Malbech

Malbec is a dark-skinned grape variety originally from southwestern France, historically used in Bordeaux blends and still prominent in the Cahors region. While its French roots are undeniable, Malbec has become an international star thanks to its transformation into Argentina’s flagship grape, producing bold, fruit-forward red wines that have captured global attention.

In Italy, Malbec - sometimes spelled Malbech - is grown in small quantities across various regions, including Abruzzo, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Apulia, Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, and Umbria. Despite this wide geographical spread, Malbec is rarely bottled as a single-varietal wine in Italy. Instead, it is most often used as a blending grape to enhance structure, colour, and body in both native and international-style wines.

One of the most notable uses of Malbec in Italy is in the production of red Supertuscanwines. In these bold and expressive blends, Malbec is commonly paired with Sangiovese and other international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Its contribution adds richness and depth, while also lending a subtle spiciness and soft tannins.

Although Malbec has existed in Italy for quite some time, it has only recently begun to draw more interest, largely because of its rising global profile. For many years, it remained a little-known variety outside of its French homeland, until Argentina’s success with the grape reshaped its reputation on the world stage. Argentine Malbec wines are now celebrated for their deep colour, ripe fruit flavours, and smooth finish, qualities that are also beginning to be appreciated in the limited Italian expressions of the grape.

Malbec vines are hardy and adaptable, thriving in a variety of climates and soils. In Italy, the grape typically benefits from warmer conditions, which help bring out its signature notes of plum, blackberry, and spice. When used in blends, it adds balance, colour intensity, and aromatic complexity.