Malbec vs Tannat
Malbec
A deeply colored black grape with blackberry, plum and violet, native to southwest France and now strongly associated with Argentina.
- Blackberry and violet
- Deep color
- Medium to firm tannin
Recognize it
Deep purple color with medium to firm tannin. Blackberry, plum and violet are common. Argentine examples often feel riper and rounder; Cahors can be firmer and more savory.
Tannat
A very tannic, deeply colored red grape best known from Madiran in southwest France and widely planted in Uruguay.
- Blackberry
- Very high tannin
- Dense body
Recognize it
Very high tannin in a very full body with medium to high acidity. Blackberry and licorice are common. The tannin may not always feel harsh, but there is usually a lot of it.
How they compare
- SimilarDark fruit and full body.
- DifferenceMalbec is softer and more violet-driven; Tannat has more tannin and leans toward blackberry and licorice.