Tempranillo vs Malbec – Your Guide to These 2 Robust REDS

When it comes to wine, there are many different types to choose from.

Two of the most popular varieties are tempranillo and malbec. But what are the differences between them?

In this article, we will discuss the key similarities and differences between Tempranillo vs Malbec wines.

We will also provide some tips for choosing the right wine for your needs.

Tempranillo vs Malbec – The Main Differences

Tempranillo and malbec
Tempranillo and malbec are similar, but malbec has a more robust flavor and full body than tempranillo.

Tempranillo wines are typically lighter in color and have flavors of cherry, plum, and tobacco. They are also known for being well-balanced and having a smooth finish.

Malbec wines, on the other hand, tend to be darker in color with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice.

They also tend to be more full-bodied than tempranillo wines.

When it comes to choosing between tempranillo vs malbec, it depends on your personal preferences.

If you prefer a lighter wine with subtle flavors, then tempranillo would be a good choice.

If you prefer a bolder wine with more robust flavors, then malbec would be a better choice. Malbec is a classic choice for spicy, smoked, and other robust food flavors.

Read More: Tempranillo Wine vs Pinot Noir. See how these reds compare in our complete guide!

What is Tempranillo?

Tempranillo is a red wine grape that is widely grown in Spain and Portugal.

The name Tempranillo comes from the Spanish word Temprano, which means “early.”

Tempranillo wines are typically lighter-bodied than other types of red wine, with moderate tannins and acidity.

Flavors of tempranillo wine can include cherry, plum, tobacco, and vanilla.

Read More: Is Tempranillo Wine Sweet? We explore the flavor profile of Tempranillo in this ultimate guide!

What is Malbec?

Malbec is a red wine grape that is native to southwestern France.

The name malbec comes from the Latin word malum meaning “bad” or “evil.”

In France, Malbec wines are often blended with other grapes such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

Malbec wines are typically full-bodied with high tannins and acidity.

Flavors of Malbec wine can include blackberry, plum, and spice – a little more flavorful and robust than tempranillo.

What is the Difference Between Tempranillo and Malbec?

malbec and dinner
Tempranillo and Malbec have a lot of overlap for food pairing, but tempranillo is a little more smooth and delicate than malbec.

Tempranillo vs Malbec, what are the differences?

They’re very close in flavor and origin, but the wines stand apart from each other. If you have a chance to taste them side-by-side, don’t pass it up.

  • First, tempranillo is a Spanish grape while Malbec is from France.
  • Second, tempranillo wines are typically lighter in the body while malbecs are full-bodied.
  • Finally, tempranillo wines tend to have flavors of cherry and plum while malbecs often taste blackberry and spice.

Whether you prefer tempranillo or malbec may simply come down to personal preference.

If you’re looking for a light-bodied red wine with moderate tannins and acidity, then tempranillo may be the grape for you.

If you’re looking for a full-bodied red wine with high tannins and acidity, then malbec may be more your style.

Ultimately, the best way to find out which you prefer is to try them both!

What is the Origin of Tempranillo Wine?

The tempranillo grape is thought to have originated in Spain, and it is still most commonly associated with that country.

The name Tempranillo comes from the Spanish word for “early,” which is a reference to the fact that this grape variety ripens earlier than most others.

In recent years, tempranillo has begun to gain popularity in other countries as well, including Chile, Argentina, Australia, and the United States.

What is the Origin of Malbec Wine?

Malbec is a red wine grape that originally hails from France.

It is most commonly associated with the Cahors region of France, where it has been growing since the early 1800s.

In recent years, however, plantings of malbec have expanded to other countries as well, including Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Argentina has become a major producer of malbec which pairs perfectly with traditional Argentine dishes including roasted meats, barbecue, and spicy, robust dishes.

How to Serve Tempranillo Wine

The tempranillo grape is a versatile one, and as such tempranillo wines can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

They can be served chilled, at room temperature, or even slightly warmed.

When serving tempranillo wine at a party or other event, it is best to let your guests decide how they would like to enjoy their glass.

If you are looking for the perfect food pairing for your tempranillo wine, look no further than Spanish cuisine.

Tapas dishes such as jamón ibérico and manchego cheese are sure to complement the flavors of this delicious red wine.

For something heartier, try pairing tempranillo with cochinillo Asado (roast suckling pig) or carrillada de cerdo (pork cheek stew).

No matter how you choose to enjoy tempranillo wine, one thing is for sure: it is sure to please any palate.

So next time you are looking for a delicious red wine to enjoy, be sure to give tempranillo a try. You won’t be disappointed!

How to Serve Malbec Wine

Malbec is delicious with pizza
Malbec is delicious with savory dishes including pizza with strong, fresh herbs.

Malbec wines are typically dry, medium to full-bodied, and have high tannins. They’re often described as having flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice.

Malbecs pair well with grilled meats, strong cheeses, and chocolate.

When serving a Malbec wine, it’s important to let it breathe first.

This means uncorking the bottle about 30 minutes before you plan to drink it. It is a perfect candidate for serving with a wine aerator.

Malbecs can be served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Using a wine decanter is also an option if you want to further improve the flavor of your wine.

This allows some tannins to dissipate, delivering a smoother finish.

How to Pair Tempranillo and Malbec With Food

tempranillo and food
Tempranillo has a lighter body and flavor than malbec, making it a good pairing with appetizers, finger foods, and roasted vegetables.

Tempranillo is typically best paired with foods that are high in fat, such as grilled meats or stews.

It has a lighter flavor than malbec, so it pairs well with lighter roasted meats, duck, chicken, and seafood.

Malbec has a more robust flavor and body making it a perfect companion for roasted meats, barbecued meats, well-seasoned vegetables, stews, wild game, pizza, tacos, and other flavorful fares.

See our related article on What Pairs With Tempranillo for more delicious pairing ideas!

Bottom Line

The key differences between tempranillo vs malbec come down to the range of deep flavors and body of the wines.

They’re both delicious with many of the same foods.

Just keep in mind that tempranillo has a more delicate, smooth flavor, while malbec has a more robust tannin flavor and a bit of spiciness.

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