Malbec is an Argentine red wine that has taken the world by storm. It has a bold and fruity taste that can leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
A glass of Malbec can enhance any dining experience, especially when paired with the right food. The rich and robust flavor profile of this full-bodied wine makes it a favored choice for many food enthusiasts.
But what is the best food to pair with a Malbec? Anyone looking to enjoy an unforgettable meal should consider pairing their favorite Malbec with a complementary dish.
This article will explore some of the best food options to pair with a Malbec, ensuring that your taste buds will sing in delight.
17 Best food to pair with a Malbec
1. Meaty Delights
Beef and Malbec are a match made in heaven, especially when you’re talking about a juicy, succulent steak.
The wine’s bold and fruity flavors pair perfectly with the richness of the beef, serving as a great contrast to the meat’s texture.
You can complement the shiraz’s tannins by choosing beef that’s fatty or has a good amount of marbling.
Ribeye or sirloin steaks are the perfect choices for this, either grilled or pan-fried to take on a good crust.
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2. Tasty Barbecues
While we’re on the topic of grilling, Malbec is an excellent wine to pair with barbecues.
The intensity of the smoky flavors in barbecued foods such as ribs, chicken, and pulled pork balances perfectly with the wine’s bold tannins. The meat’s spices, herbs, and charred flavors make an excellent accompaniment to the wine.
3. Cheesy Heaven
Malbec is one of the best wine options for cheese lovers. Its dark flavor profile pairs perfectly with hard or soft-aged cheeses such as cheddar, Gouda, or Manchego.
You can also opt to try it with blue cheese to experience the interplay between its richness and the wine’s tannins.
4. Pasta and Pizza
Now, this will come as a surprise, but a glass of Malbec pairs wonderfully with Italian cuisine.
The wine’s bold flavors and acidity make it perfect for cutting through the richness of pasta and cheesy pizza.
When choosing your toppings or pasta sauce, you should consider flavors like tomato, garlic, or oil-based sauces.
5. Dark Chocolate
Malbec’s fruity and spicy flavors pair well with dark chocolate, and you need to enjoy these together to appreciate the magical connection.
A wine with a rich tannic structure will balance the bitterness of dark chocolate, while both the grape and chocolate’s fruitiness will spark a delightful romantic interplay in your mouth.
6. Spicy Food
Malbec is a great match for spicy food! The wine’s fruity notes help to cool down the heat in spicy dishes. Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisine are perfect options for pairing with Malbec.
Try a spicy chicken curry or a beef fajita to enjoy with a glass of Malbec.
7. Hard Cheese
Another great pairing for Malbec is a hard cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.
The wine’s bold flavor pairs perfectly with the salty notes of cheese, creating a symphony of flavors. It’s a simple yet sensational pairing that’s sure to impress your guests.
8. Mushrooms
Mushrooms bring out the earthy undertones of Malbec. The wine’s boldness and acidity cut through the richness of the mushrooms, creating a harmonious pairing.
Try roasted portobello mushrooms or vegetarian mushroom risotto for a memorable Malbec pairing.
9. Beef braised in red wine
The deep fruit flavors of Malbec enhance the flavors of beef braised in a rich red wine sauce.
10. Venison
The bold flavors of Malbec can stand up to the earthy game flavors of venison. (Recipe)
11. Pasta with mushroom sauce
Malbec’s fruit flavors and firm tannins balance well with the rich and creamy mushroom sauce.
12. Pizza with meat toppings
The medium body of Malbec is a great pairing with the bold flavors of a meaty pizza.
13. Grilled eggplant
The smoky flavors of grilled eggplant are perfectly balanced by the fruit notes in Malbec.
14. Spicy sausage
The bold and spicy flavors of sausage can stand up to the powerful fruit flavors in Malbec.
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15. Cheeseburger
The fruit notes in Malbec are a great complement to the savory, meaty flavors of a cheeseburger.
16. Ratatouille
The bright, acidic flavors of Malbec are a perfect pairing with the hearty and flavorful ratatouille.
17. Chili
The bold flavors of chili are well balanced with the fruit and tannin profile of Malbec.
Find Out More: Best Food to Pair with Red Wines
Wrap Up
In conclusion, the correct pairing of Malbec with the right food can elevate your dining experience to the next level.
Whether you’re savoring a steak or indulging in a barbecued meal, Malbec’s bold and fruity flavors will make for a memorable pairing experience.
So, next time you reach out for a bottle, consider indulging in one of these Malbec pairing options. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you.
FAQs
What flavor doesn’t go well with Malbec?
Malbec is a rich and robust red wine that originates from Argentina. Its fruity and spicy notes make it a popular choice to pair with a variety of foods such as steak, grilled meats, and bold cheeses.
However, as much as Malbec can complement certain flavors, there are also flavors that do not pair well with it.
One flavor that does not go well with Malbec is sweet or creamy foods. Malbec has a high tannin content, which can clash with the sweetness of desserts or cream-based sauces.
Additionally, pairing Malbec with spicy dishes may also pose a challenge since the wine’s bold flavor may overpower the spiciness of the food.
When it comes to cheese, some varieties may not be the best match for Malbec. Mild and soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can be easily overpowered by the wine’s strong flavor. It’s recommended to instead pair Malbec with aged and sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
Overall, while Malbec pairs well with many bold and flavorful foods, it’s important to be mindful of certain flavor profiles that may not complement the wine’s robust taste.