Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

Which fruit is prominently featured in the flavor profile of Malbec from Argentina?

1. Plum

2. Cherry

3. Apple

4. Peach

The correct answer is: Plum

Malbec from Argentina is predominantly characterized by a rich and robust fruit profile, with plum being a defining flavor. The grape's dark skin contributes to its deep color and tannic structure, while the warm climate of regions like Mendoza allows the grape to fully ripen, enhancing its fruit-forward qualities. This results in elevated notes of ripe black fruits, where plum often stands out due to its inherent sweetness and juiciness, harmonizing with other flavors like blackberry and black cherry. In contrast, the other fruits mentioned, such as cherry, apple, and peach, do feature in some wine profiles but are less typical in a Malbec's flavor spectrum. Cherry tends to appear more frequently in lighter red wines, while apple and peach are associated with white wines or lighter reds rather than the bold nature of Malbec. The prominence of plum gives Malbec its distinctive character that wine drinkers often recognize and appreciate.