• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Urban Bliss Life logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • contact
  • shop
  • cookbooks
  • resources
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Asian
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Cookies
    • Dairy-free
    • Dessert
    • Filipino
    • Holiday
    • Instant Pot
    • Main Dish
    • Pasta
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Seafood
    • Vegan
    • Cocktails
    • Dog Treats
  • Wine
    • Food & Wine Pairing
    • Oregon Wine
    • Washington
    • California
  • Travel
    • Travel Gear
    • Travel Tips
    • Hotels
    • USA travel
    • Europe
    • Japan
    • Canada
    • Asia
  • Restaurants
  • About
    • Work With Us
    • Press
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Wine
  • Travel
  • Cookbooks
  • About
  • Work With Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ร—
    Urban Bliss Life ยป Wine Tips ยป Oregon Wine ยป Oregon Malbec

    Published: March 22, 2023 / Updated: January 6, 2024 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

    Oregon Malbec

    10 shares
    Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.
    glass of malbec wine with snacks and Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.
    Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.

    Is Oregon the new frontier for Malbec wine? Valcan Cellars co-owner/winemaker and Malbec in the City founder J.P. Valot thinks so. With an increasing number of Oregon wineries growing and producing a variety of Malbec wine styles, we take a deep dive into the world of Oregon Malbec.

    Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.

    "I love Oregon so much, and fell in love with it the first time I came here in 2001 as a harvest intern. I was lucky to find Malbec here, because I came to work with Pinot Noir grapes. The community is very special and the quality of life is amazing, especially here in Corvallis."

    That's Juan Pablo (J.P.) Valot, co-owner and winemaker of Valcan Cellars in Corvallis, Oregon. He's also the driving force behind the inaugural Malbec in the City event in Portland, Oregon.

    JP Valot, owner and winemaker of Valcan Cellars, with three bottles of wine in the tasting room.

    Valot was born just north of Mendoza, Argentina - a region well-known for its incredible Malbec. Although Malbec was originally planted in France, it is now the most widely-planted grape in Argentina.

    And while Oregon's wine reputation is focused on being the land of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Valot says there's never been a more exciting time for Oregon Malbec.

    "After a few decades growing and making Malbec," Valot says, "Oregon has reached a significant number of wineries producing high quality Malbec wines and Malbec blends by selecting the best terroirs and winemaking techniques."

    And the time is right, he says, for Malbec in the City - a celebration of Malbec wine.

    Jump to:
    • What are the typical characteristics of a Malbec?
    • What makes Oregon Malbec different?
    • Examples of different styles of Malbec wine
    • Malbec in the City
    • What Oregon wineries currently produce Malbec?
    • Food pairings for Malbec wine
    • Oregon Malbec resources
    • Learn more about Oregon wines
    • Sign up for the best food, wine, travel deals

    What are the typical characteristics of a Malbec?

    For those unfamiliar with Malbec, here's a quick look at the general characteristics of this red wine.

    • Color - deep purple-red, with a tell-tale magenta-hued rim when poured into a glass.
    • Body - Full
    • Tannins - Medium
    • Acidity - Medium
    • Alcohol - Medium to High (usually around 13-14%)
    • Aromas & flavors - Black cherry, ripe plum, dark plum, blueberry, pomegranate, and blackberry fruits. Sometimes: black pepper, oak, dark chocolate, floral, coffee, tobacco.

    Malbec typically has big, jammy flavors and a fuller mouthfeel. It's not as popular worldwide as other big reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, so you'll often find Malbec wines to be a great value.

    For many winemakers, Malbec is a dream grape variety. "Malbec is your perfect child," says Valot. "Malbec grapes come loaded with aromas, flavors and polyphenols, allowing us to have a more minimalistic, hands-off approach."

    What makes Oregon Malbec different?

    Currently, the majority of Oregon Malbec is grown in Southern Oregon. While there are winemakers in the Willamette Valley that produce Malbec, they usually get their grapes from the Rogue Valley AVA and the Umpqua Valley AVA.

    Thick-skinned Malbec grapes need sunshine and a drier climate to thrive, and temperatures in Southern Oregon are said to be similar to France's Bordeaux and Rhône regions.

    A small number of Malbec is grown elsewhere in the state. Notably, also in the Columbia Gorge AVA.

    "I do not like to compare different regions in the world," says Valot, "but I can tell that we get better chemistry numbers (in Oregon), especially the acidity (tartaric acid and malic acid) compared to those vineyards planted in the lower areas of the valley floor in Mendoza."

    Malbec grapes truly express the unique characteristics of their terroir. So the differences in climate, soil, nutrients, and production methods help create vastly different wines in Argentina, France, California, Washington, and Oregon.

    Valot continues: "Malbec is very versatile. You can go from a White, Rose, and Sparkling Malbec to a light, medium to a full bodied Malbec."

    And at Valcan Cellars, Valot does just that.  

    Examples of different styles of Malbec wine

    There truly is a Malbec wine for almost everyone.

    In addition to the traditional still full-bodied red wine that dominates Malbec wine production, there are also different styles that showcase the versatility of this grape.

    At Valcan Cellars, Valot produces a sparkling Malbec and a white Malbec, in addition to a traditional still red Malbec.

    White Malbec

    bottle of white malbec on a wine barrel.

    Valcan Cellars was the first winery in the United States to produce a White Malbec wine. Once harvested, Malbec grapes are gently pressed. This is to ensure minimum color is imparted on the free-run juice. Since very little skin contact occurs, the result is a White Malbec, which is actually a very pale, transparent salmon color.

    The latest vintage of Valcan Cellars White Malbec is a light, medium-bodied white wine with a bright acidity and smooth tannins. With aromas and flavors of citrus, wild berries, apple, pear, and melon, this is a refreshing Malbec to enjoy on warmer days. I'd even suggest it has the body, structure, and finesse to replace that Chardonnay at your Thanksgiving table.

    Sparkling Malbec

    Bottle of sparkling Malbec on a spring towel.

    Many sparkling red wines tend to be on the sweeter side. At Valcan Cellars, Valot produces a dry sparkling Malbec.

    He picks the grapes at a similar ripeness to when Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes - more traditional sparkling varieties - would be picked.

    The sparkling Malbec is made with skin contact for seven days prior to pressing. The grapes are then fermented in tanks for two weeks, aged for five months sur lie, then the bubbles are created by force-carbonation before bottling.

    This is a medium-bodied, dry sparkling wine with refreshingly bright acidity and aromas and flavors of wildflowers, strawberries, and black cherry.

    Malbec in the City

    malbec in the city graphic

    It is the growing diversity of Oregon Malbec that Valot hopes to showcase at the first of its kind of Malbec event in the US: Malbec in the City.

    Malbec in the City
    Sunday, April 30, 2023
    Castaway
    1900 NW 18th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209
    12:00 - 1:00 pm VIP Hour
    1:00 - 5:00 pm General Admission

    At this Oregon wine event, you'll be able to taste more than 30 different Oregon Malbec wines. From white to sparkling to the traditional still red Malbec, you'll be able to taste it all at Malbec in the City. Enjoy light bites, tango dancing, and live music.

    Buy Tickets

    For more information and to buy tickets, visit MalbecInTheCity.com.

    Proceeds will benefit Our Legacy Harvested, a nonprofit empowering the BIPOC community in the wine industry. 

    What Oregon wineries currently produce Malbec?

    Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.

    The list of Oregon wineries that produce wines from Malbec grapes that are grown in Oregon is ever-changing. Most are Southern Oregon Malbec producers, and more are added to this list regularly.

    Here's a list of some of the wineries that are currently producing Malbec in Oregon.

    Wineries that are in bold and have an asterisk* by their name are participating in Malbec in the City on April 30, 2023.

    • 2Hawk Winery
    • Abacela Winery*
    • Awen Winecraft
    • Cathedral Ridge Winery
    • Gonzales Wine Company*
    • Hummingbird Estate*
    • Leah Jorgensen Cellars *
    • Melrose Vineyards*
    • Misty Oaks Vineyard
    • Natalie's Estate Winery
    • Noble Estate Vineyard
    • Paul O'Brien
    • Peter William Vineyard•
    • RoxyAnn Winery*
    • Ryan Rose Wine*
    • Sarver Winery*
    • Silvan Ridge
    • Sweet Cheeks Winery*
    • Trella Vineyards*
    • Valcan Cellars*
    • Weisinger Family Winery*
    • Willamette Valley Vineyards*

    Buy Oregon Malbec online from our partner, Vivino (affiliate)

    Want to learn more about Oregon wine? Check out our full Oregon Wine Guide.

    Food pairings for Malbec wine

    Now let's get to my personal favorite part of every conversation: food pairings.

    While I enjoy a glass of Malbec on its own, I think it's an incredible wine to pair with a variety of foods. When paired thoughtfully, both the wine and the food flavors elevated and everything simply tastes better.

    Here are some suggestions for Malbec food pairings.

    Food pairings for still red Malbec

    Malbec's rich black fruit flavors and smoky secondary notes make it a delicious pairing with game meats. It's great with lamb, mushrooms, and funky blue cheese. Try it with our Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb or Mushrooms Marsala (as featured on The Drew Barrymore Show!)

    What to pair with sparkling Malbec?

    According to Valot, sparkling Malbec pairs well with fish and seafood, scrambled eggs, nuts, potato chips, cheese (creamy ones) and any pasta or risotto. Try our Risotto with Prawns, Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi, or Pan-Seared Salmon.

    What to pair with white Malbec?

    Valot makes the bold statement that a white Malbec wine would pair well with almost anything, and he's not wrong. I'd suggest pairing a white Malbec with any of our Thai food recipes. Specifically, it would taste amazing with Thai Basil Shrimp, our CPK Copycat Thai Crunch Salad, and an Asian Carrot Cucumber Salad. And as mentioned earlier, it would be great with a Thanksgiving turkey or roast chicken.

    Oregon Malbec resources

    • Malbec in the City
    • Valcan Cellars (Corvallis, Oregon tasting room)
    • Oregon Wine Board

    Learn more about Oregon wines

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.

    If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

    Sign up for the best food, wine, travel deals

    If you want the best but also love a good deal, this newsletter is for you! We're launching a new Friday Finds newsletter, sharing all the best deals. Be one of the first Friday Finds subscribers!

    « Crab Deviled Eggs
    Instant Pot Green Beans »
    10 shares

    Get recipes, travel tips, deals and more delivered to your inbox!

      Reader Interactions

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      Primary Sidebar

      Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.
      glass of malbec wine with snacks and Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.
      Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.
      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

      More about me →

      Featured In

      Urban Bliss Life Press Featured In graphic

      Spring Recipes

      • Half of a quiche in a pie pan with salmon, asparagus, and leeks.
        Salmon Quiche
      • strawberry crinkle cookies on a plate
        Strawberry Crinkle Cookies
      • dill pickle potato salad
        Dill Pickle Potato Salad
      • bowl of cucumber dill salad.
        Cucumber Dill Salad

      More Spring Recipes ➡️

      New Recipes

      • Cod en Papillote (cod in parchment paper).
        Cod en Papillote
      • berry overnight oats in a mason jar.
        Berry Overnight Oats
      • ube ice cream, ube donuts, ube cookies, ube bars with title text overlay "Best Ube Dessert Recipes"
        Filipino Ube Desserts
      • chicken and chorizo orzo in a pan.
        Chicken and Chorizo Orzo

      New Travel Tips

      • scenes from Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, and Sahara Desert with title text overlay 10 Day Morocco Itinerary.
        10 Day Morocco Itinerary: From Casablanca to the Sahara to the Sea
      • bottles of syrah
        Wine Tasting in Tournon-sur-Rhone
      • vineyards at Domaine De Fond-vieille in Beaujolais, France
        Wine Tasting in Beaujolais: Domaine De Fond-vieille
      • exterior of abba hotel san sebastian spain
        Where to Stay in San Sebastian: Abba San Sebastian

      Visit our Sister Sites

      Fifty cups of coffee logo
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Pinterest
      • Instagram
      • YouTube

      Footer

      Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.
      glass of malbec wine with snacks and Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.
      Valcan Cellars bottle of White Malbec and Sparkling Malbec on spring towel on a wine barrel with spring flowers.

      ↑ back to top

      logos of media outlets that have featured urban bliss life.

      Recipes

      • 30-Minute Meals
      • 5-Ingredients
      • Air Fryer
      • Asian
      • Dairy-Free
      • Pasta
      • Seafood

      About

      • About
      • FAQs
      • Privacy & Accessibility Policy
      • Terms & Conditions

      Contact

      • Contact
      • Work with me

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
      Copyright © 2024 Urban Bliss Life

      All rights reserved. You may not use any photos or recipes on this site for any personal or commercial use without my express written permission.