In Switzerland's wine-producing regions, which include Valais, Vaud, German-speaking Switzerland, Geneva, Ticino and the Three-Lakes region, over 2,500 winegrowers cultivate 14,569 hectares of vineyards.
The special relief of the Swiss vineyards leads to viticulture on a human scale, where the winemaker's hand is the most important tool in helping the grapes to ripen.
Switzerland offers numerous wine tourism destinations and activities in the heart of the Alps. A wide variety of landscapes and grape varieties ensure exciting experiences.
Pairing wine and food doesn't have to be complicated. We show how the right wine can perfectly round off a dish.
From the grapevine to the wine glass: discover fascinating insights about wine, learn technical terms, and deepen your knowledge with our wine courses.
Malbec
Grape variety Red
Serving temperature:
16-18°C
Profile Malbec
Grown on around 27 hectares in Switzerland
Also known as Cot or Auxerrois
This is what Malbec tastes like
Malbec impresses with intense flavours of dark berries, plums, black cherries and often spicy notes such as pepper or tobacco. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, with soft but present tannins - tannins that provide structure but do not dry out.
Mature Malbecs develop additional flavours of leather, chocolate or smoke. The acidity is usually moderate, which gives it a particularly rounded flavour. Those who like wines such as Merlot or Syrah will also enjoy Malbec.
Malbec goes well with these dishes
Malbec loves the barbecue: an entrecôte or lamb chop is a wonderful match because the wine has enough strength to accompany the roasted flavours. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to a hearty beef goulash or aubergine lasagna.
Matured cheese, for example a Sbrinz or Gruyère, brings out its dark flavours beautifully. Malbec is less suited to very light dishes or fish, it quickly becomes too dominant.
History and cultivation of Malbec
Malbec originally comes from south-west France and was once often used in Bordeaux wines. In Europe, the grape variety is also cultivated in northern Italy and Spain. It is also grown in Australia, South America, California, and South Africa.
Malbec prefers warm, well-ventilated locations and is sensitive to spring frost. The grape variety ripens late and requires full sunlight to develop its dark fruit and soft tannins.
Distribution of Malbec in Switzerland
Malbec is rarely found in Switzerland, but is an exciting addition to the range of grape varieties, especially in German-speaking Switzerland.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Malbec grape variety
Yes - that is a trademark. The thick berry skin ensures deep, dark colours and lots of flavour.
Argentinian Malbec is often fruitier and warmer in style. Swiss Malbec usually shows more freshness, elegance and depth - it is somewhat more restrained, but often more exciting in detail.
Definitely. Good Malbecs mature easily for 5 to 10 years and gain complexity in the process.
Because it is rarely cultivated - but that is slowly changing. More and more winegrowers are discovering its potential for characterful Swiss red wines.
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