Need a Go-To Red? These Are the Best Malbec Wines to Try Right Now

Fri, Jun 13, 25 | french wines

Malbec is the kind of red wine that never lets you down. It’s full-bodied, fruit-forward, and smooth enough to enjoy on its own or alongside your favorite grilled dish. And yet, it’s still surprisingly underrated.

Maybe it’s because it doesn’t carry the prestige of Bordeaux or the price tag of Napa. But here’s the thing: Malbec doesn’t need hype. It’s quietly built a loyal following among smart drinkers who care more about what’s in the glass than what’s on the label.

Ready to find out what makes it so good? Let’s dive in.

What’s in a Great Malbec? Turns Out, Everything

Start with the flavor: the best Malbec wines lead with a core of dark, juicy fruit—blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Then come the layers: violet, cocoa, espresso, and a touch of smoky spice that lingers like a well-timed pause. It’s bold, but never overpowering. Malbec knows how to make an impression—without being loud.

But taste is only half the story. Malbec also delivers on texture. With velvety tannins and a plush, full-bodied mouthfeel, it’s smooth enough to sip solo and structured enough to stand tall with food. Rich without being heavy, it hits that rare balance that both casual drinkers and collectors appreciate.

That same balance makes it a natural at the table. Malbec was practically made for grilled meats, especially steak, lamb, or burgers. But it goes well beyond the grill—try it with:

Aged cheeses like manchego or gouda
Hearty vegetarian dishes, from mushroom risotto to lentil stew
Roasted vegetables or anything kissed by smoke or spice

And of course, it’s the classic match for Argentinian asado—where it doesn’t just pair with the meal, it completes the experience.
If you’re looking for a red wine that tastes good, feels good, and plays well with nearly anything on the plate, the best Malbec wines check every box.

Best Malbec Bottles to Try Right Now

Catena Malbec

Catena Malbec opens with floral aromatics and ripe dark fruit, followed by layers of spice, soft tannins, and vibrant acidity. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards, it shows concentrated structure and elegant balance. A complex, expressive Malbec that captures the full character of Mendoza’s finest terroirs.

Terrazas de los Andes Altos Malbec

Bright and expressive, this youthful Malbec bursts with raspberry, blackberry, and plum, framed by deep purple hues. Notes of lavender and black pepper add a fresh, wild edge. Vibrant, balanced, and irresistibly drinkable.

Callia Malbec

Medium ruby with purplish hues, this Malbec opens with inviting aromas of plum and cherry. The palate is silky and balanced, featuring redcurrant, black cherry, and sweet, round tannins. A lingering finish reveals subtle clove and cinnamon spice.

Ruta 22 Malbec

Ripe blackberry and cherry aromas lead the way, accented by a touch of vanilla. On the palate, it’s concentrated yet silky, with a smooth, approachable texture. Subtle oak lingers on a refined, elegant finish.

A Red Worth Returning To

Malbec isn’t just a wine—it’s a mood. Bold when it needs to be, comforting when it counts. Whether you’re firing up the grill or winding down at home, it fits the moment.

Ready to explore? Shop a curated Malbec collection at Arlington Wine & Liquor and find the bottle that feels just right.