To gain insight into some of the best Malbec wines in the market, the London Wine Competitions 2024, presents a varied and comprehensive list for you to pick from. From award-winning wines from Argentina to newer variants brought in by Australia, this article collates everything one needs to know about the best Malbec wines in the world.

Unique Characteristics of Malbec

Malbec, with its dark purple grapes and thick skins, produces deep, full-bodied wines with rich tannins and vibrant flavours. This grape thrives in warm climates, yielding wines that are typically bold and expressive. French Malbecs, often blended with Merlot or Tannat, are known for their earthy, mineral notes and higher acidity, offering a complex, age-worthy profile. In contrast, Argentinian Malbecs are more fruit-forward, with sweeter notes of cherry, blackberry, and cocoa, and tend to have higher alcohol content. While French Malbecs focus on structure and elegance, Argentine versions emphasise bold, lush flavours and a softer, more approachable style.

The Best Malbec Wines from the London Wine Competitions 2024

1. La Vigilia Malbec 2021, Gold Medal (92 Points)

La Vigilia Malbec 2021 from Bodega La Vigilia in Argentina is a standout example of Malbec’s rich potential, earning Best in Show by Country and Varietal at the London Wine Competition 2024. This vintage boasts enticing aromas of crushed wild berries, plums, and cherries, complemented by subtle notes of smoke, vanilla, and toasted spices. The medium to full-bodied wine features velvety tannins and deep dark fruit flavours, offering a well-rounded and sophisticated tasting experience.

Image Title & Source: La Vigilia Malbec 2021

2. Alpasión Grand Malbec 2021, Gold Medal (91 Points)

Alpasión Grand Malbec 2021, crafted by Alpasión in Argentina, has an impressive balance of black fruit and floral aromas, with hints of smoke, vanilla, and toasted spices. The palate reveals rich black fruit flavours, supported by soft tannins and medium acidity, making it a refined and approachable wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of Malbec.

Image Title & Source: Alpasión Grand Malbec 2021

3. Alpasión Private Selection 2019, Gold Medal (91 Points)

The Alpasión Private Selection 2019 from Alpasión in Argentina has captivating aromas of sweet smoke, spice, and blue-black fruits. On the palate, it delivers vibrant plum and raspberry flavours, enhanced by fresh and spicy notes on the finish. This vintage stands out for its depth and aromatic complexity, offering a memorable tasting experience.

Image Title & Source: Alpasión Private Selection 2019

4. Alpasión Malbec 2021, Silver Medal (88 Points)

Alpasión Malbec 2021, another offering from Alpasión in Argentina, boasts a robust full-bodied profile. It features prominent notes of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry, with smooth tannins and well-integrated oak flavours. This Malbec demonstrates good complexity and a refined structure, making it a solid choice for those seeking a classic expression of the varietal.

Image Title & Source: Alpasión Malbec 2021

5. Aguaribay, Silver Medal (85 Points)

Aguaribay 2021, produced by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage in Argentina, is a classic representation of Argentinian Malbec. This vintage offers enticing aromas of ripe black fruits, showcasing the depth and richness typical of the varietal. Its well-balanced acidity provides a solid structure, making it a delightful choice for those who appreciate a robust and flavourful Malbec.

Image Title & Source: Aguaribay 2021

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Top Malbec Producing Regions

Argentina

Argentina has become the global benchmark for Malbec, with the Mendoza region at its core. Known for its high-altitude vineyards nestled against the Andes Mountains, Mendoza offers the perfect climate for Malbec cultivation. The region's warm, dry conditions and cool nights preserve the grape's acidity while ensuring optimal ripeness. This combination produces robust, bold Malbecs with deep colour and intense flavours. Mendoza's Malbecs are celebrated for their rich fruit profiles, often featuring notes of blackberry, plum, and a velvety texture.

France

France, the birthplace of Malbec, provides a nuanced perspective on the grape’s potential. In Bordeaux, Malbec thrives in the region’s gravelly soils and maritime climate, resulting in full-bodied wines with complex layers. Bordeaux Malbecs are known for their deep colour and rich aromas of dark fruit and spices, delivering bold tannins and flavours of blackberry, plum, and tobacco. To the southeast in Cahors, Malbec is a dominant grape, contributing to some of the most intense and powerful wines. Cahors Malbecs are characterised by their dark colour, and robust profiles with notes of black cherry, blackcurrant, and licorice, owing to the region's limestone and gravel-sand soils.

United States

In the United States, Malbec has found promising growing conditions in California, Washington, and Oregon. The North Coast’s cool, foggy climate and well-draining soils support the production of Malbec wines reminiscent of their Argentine counterparts. Napa Valley, with its warm days, cool nights, and volcanic soils, also excels in Malbec production, creating wines with a balance of ripe fruit and structured tannins. These American Malbecs often display similar qualities to those from Argentina but with regional nuances.

Chile

Chile offers a distinct take on Malbec with its lighter, more acidic style. In Chile’s Central Valley, the cool climate and volcanic soils foster fresh, bright Malbecs that cater to those who prefer lighter, fruit-forward wines. This contrasts with Argentina’s fuller, bolder Malbecs, providing a diverse range of options for Malbec enthusiasts. Chilean Malbecs highlight the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions, offering a fresh and vibrant alternative to the robust profiles of Argentine Malbecs.

If you are a sommelier, wine trader or simply a wine enthusiast, check out our complete list of winners from the London Wine Competitions 2024, to stay ahead of the curve.

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