WineBuddMalbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon: tasting notes side by side
Both are dry, full-bodied reds, and neither is sweet. Cabernet Sauvignon has more grip, with medium-high tannin and acidity, and black currant, cedar and graphite. Malbec is rounder, with medium tannin, medium-low acidity, and plum, blackberry and cocoa.
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, line by line
These are the typical styles of each grape, not two particular bottles, so a wine in your glass may differ. Each line reads from our worked example for the grape.
| Line of the note | Malbec | Cabernet Sauvignon |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Dry. | Dry. |
| Acidity | Medium-low. It holds its acidity best in high, cool vineyards. | Medium-high. |
| Tannin | Medium, and fairly round. | Medium-high. Decanter calls the tannins assertive. |
| Body | Full. | Full. |
| Alcohol | Usually 13.5 to 15% ABV, and often above 14% from Mendoza. Check the label. | Usually 13.5 to 15% ABV. Check the label. |
| Typical aromas | Plum, blackberry and black cherry. Vanilla, sweet tobacco, cocoa or chocolate. At higher altitude, such as the Uco Valley, more red fruit and floral notes such as violet. | Black currant and black cherry. Blackcurrant becomes cassis when very concentrated. Cedar, baking spices and graphite. Oak adds vanilla, tobacco and coffee. Mint or eucalyptus often shows in California and Chile. |
Read the full tasting note for each grape
Each page has a worked note written line by line and a free blank sheet to fill in.
Questions
Which is drier, Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon?
Neither is sweet. Wine Folly lists both as dry. Cabernet Sauvignon can feel drier because it has more tannin: medium-high, against medium for Malbec. Tannin is the drying, grippy feel on your gums and cheeks, and it is not the same as sugar.
What is the difference in taste?
Malbec tastes of plum, blackberry and black cherry, often with vanilla, sweet tobacco and cocoa. Cabernet Sauvignon tastes of black currant and black cherry, with cedar, baking spices and graphite. Less ripe Cabernet Sauvignon can show green pepper.
How do I tell them apart in the glass?
Start with colour. Malbec is deep, opaque purple when young, and a bright magenta rim is a classic sign. Then check the palate. Both are full-bodied, but Cabernet Sauvignon has higher tannin and acidity. Malbec feels rounder, with fairly round tannin and medium-low acidity.
Sources
The typical aromas and structure above come from these grape guides.