The world celebrates International Malbec Day, or World Malbec Day, on April 17th. The Malbec grape is believed to have originated in southwestern France. It has been cultivated in the region for centuries and was one of the six grapes originally permitted for use in Bordeaux wine. However, Malbec fell out of favor in Bordeaux due to its susceptibility to disease and its difficulty in ripening.
In the mid-19th century, Malbec was brought to Argentina, where it found a new home and has become the country’s signature grape variety. The grape thrived in Argentina’s high-altitude vineyards, where the sunny days and cool nights help to retain acidity and balance the grape’s ripeness. Today, Argentina is one of the world’s largest producers of Malbec wine.
Here are some more Malbec numbers:
- Argentina is the seventh largest wine producer in the world, with a vineyard surface of around 525,000 acres in 2021. (OIV, 2021)
- Malbec accounts for 40% of red varieties cultivated in Argentina, meaning 75% of the world’s Malbec is produced there. (OIV, 2017)
- Although Malbec grapes are found in 16 Argentinian provinces, most are in the province of Mendoza, where 85% of its planted surface area is with Malbec grapes. (Wines of Argentina, 2023)
- Malbec production in Argentina is followed by France, where Malbec is still grown in the Cahors region and other areas such as the Loire Valley and the Bordeaux region. Other countries such as Chile, the United States, South Africa, and Australia also grow Malbec grapes, albeit in smaller quantities.
- In 2021, California had 3,777 acres of Malbec. A slight decrease from 3,805 acres in 2020. (California Grape Acreage Report, 2021)
- The four counties in California with the most acreage dedicated to growing Malbec are San Joaquin, Napa, San Luis Obispo, and Sonoma County. (California Grape Acreage Report, 2021)
- In 2021, Washington state’s Malbec grape production was almost 3,330 tons, a 15% increase from 2020. (Washington Grape Production Report, 2021)
- Oregon has 302 acres of Malbec grapes planted, an increase from the 286 acres reported the year before. (Oregon Vineyard and Winery Report, 2021)
- Texas produces 180 acres of Malbec, mainly in the state’s Texas High Plains and Panhandle wine region. (USDA, 2020)
Malbec is typically used as a blending grape in California but is also produced as a varietal wine. When used in blends, Malbec is often blended with other Bordeaux varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot, to add color, tannins, and fruity flavors to the wine. Malbec can also be blended with Syrah, Grenache, or other Rhône varieties to add complexity and spice notes to the wine.
As you celebrate Malbec’s contribution to the wine world today, remember these numbers or share them with your customers, colleagues, or friends.
