Wine
Malbec vs. Cabernet Sauvignon
Your Guide to Choosing Reds
March 11, 2025
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are two of the most beloved red wine varieties, each with its own distinct character and charm. While both wines have a devoted following, understanding the nuances that set them apart can help you select the perfect bottle for any occasion.
From their unique flavor profiles to their ideal food pairings, these two grapes offer a wealth of possibilities for those looking to expand their wine knowledge and enhance their tasting experiences. Curious to learn more? Dive into our Malbec vs. Cabernet Sauvignon guide here—expert quotes and bottle recommendations included.
Understanding the Taste Profiles
One of the most striking differences between Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon lies in their taste profiles. Malbec is known for its fruit-forward nature, with flavors of ripe blackberry, juicy plum, and dark cherry taking center stage. These luscious fruit notes are often accompanied by a velvety texture, making Malbec a pleasure to sip and savor.
Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, presents a more complex and layered flavor profile. While it also boasts dark fruit notes, such as black currant and blackberry, Cabernet Sauvignon is distinguished by additional nuances. Hints of green bell pepper, mint, and even a touch of graphite or pencil shavings can be detected in well-crafted Cabernets, adding depth and complexity to these thought-provoking wines.
The texture, often described as mouthfeel, of these two wines also sets them apart. Cabernet Sauvignon typically exhibits a more structured and full-bodied presence, with firmer tannins that provide a backbone to the wine. This structure allows Cabernet to stand up to rich, hearty dishes and makes it a prime candidate for aging. Malbec, while still full-bodied, tends to have a softer, more approachable texture due to its gentler tannins, save for many expressions from southwestern France.
Victoria Love, Sommelier at Sommsation, explains that Malbecs from Cahors, the grape’s birthplace in France, versus those from Argentina, are very different, particularly in the realm of structure. “Malbecs from Mendoza (Argentina) are usually very fruit forward and round with softer tannins and low acidity,” she says. “Cahors Malbecs are quite the opposite, having a stronger structure with higher tannins and acidity.” For this reason, Malbec from Argentina tends to be an ideal choice for those who prefer a less assertive wine.
Tannins and Body
The character of a wine is significantly shaped by its tannins and body, influencing both texture and potential for aging. Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its distinct tannins, which impart a marked structure and dryness to the wine. These characteristics make Cabernet an excellent choice for aging, as the wine evolves and develops greater complexity over time. These wines are generally full bodied, and offer a bold and commanding presence compared to other monovarietal reds.
In contrast, Malbec presents a different experience with its more supple tannins. This wine often falls within the medium to full-bodied spectrum, delivering a smooth and rounded sensation. The approachable tannins of Malbec make it particularly suitable for immediate enjoyment, as well as for those who prefer a less astringent wine. This quality offers flexibility, making Malbec a versatile option for various settings and occasions.
SOMMSATION RECOMMENDATIONS:
Corazon del Sol Uco Valley Malbec 2020 ($35.00) - This Malbec is true to this region and expresses floral and high-toned fruit aromas. A vibrant wine accented by superfine tannins developed from the solar intensity and cool nights of the Uco Valley.
Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($40.00) - Aromas of black currants, dried herbs, blackberry, cassis and baking spices with flavors of dark chocolate covered strawberries, black cherry, and black plum.
Food Pairings
Pairing wine with food elevates the entire dining experience, and Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon each have their distinct culinary affinities. Malbec's plush fruit flavors make it a delightful match for an array of dishes, and its vibrant notes pair splendidly with earthy foods—think mushroom-based dishes or roasted vegetables. Additionally, its smooth texture allows Malbec to complement tangy or spicy barbecue sauces, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon, with its assertive structure, shines when paired with robust and flavorful fare, such as hearty stews and meats (juicy burgers, steaks, and beyond).
Moreover, the balance of tannins and body in these wines also informs their food pairing potential. The firm tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon pair beautifully with robust dishes, such as grilled steaks or lamb, enhancing the richness of the meal. Meanwhile, Malbec, with its softer tannins and full body, complements a diverse array of cuisines—from spicy dishes to leaner proteins—providing a harmonious dining experience.
“Since Malbec often lacks the structure that Cabernet typically has, I'd go with leaner cuts of steak or even poultry,” says Love, affirming that Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to fattier proteins like steak and burgers. This dynamic ensures both wines have their own unique space at the table, each contributing its distinctive qualities.
Dryness Levels
Dryness in wine often refers to the sensation left on the palate and the lack of residual sugar, shaping the overall flavor experience. Cabernet Sauvignon is typically perceived as the drier option, largely due to its firm tannic structure. This inherent dryness delivers a distinct, crisp finish, appealing to those who appreciate a more precise and direct wine profile. The pronounced tannins in Cabernet not only contribute to this dryness but also enhance the wine's ability to mature over time, unfolding further complexities with age.
Malbec, on the other hand, offers a softer, more fruit-forward profile that can seem less dry, despite being a dry wine itself. The wine's ripe fruit expressions create a sensation of sweetness, even though no sugar remains, making it especially attractive to those who enjoy a more approachable, rounded wine. This balance between its rich fruitiness and gentle tannic presence results in a velvety texture, offering a different dimension of complexity for those seeking a smoother wine experience.
SOMMSATION RECOMMENDATIONS:
ALTA ORSA Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($40.00) - Dark mineral tones are reminiscent of our slate soils, accompanied by hints of graphite, dark chocolate, vanilla, and blackberry jam. Full-bodied, loads of dark fruit, round velvety tannins, and lively backbone, finishing with epic length. Deep garnet-purple colored.
Corazon del Sol Uco Valley Malbec 2020 ($35.00) - This Malbec is true to this region and expresses floral and high-toned fruit aromas. A vibrant wine accented by superfine tannins developed from the solar intensity and cool nights of the Uco Valley.Aging Potential
The ability of a wine to age gracefully adds an intriguing dimension to its character, and Cabernet Sauvignon is particularly adept in this regard. Known for its resilient structure and vibrant acidity, it matures into a wine of remarkable complexity. As it ages, Cabernet often develops a bouquet of tertiary aromas, such as cedar, cigar box, and dried herbs, which complement its underlying fruit notes. This evolution makes it a compelling choice for those who appreciate the transformation that comes with time spent in the cellar.
“Having a strong structure really helps with aging potential so a Cabernet Sauvignon is typically better suited for longer aging than a South American Malbec,” says Love, though that doesn’t mean ruling it out altogether. Malbec offers a different, yet equally appealing aging profile. While its immediate appeal lies in its bold fruitiness and smooth texture, Malbec can also benefit from short-term aging. Over a few years, it may gain subtle layers of spice and earthy tones, enhancing its overall depth without losing its signature charm.
SOMMSATION RECOMMENDATIONS:
Bell Wine Cellars Clone 169 Cabernet Sauvignon - Mt Veeder 2018 ($165.00) - The palate is the most primal of our clone wines, demonstrating a youthful, saturated wine with dark purple fruits , and with a hint of supportive oak. A long flavorful finish, balanced texture, and fine grained tannins frame the flavors and denote a wine that is going to be very long-lived, and certainly one of our favorites from this special vintage.
Anthem Winery Beckstoffer Las Piedras Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ($175.00) - Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, and dried bay leaf. The pallet is rich and velvety with juicy blackberry, dark fruit, and light earthy flavors that exhibit exceptional structure and depth. The finish is long and persistent with hints of olive and anise.Explore Your Wine Journey with Sommsation
Whether you prefer the bold structure of Cabernet Sauvignon or the velvety charm of Malbec, these two varieties offer a world of possibilities for wine lovers. As you embark on your own journey of discovery, remember that the joy of wine lies not only in the glass but also in the experiences and connections it fosters.
If you're ready to dive deeper into the world of wine and create lasting memories, book a personalized wine tasting experience or explore curated wine selections with us today.
Ready to get started? Book your tasting or browse our exclusive wine selections today.
