Difference between Cabernet and Malbec
A good cabernet and a good malbec can be defined as two opposite sides of the same coin. Each one of them represents the best and the most complex of a wine. It could be said that cabernets are wines with character. Cabernets are for those who know how to drink them, who know how to overcome their first shy traits and discover their benefits; while malbec can be considered the best way to start in the world of wines. These are friendly and do not require the tester to be an expert.
Cabernet Sauvignon |
Malbec |
|
|---|---|---|
| General description | Cabernet Sauvignon is the name of one of the best known grape varieties in the world. This is originally from France, more specifically from the Bordeaux region, and is the second most cultivated grape worldwide. The wine produced by the fermentation of this type of grape is usually strong and dry. | Malbec is a type of grape native to the Cahors region, in France. However, today the best productions of this wine are in Argentina. In fact, little by little, this variety has been becoming a worthy representative of Argentine wines. Malbecs are considered exceptional, with great structure, body and depth. |
| Characteristics | This type of wine has a large amount of tannins. These are substances found in grape skins and seeds, as well as elsewhere, that serve to add astringency, dryness, complexity, and bitterness to the flavor of wine. This places it as one of the reds with the most potential. His alcohol level is medium to high. | Malbec wines, on the other hand, have intense red colors, ruby type with some hints of violet or blue, almost black. These are soft, pleasant and warm wines. Compared to a cabernet, these have much less tannins than the first. Many producers add malbec to improve the overall quality of other, much less impressive wines. |
| Regions | The most popular region in which Cabernet is produced is Bordeaux, in France. The climate of this region is ideal for the production of these grapes. In Italy, Tuscany is the leading producer of Cabernet. However, it is also produced in Lombardy, Piedmont. In America, Californian Cabernet Sauvignon has a world fame of its own. Other producing countries are Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, and Brazil. | The malbec grape is the predominant variety in Cahors, France. In fact, for a wine to have the appellation of origin or Appelation d’Origine Contrôlée for a Cahors wine, it is necessary that at least 70% of its content is malbec. In Argentina, this grape is one of the most planted. The main producing areas are La Rioja, Salta, San Juan, Mendoza, Jujuy and Buenos Aires. Other producing countries are Chile, the United States (California and Washington), Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Italy and Mexico. |
| Pairing (accompaniment for…) | Roasts, stews and red meats. Likewise, it is recommended to accompany game meats, such as venison, wild boar and rabbit. In the same way, it is a good accompaniment for foods that have sauces with strong flavors, as well as for grilled meats. | As for malbec, it is considered ideal to accompany all kinds of red meats, cheeses (mainly those cheeses considered hard, such as Parmesan and provolone). In addition, a good malbec is recommended to accompany pasta prepared with tomato sauce and grilled meats. |
| Peculiarities | Cabernet is a perfect wine for the aging process, as this increases its complexity and concentration. The ideal serving temperature ranges from 16°C to 18°C for young wines and 18°C to 20°C for aged wines. | If a young malbec is consumed, it will be fruity. On the contrary, if it is consumed aged, its flavor will be much more complex. It is recommended, however, not to age it in wood for too long. The ideal temperature to serve it is between 16 and 18 °C if it is young and if it is aged wine, between 18 and 20 °C. |
| Grades | Wines of this type tend to have fruity notes, with blackberry and blackcurrant flavors predominating. Some have slight hints of vanilla and cinnamon. | As for the malbec, these have fruity and floral notes. They are considered soft and pleasant. The flavor of plum, chocolate, vanilla, truffle, leather and coffee, among many others, are distinguished. |