Malbec tasting notes: a worked example
See what a structured Malbec tasting note looks like, line by line, then fill in the blank sheet for the bottle in your glass.
A Malbec tasting note, line by line
This is a worked example of how a note can read for the typical style of the grape. It is not a review of one bottle. Your wine will differ, so write what you find.
| Line of the note | What a typical Malbec note says |
|---|---|
| Appearance Colour | Deep, opaque purple, especially when young. A bright magenta rim is a classic sign. |
| Nose Fruit | Plum, blackberry and black cherry. |
| Nose Other | Vanilla, sweet tobacco, cocoa or chocolate. At higher altitude, such as the Uco Valley, more red fruit and floral notes such as violet. |
| Palate Acidity | Medium-low. It holds its acidity best in high, cool vineyards. |
| Palate Tannin | Medium, and fairly round. |
| Palate Body | Full. |
| Palate Alcohol | Usually 13.5 to 15% ABV, and often above 14% from Mendoza. Check the label. |
| Conclusions Where it is from | Argentina is its best-known home today, led by Mendoza (Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo). The grape comes from south-west France, where Cahors is the best-known appellation. |
The same note in two sentences
Deep, opaque purple with a magenta rim. Ripe plum and blackberry on the nose, with vanilla and a little cocoa. Full body, medium tannin, medium-low acidity. Rich and fruit-forward.
What to look for
- Look at the rim of the glass. The bright magenta edge against a deep core is a clue some tasters use in blind tasting.
- Name the black fruit first (plum, blackberry), then look for the sweeter notes (vanilla, cocoa, tobacco).
- Check the label for alcohol. Malbec from a hot place can be 14% or more, and you may feel the warmth in your throat.
Now write your own
Fill this in for the bottle in front of you. It saves on your device only. Nothing is sent to us.
Questions
What does Malbec taste like?
Typically ripe plum, blackberry and black cherry, with vanilla, sweet tobacco and cocoa. It is usually full-bodied with medium tannin.
Where does Malbec come from?
The grape originated in south-west France, where it is also called Côt and makes the dark wines of Cahors. Argentina is now the best-known producer.
How do I write a Malbec tasting note?
Work in the same order every time: look, nose, palate, then your conclusions. Note the depth of colour, name the black fruit, then rate tannin, acidity and body. The blank sheet on this page follows that order.
Sources
The typical aromas, structure and regions above come from these grape guides.