Malbec is a red grape that has become more popular over the last decade, largely due to the success in South America.

In France it is a component of the Bordeaux Blend, but has been replaced over the years with more fashionable and durable grape varieties. It is also grown in South West France where its most famous wine is Cahors. These wines used to be unapproachable and undrinkable young. But new winemakers, improvements in the winery and vineyard have led to these wines finding a new place on the world wine map.

Outside France, this variety's major stronghold is in Argentina. Where for many years it was the workhorse variety providing material for everyday wines, but now produces world class wines. Argentinian wines produce generous black fruit characteristics, balanced acidity and smooth tannins. It is either bottled on its own or as part of a Bordeaux blend.

In Australia, production is limited with a small number of varietal wines made and the rest being used to blend.