Cabernet Sauvignon vs Malbec

Cabernet Sauvignon is more tannic and fuller.

Sweetness, body, tannin and acidity are our rating of a typical dry table wine from each grape.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red · France, Georgia, Italy

full, firm, blackcurrant and cedar

Malbec

Red · France

plush, dark plum, cocoa

Bone dry
Sweetness: Bone dry; Very full
Body: Full; Very high
Tannin: Medium; High
Acidity: Medium; 13.5 to 15%
Alcohol: 13.5 to 15%; 16 to 18 °C
Serve at: 16 to 18 °C; Bordeaux, Tuscany, Napa Valley, Paso Robles AVA
Regions: Argentina, Cahors

Only Cabernet Sauvignon

Lamb
Hard and aged cheese
Mushrooms and truffle

Both pair with

Steak

Only Malbec

Savoury pies and pastries
Grilled vegetables
Blue cheese

Sources

Style profiles, pairings and serving figures are our own assessment. Regions and origins: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0); see the Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec pages.