Malbec Wine

Malbec is a deeply coloured red grape best known today for the rich, generous wines of Argentina, particularly Mendoza. The grape originally comes from south-west France, where it has a long history in Cahors and was once more widely planted in Bordeaux. In Argentina, high-altitude vineyards and abundant sunshine have helped Malbec develop its modern reputation for ripe dark fruit, floral notes, spice and supple tannins.

At Spy, our Malbec selection focuses on distinctive bottles from carefully chosen small producers, from fresh, vibrant styles with plum and violet notes to richer, more structured wines with dark fruit, spice and savoury complexity. Whether you enjoy Malbec on its own or with food, there is far more variety within the grape than its bold reputation might suggest.

  • Domingo Molina Mortero Argentina Malbec Blend

    Domingo Molina 'Mortero' Malbec Blend Salta Argentina

    Domingo Molina 'Mortero' Malbec Blend Salta Argentina

    75cl | ABV: 14.8%

    £27.95
    £27.95
  • Indomable Blanc De Malbec Wine Bottle on a White Background

    Indomable Blanc de Malbec Argentina

    Indomable Blanc de Malbec Argentina

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £16.95
    £16.95
  • Tapiz Black Tears Malbec

    Tapiz Black Tears Malbec

    Tapiz Black Tears Malbec

    75cl | ABV: 14.5%

    £47.95
    £47.95
  • Domingo Molina Malbec Wine Bottle on a White Background

    Domingo Molina Malbec

    Domingo Molina Malbec

    75cl | ABV: 14.9%

    £22.95
    £22.95
  • Malma Escencia Patagonia Malbec

    Malma Escencia Patagonia Malbec

    Sold out

    Malma Escencia Patagonia Malbec

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £14.95
    £14.95
    Sold out
  • Tapiz Malbec Sparkling Rosé Extra Brut

    Tapiz Malbec Sparkling Rosé Extra Brut

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    Tapiz Malbec Sparkling Rosé Extra Brut

    75cl | ABV: 12.5%

    £19.95
    £19.95
    Sold out
  • Chateau Relais de la Poste Cotes de Bourg

    Chateau Relais de la Poste Cotes de Bourg

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    Chateau Relais de la Poste Cotes de Bourg

    75cl | ABV: 14.0%

    £20.95
    £20.95
    Sold out
  • Laborum Late Harvest Malbec Dessert Wine

    Laborum Late Harvest Malbec Dessert Wine

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    Laborum Late Harvest Malbec Dessert Wine

    50cl | ABV: 13.3%

    £19.95
    £19.95
    Sold out
  • El Cipres Malbec

    El Cipres Malbec

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    El Cipres Malbec

    75cl | ABV: 13.0%

    £11.95
    £11.95
    Sold out

Malbec Wine Buying Guide

Malbec is most closely associated with Argentina, but the grape can produce a wide range of styles depending on climate, altitude and winemaking approach. Many examples combine ripe plum and blackberry fruit with floral notes, spice and smooth tannins, while cooler or higher-altitude vineyards can bring greater freshness, structure and savoury complexity.

What style of Malbec do you enjoy?

For a softer, fruit-driven style, look for Malbec with ripe plum, blackberry and violet aromas, moderate tannins and a generous texture. Higher-altitude vineyards in Mendoza can produce fresher, more structured wines with brighter acidity and greater definition. Oak ageing can add flavours of spice, cocoa and vanilla, while more restrained examples place the emphasis on fruit and vineyard character.

Choosing Malbec for food

Malbec is a natural partner for richly flavoured food. Its dark fruit and tannin work particularly well with steak, roast beef, lamb, grilled meats and barbecue. Fresher styles can also pair well with burgers, sausages and hard cheeses, while more structured bottles suit slow-cooked meat and dishes with smoky or savoury flavours.

Look beyond the familiar

Mendoza is the best-known source of Malbec today, but the grape has a much broader story. It originated in France and remains important in Cahors, where it can produce firmer, more savoury wines with strong ageing potential. Chile also produces distinctive examples, and exploring different regions is a good way to see how altitude, climate and producer style shape the grape.

Malbec FAQs

What does Malbec taste like?

Malbec commonly shows flavours of plum, blackberry and dark cherry, often with violet, spice and chocolate notes. The exact style depends on where the grapes are grown and how the wine is made, ranging from fresh and juicy to rich, powerful and oak-influenced.

Is Malbec always from Argentina?

No. Malbec originated in France and remains important in regions such as Cahors. Argentina, especially Mendoza, has become the grape's most famous modern home, but Malbec is also grown in Chile and several other wine-producing countries.

What food goes with Malbec?

Malbec works particularly well with steak, roast beef, lamb, barbecue and grilled meats. Its combination of ripe fruit, tannin and spice also makes it a good match for burgers, sausages, slow-cooked dishes and mature hard cheeses.

Does Malbec need ageing?

Many Malbec wines are designed to be enjoyed young for their ripe fruit and generous texture. More structured examples, particularly from high-quality vineyards or producers, can develop well with bottle age, gaining softer tannins and more savoury complexity.

Continue exploring distinctive red wines

Argentina Mendoza French Red Wine Bordeaux Red Wine Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Merlot Wine Red Wine Chile