Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Comparison: Flavors, Food Pairings, Alcohol & More

Are you considering Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon? Which will be your all-time favorite? Both types of wine are the perfect choice for many wine lovers. Unlike light-bodied wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, and cabernet sauvignon are full-bodied wines. That means that these wines are best enjoyed with a hearty dish.

Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon

Let’s get down to business and learn what these wines taste like, starting with their fruity notes.

Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon: Flavor Profile Comparison

Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are two popular grape varieties used in red wines. While both types of wine are usually made in a dry style. However, their flavor profiles and tannin levels make them distinct wines.  

The Malbec wine grape variety is known for its dark color and rich, fruity flavors. Malbec wines typically have medium to high acidity levels, which makes them a good choice for pairing with food. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape variety widely grown worldwide, producing wines with a full-bodied and complex taste profile.

The flavor profile of Malbec is characterized by its fruity flavors, which include black cherry, blackberry, and plum. Malbec wines also have a slightly floral aroma with hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and tobacco. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon has a more complex flavor profile with notes of black currant, cherry, and blackberry. Cabernet Sauvignon wines also have an herbaceous aroma with hints of mint, eucalyptus, and cedar.

Tannin levels also differ significantly between these two wines. Malbec wines have lower tannin levels, resulting in a smoother and more approachable taste. On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their high tannin levels, giving them a firm and structured taste. These higher tannin levels also allow Cabernet Sauvignon wines to age well and develop more complex flavors over time.

Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are varietal wines, meaning they are made from a single type of grape. Wine lovers often enjoy these wines because of their distinct taste profiles and the unique characteristics of the grape variety used. While both wines are dry, the type of wine and wine taste one prefers can be subjective, and it is up to the individual to determine which one they enjoy more.

Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are dry red wines made from different wine grapes. Their flavor profiles and tannin levels differ significantly. Malbec wines are known for their fruity flavors, while Cabernet Sauvignon wines have a more complex taste profile with herbaceous notes. Additionally, Malbec wines have lower tannin levels, resulting in a smoother taste, while Cabernet Sauvignon wines have higher tannin levels, giving them a firm and structured taste. Ultimately, the type of wine one prefers is a personal preference, and a glass of wine is always best enjoyed according to one’s taste.

The Top Wine Regions For Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon

The major wine regions that produce Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be divided into two sections: warm climates and cool climates. Each section has unique features that impact the flavor profile of the wines produced.

In warm climates like those in South America, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes tend to ripen more fully, resulting in wines with higher alcohol content and bolder flavors. The significant difference between the two grape varieties is that Malbec is primarily grown in Argentina, while Cabernet Sauvignon is grown in several countries, including Chile and Australia.

South America, particularly Argentina, is known for producing some of the best Malbec wines in the world. In the 18th century, Malbec was brought to Argentina by the French and quickly became a popular choice among local winemakers. Argentine wine is highly regarded today for its rich and fruity flavor profile, with notes of black cherry, plum, and chocolate. Cabernet Sauvignon, although not as widely planted in Argentina, is still popular among winemakers and produces wines with a more herbaceous flavor profile.

In cooler regions, such as those in South Australia and other parts of the world, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes tend to ripen more slowly, resulting in wines with lower alcohol content and more delicate flavors. In the 19th century, Cabernet Sauvignon was introduced to South Australia, quickly becoming one of the most popular grape varieties. Today, South Australia is known for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world, with a flavor profile that includes black currant, blackberry, and mint.

In the 20th century, Malbec also began to gain popularity in cooler regions, with winemakers in California, Washington, and Oregon experimenting with the grape variety. These cooler regions produce Malbec wines with a more complex flavor profile that includes blackberry, plum, and spice notes.

The significant differences between the warm climate regions producing Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon wines and the cooler regions are the grapes’ ripening process and the wines’ flavor profiles. Warm climates, such as those in South America, produce bold and fruity wines, while cooler regions, such as South Australia, produce more delicate and complex wines. Regardless of the region, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon remain popular among wine lovers for their distinct flavor profiles and unique characteristics.

Food Pairings for Malbec Wine

Malbec wine is a dry red wine with a full flavor profile. It pairs well with hearty dishes such as beef and lamb. Here are some excellent pairing options for Malbec wine:

Beef dishes: Malbec pairs well with beef dishes such as steak, beef stews, and beef roasts. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the richness of the beef, while the fruitiness of the wine complements the meat’s flavor.

Rich dishes: Malbec also pairs well with rich dishes such as casseroles and pasta. A rich pasta dish with a tomato-based sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce can be an excellent pairing for Malbec wine.

Roasted vegetables: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables can be an excellent pairing for Malbec. The wine’s tannins can complement the sweetness of the vegetables, while the acidity of the wine can cut through the dish’s richness.

Honorable mentions for Malbec pairings include spicy dishes, BBQ, and hard cheeses. Malbec’s hint of sweetness can help to balance out spicy flavors in dishes, while the wine’s boldness can hold up to smoky BBQ flavors. Hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or gouda can complement Malbec’s bold flavor profile.

Food Pairings for Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is another dry red wine with a full flavor profile. It pairs well with meat dishes, rich plates of pasta, and chocolate desserts. Here are some pairing options for Cabernet Sauvignon:

Beef dishes: Like Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with beef dishes such as steak and beef roasts. The wine’s tannins can help cut through the beef’s richness, while the wine’s acidity can complement the meat’s flavor.

Rich pastas: Cabernet Sauvignon also pairs well with rich pasta such as lasagna and spaghetti carbonara. The wine’s bold flavor profile can hold up to the richness of the pasta dish, while the wine’s tannins can help cut through the sauce’s creaminess.

Chocolate desserts: Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold flavor profile also makes it an excellent pairing for chocolate desserts. Dark chocolate desserts with a hint of sweetness can be an excellent complement to the wine’s tannins.

Honorable mentions for Cabernet Sauvignon pairings include lamb dishes, blue cheese, and roasted vegetables. Cabernet Sauvignon’s bold flavor profile can hold up to the richness of lamb dishes, while the wine’s tannins can complement the sharpness of blue cheese. Roasted vegetables such as eggplant and bell peppers can also be an excellent pairing for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Wine connoisseurs and amateur wine drinkers covet award-winning Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Here are three award-winning wines for each variety from France, South Africa, and Sonoma Valley.

Award-winning Malbec Wines

Naturally, I start with French Malbec because I love French wines. For more Malbec recommendations, see this post – Best Malbec wines.

  • Château de Mercuès Malbec, France: This Malbec is produced in Cahors, France, and is made from 100% Malbec grapes. The wine is a dry, full-bodied red with a rich, fruity taste and a high tannin content. Château de Mercuès is a historic estate dating back to the 13th century, and their Malbec has won numerous awards and accolades.
  • Kanonkop Estate Wine, South Africa: Kanonkop Estate Wine is located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and their Malbec is made from a blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine has a deep red color, fruity taste, and a hint of vanilla. Kanonkop Estate Wine is known for producing some of the best red wines in South Africa.
  • Ridge Vineyards Lytton Estate, Sonoma Valley: The Ridge Vineyards Lytton Estate Malbec is produced in Sonoma Valley, California, and is made from 100% Malbec grapes. The wine has a dark, rich color, complex taste, and high tannin content. Ridge Vineyards is known for its commitment to producing high-quality wines with low alcohol levels.

Award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most popular red wines on the market. To understand this wine better, it’s helpful to compare it with other red wines. Continue your wine education with the following guides: Grenache vs Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vs Cabernet Sauvignon.

  • Château Mouton Rothschild, France: Château Mouton Rothschild is a winery in Pauillac, France, and their Cabernet Sauvignon is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. The wine has a deep, rich color, complex taste, and high tannin content. Château Mouton Rothschild has a long history of producing some of the finest French wines, and their Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception.
  • Rust en Vrede Estate Wine, South Africa: Rust en Vrede Estate Wine is located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and their Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. The wine has a deep, rich color, complex taste, and high tannin content. Rust en Vrede Estate Wine is known for producing some of the best red wines in South Africa.
  • Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma Valley: Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is produced in Calistoga, California, and is made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. The wine has a deep, rich color, complex taste, and high tannin content. Chateau Montelena is known for its commitment to producing low-alcohol wines with a fruity taste.

Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon Tannin Levels Comparison

Tannins are natural compounds found in the skins, stems, and seeds of grapes that give the wine structure and texture. They can range from soft and subtle to firm and aggressive. Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon wines are known for their high tannin content, which adds complexity and depth to their flavor profiles.

Cabernet Sauvignon tends to have a higher tannin content than Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon is often described as having firm, chalky tannins that are aggressive in young wines. On the other hand, Malbec is known for its softer tannins, giving it a smoother mouthfeel.

Some specific examples of Malbec wines with softer tannins include:

  • Zuccardi Q Malbec: This Argentinian Malbec has moderate tannins and a fruity taste with a hint of spice.
  • Bodega Colomé Estate Malbec: This Malbec from Salta, Argentina, has soft tannins and a rich, full-bodied flavor profile with notes of blackberry and chocolate.

Now let’s take a look at some Cabernet Sauvignon wines with firmer tannins, including:

  • Chateau Montrose: This French Bordeaux has firm tannins and a complex flavor profile with blackcurrant, cedar, and leather notes.
  • Jordan Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon: This California Cabernet Sauvignon has a moderate tannin level and a balanced flavor profile with black cherry, vanilla, and spice notes.

While tannin content is essential to wine, it is just one factor contributing to a wine’s flavor profile. Ultimately, the tannins you prefer in a glass of wine depending on your taste preferences and the food you pair it with.

Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon Summary

Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon, popular types of dry wine, have several key differences. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its high tannin content, which can give the wine a dry and bitter taste. Malbec, while still having tannins, is generally softer and smoother on the palate; in terms of flavors, Cabernet Sauvignon tastes of black currant, tobacco, and leather. On the other hand, Malbec has flavors of dark fruits such as blackberry and plum, with hints of chocolate and spice.

Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Comparison: Flavors, Food Pairings, Alcohol & More
Scroll to top