Malbec, the intense grape with a tender heart
Malbec — also known as côt — doesn’t exactly blend into the background. Deeply coloured and naturally rich in tannins, it shows plenty of muscle. And yet… behind that power lies a surprisingly tender, fruit‑forward core, always ready to glide across the palate with softness. Once hugely popular until the mid‑20th century, this cépage is enjoying a renewed spotlight in today’s warming climate. Why? Its deep roots and natural physiology make it more resilient to heat and water stress than merlot.
Sensory
profile
Early
Late
Sweet
Acidic
Light
Powerful
Who’s behind the skin of malbec ?
A modest presence in the Bordeaux vineyard — just 2.2% of red plantings — malbec nonetheless has personality to spare. Vigorous and early‑ripening like its cousin merlot, it still requires attentive care when faced with unpredictable weather or vine diseases. Its medium clusters and large, juicy berries yield enveloping wines with pronounced colour and firm tannins. A delicious balance of intensity and generosity.
And in the glass?
Sight
a dark, almost hypnotic shade of red.
Nose
a highly expressive, fruit‑driven bouquet, joined by hints of spice, pepper, leather or even a touch of jasmine.
Palate
marked tannins wrapped in juicy fruit and dense texture.
in a blend
it adds suppleness, deepens colour and brings that aromatic lift that makes all the difference.
Good to know
- Malbec originates from Quercy and Cahors, descended from prunelard and magdeleine noire des Charentes.
- It arrived in Bordeaux in the 17th century and owes its name to Monsieur Malbeck, who planted it in Saint‑Émilion.
- It often goes by other aliases: côt, auxerrois in Cahors, pied‑de‑perdrix, noir de Pressac, pied noir or bourguignon noir.
- ● Its well‑structured tannins give it notable ageing potential.
Where does
malbec grow?
Across many Bordeaux terroirs, though more discreet in Blaye, Canon‑Fronsac and Fronsac. It thrives in well‑exposed, well‑drained vineyards with limestone, clay‑limestone or clay soils.
Other red grape varieties
Merlot, Carménère, Cabernet sauvignon, Petit verdot, cabernet franc
