Updated November 2026
Short answer: Malbec is the plush, fruity, velvety red; Cabernet Sauvignon is the firmer, more tannic, more structured one. Choose Malbec if you like smooth, juicy reds and asado, and Cabernet if you want structure, rich cuts of steak or a bottle to age. Keep reading for taste, tannins, aging and where to taste both.
Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are the two big reds people compare most often: both are full-bodied, dark and made for meat. The difference is texture. Malbec is generous and velvety; Cabernet is firmer and more structured.
Cabernet Sauvignon was born in 17th-century Bordeaux as a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and it ripens late, so it needs warm sites. Malbec comes from southwest France too, and was long a blending grape in Bordeaux before it found its true home in Mendoza. At Borravino we pour Malbec every day in Mendoza, and many wineries there also make Cabernet Sauvignon, so it is easy to compare the two from the same region.
Malbec vs Cabernet Sauvignon at a glance
| Malbec | Cabernet Sauvignon | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Cahors, southwest France; Argentina’s signature grape today | Bordeaux, France (Médoc, Pauillac, Margaux) |
| Color | Deep purple | Deep, dark ruby |
| Taste | Plum, blackberry, violet, cocoa, sweet spice | Blackcurrant (cassis), black cherry, cedar, tobacco, sometimes green pepper or herbs |
| Body | Full-bodied | Full-bodied |
| Tannins | Firm but plush and velvety | High, firm and structured |
| Acidity | Medium | Medium to high |
| Style | Fruity, generous, easy to love | Structured, savory, age-worthy |
| Aging | Most bottles drink best young; top ones can age a decade or more | Built to age; top bottles can last for decades |
| Best for | Fans of plush, fruit-forward reds and grilled meats | Fans of structure, rich cuts and cellaring |
| Serve at | 16–18°C (61–64°F) | 16–18°C (61–64°F); decant young bottles for 30–60 minutes |
| Pair with | Asado, chimichurri, empanadas, spicy barbecue | Ribeye, lamb, aged cheddar, mushrooms |
| Where to taste it | Mendoza, Argentina (Luján de Cuyo, Uco Valley) | Bordeaux; Napa Valley; Chile’s Maipo Valley; Mendoza |
What you need to know
What’s the main difference between Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon?
Texture and structure. Malbec is plush and fruity, with plum, blackberry and spice and softer, velvety tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon is firmer, with blackcurrant, cedar and tobacco, higher tannins and more acidity. Both are full-bodied and dry.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon sweeter than Malbec?
No, if anything the opposite. Neither is sweet, but Malbec’s ripe dark fruit can feel jammy and a little sweeter, while Cabernet’s firm tannins make it taste drier and more serious.
Which one has more tannin?
Cabernet Sauvignon. Its small, thick-skinned grapes give a darker, more tannic wine, with a firm grip and a long finish. Malbec has tannin too, but it tends to feel rounder and softer.
What is the smoothest red wine to drink?
Among full-bodied reds, Malbec is one of the smoothest, thanks to its plush tannins. If you want something even softer, look at Merlot (see our guide to Malbec vs Merlot) or a lighter red such as Pinot Noir.
Is Malbec a high-end wine?
It can be both. Most Malbecs are everyday wines with great value, but the best bottles from old vines in Luján de Cuyo and high-altitude sites in the Uco Valley are serious, collectible wines. Price depends more on the vineyard, the age of the vines and the producer than on the grape itself.
Which is better with steak?
Both work, in different ways. Cabernet’s firm tannins cut through the fat of rich cuts like ribeye. Malbec’s plush fruit suits smoky Argentine asado, chimichurri and spicy sauces.
Which one ages better?
Cabernet Sauvignon, generally. Its tannins and acidity give it a long life. Most Malbecs are made to be enjoyed within a few years, although top examples can age for a decade or more.
Are Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon related?
Not closely, but they share a past in Bordeaux, where Malbec was historically one of the blending grapes. Genetically, Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
Where Cabernet Sauvignon shines in South America
Cabernet is not only a Bordeaux and Napa grape. In Mendoza it grows next to Malbec, and in Chile it is the star of the Maipo Valley, one of the country’s classic Cabernet regions. If you want to taste both grapes in the places they love, our Maipo Valley wine tour from Santiago is a good place to start.
Professional recommendations:
- Taste a Malbec and a Cabernet Sauvignon from the same Mendoza winery, side by side, and notice how the tannins differ.
- Open the Cabernet 30 to 60 minutes before serving, and serve both at the same temperature.
- Pair the Cabernet with a rich cut and the Malbec with a smoky grill, then swap them.
Experience both, where they grow
Reading about Malbec and Cabernet is one thing; tasting them where they grow is another. Our private wine tours in Mendoza take you from Luján de Cuyo’s old vines to the high-altitude Uco Valley, and our Chile wine tours cover valleys such as Maipo and Colchagua. Traveling with a group? See our upcoming small group trips or write to hello@borravinowinetours.com.
Found a Mendoza Malbec you loved at a winery? We Ship Wines can send bottles from Mendoza to the United States or Brazil. Also comparing with other reds? Read our guides to Malbec vs Merlot, Malbec vs Tempranillo and Malbec vs Pinot Noir.