Compare › Saperavi vs Malbec
Saperavi vs Malbec
Saperavi has more body (very full vs full); similar tannin; Saperavi has more acidity (fresh vs moderate). Both are usually dry.
| Saperavi | Malbec | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | red | red |
| sweetness | dry | dry |
| body | very full | full |
| tannin | firm | firm |
| acidity | fresh | moderate |
| oak | little | some |
| Aromas | blackberry, black plum, pomegranate, sour cherry, dark chocolate | plum, blackberry, violet, black cherry, cocoa |
| Classic regions | Kakheti (Mukuzani, Kindzmarauli, Napareuli, Kvareli, Akhasheni); Kartli | Mendoza (Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo); Cahors |
| Food | khachapuri, grilled meats (mtsvadi), lamb stew, kebabs, aged cheese; semi-sweet with spicy food or dessert | steak, barbecue, empanadas, burgers, hard cheese |
| Beginner-friendly | less so | yes |
Which should you buy?
Choose Saperavi if you want very full body with firm tannins and blackberry, black plum, pomegranate; it suits khachapuri, grilled meats (mtsvadi), lamb stew. Choose Malbec for full body, firm tannins and plum, blackberry, violet; it suits steak, barbecue, empanadas.
Top Saperavi
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badagoni Saperavi Reserve 2010 Badagoni · Kakheti | £33.67 | |||
| Chateau Purcari Academia Saperavi 2021 Chateau Purcari · South Eastern | £40.60 | |||
| Rtvelisi Saperavi Qvevri 2019 Rtvelisi · Kakheti | £21.10 | |||
| Chateau Purcari Limited Edition Saperavi 2023 Chateau Purcari · South Eastern | £22.03 | |||
| Chateau Buera Saperavi Reserve 2019 Chateau Buera · Kakheti | £22.63 | |||
| Tbilvino Mukuzani Special Reserve 2021 Tbilvino · Kakheti | £31.91 |
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 Matias Riccitelli · Mendoza | £62.04 | |||
| Catena Zapata Birth of Cabernet 2022 Catena Zapata · Mendoza | £82.31 |