodied. These are the gentlest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon wines and Cabernet blends. More often than not, medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will come from California.
More characteristic examples of medium body reds include Merlot and Chianti.
Full-Bodied Wine
A full-bodied wine is rich in tannins. The flavour is usually bold, complex, and at least a bit earthy. These wines also usually have the highest content of alcohol. These are the wines that don’t leave anyone indifferent – no matter how you feel about them. A full-bodied wine will, as a rule, feel heavier. More like milk than water (in terms of texture, not flavour).
Most Cabernet Sauvignons are actually prime examples of full-bodied wines. Some other examples include Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo, as well as the blends of all the wines mentioned.
Grape Variety or Wine Variety?
For those who are not involved in the actual production of wine, this distinction can be quite confusing. For example, is Malbec the name of the grape or just of the wine? Well, usually, the name is the same. However, it is not always the case. Sometimes, the name of the wine simply stands for the main grape variety used in wine production, but it can actually be a blend. For example, in the United States the law specifies that the wine named after a grape variety, say Cabernet Sauvignon, must contain 75% of said grape – not 100%.
What’s Better – Blended Wines or Mono Varieties?
Just like most other domesticated fruits, wine grapes come in a huge number of varieties. Just think of apples and how much one variety can differ from another. It’s the same with grapes, and there are actually over 10,000 different varieties.
But, is it best to enjoy each of the varieties on it’s own, or do they work better as blends? As you might guess, it depends a lot on the grape variety. While many red wines are named after the variety they are made of – say Pinot Noir or Shiraz, blends can add a completely new dimension to the flavour of the wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the country that consumes the most wine per capita?
Who doesn’t enjoy a glass of wine? Or a bottle? But where do people enjoy it most? Well, the answer might surprise you. No, it’s not France. Or the USA. Actually, it’s Vatican City. In the Vatican, the amount of wine consumed in a year per capita is as much as 54 liters.
What is the ideal serving temperature for Malbec?
Different wines should be served at different temperatures. Usually, the ideal serving temperature will be written on the bottle too. However, it’s a good idea to know beforehand approximately how cold your wine should be. Well, when it comes to Malbec, the ideal temperature is between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. So, a bit lower than room temperature, and definitely warmer than your fridge. To achieve the ideal serving temperature for Malbec you can place your wine in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.
Can I drink my wine cold?
Especially in the summer months, we might be tempted to drink our wine cold. Or perhaps even with some ice cubes. Well, that’s really a no-no when it comes to red wines. Most of them should be enjoyed at almost room temperatures. However, some whites, rose, and some sparkling varieties are perfect for enjoying icey cold.
