Compare › Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon has more body (very full vs full); Cabernet Sauvignon has more tannin (very firm vs firm); Cabernet Sauvignon has more acidity (fresh vs moderate). Both are usually dry.
Typical structure · knowledge base
MalbecCabernet Sauvignon1 light / dry / low · 5 full / luscious / high
sweetness
1 · 1
body
4 · 5
tannin
4 · 5
acidity
3 · 4
oak
3 · 4
Same 1–5 numbers as the table. Typical for the variety, not a tasting of one wine.
| Malbec | Cabernet Sauvignon | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | red | red |
| sweetness | dry | dry |
| body | full | very full |
| tannin | firm | very firm |
| acidity | moderate | fresh |
| oak | some | noticeable |
| Aromas | plum, blackberry, violet, black cherry, cocoa | blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, mint, green bell pepper when unripe |
| Classic regions | Mendoza (Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo); Cahors | Médoc / Pauillac / Saint-Julien; Napa Valley; Coonawarra |
| Food | steak, barbecue, empanadas, burgers, hard cheese | steak, roast beef, lamb, burgers, hard cheese |
| Beginner-friendly | yes | less so |
Which should you buy?
Choose Malbec if you want full body with firm tannins and plum, blackberry, violet; it suits steak, barbecue, empanadas. Choose Cabernet Sauvignon for very full body, very firm tannins and blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar; it suits steak, roast beef, lamb.
Top Malbec
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Enemigo As Bravas Gualtallary Malbec 2018 El Enemigo · Mendoza | £92.59 | |||
| PerSe La Craie Gualtallary 2023 PerSe · Mendoza | £195.26 | |||
| Susana Balbo Nosotros Single Vineyard Nomade 2020 Susana Balbo · Mendoza | £97.60 | |||
| Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2022 Catena Zapata · Mendoza | £164.62 | |||
| Matias Riccitelli & Father 2023 Matías Riccitelli · Mendoza | £62.04 | |||
| Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Malbec 2021 Achaval Ferrer · Mendoza | £84.98 |
Top Cabernet Sauvignon
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Mascot 2021 The Mascot · California | £186.13 | |||
| Andrew Will Sorella 2020 Andrew Will · Washington | £82.31 | |||
| Fattoria Le Pupille Saffredi 2022 Fattoria Le Pupille · Tuscany | £89.24 | |||
| Lapostolle La Parcelle 8 Vieilles Vignes Apalta 2020 Lapostolle · Apalta | £93.31 | |||
| Sena 2021 Seña · Aconcagua Valley | £93.49 | |||
| Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte 2017 Château Smith Haut Lafitte · Bordeaux | £110.50 |