Malbec
Argentina, Cahors France
High-altitude grape with very thick skins. UV exposure thickens skins, raising polyphenol and tannin levels. Argentine Malbec is one of the most reactive reds.
- Congeners
- Moderate
- Histamines
- Very High
- Polyphenols
- Very High
- Sulfites
- High
- Tannins
- Very High
- Sugar
- Low
- Additives
- Moderate
In its favor
- ✓High-altitude grape with concentrated character
- ✓Often unoaked at lower price tiers
What to watch
- !Very high tannin and polyphenol load
- !High ABV common
Factor by factor
Congeners Moderate ▾
Byproducts of fermentation (methanol, acetaldehyde, fusel alcohols). Strongly linked to hangover severity; darker, less-distilled spirits carry more.
Histamines Very High ▾
Produced by bacteria during fermentation/aging. Trigger flushing, headaches, congestion in sensitive drinkers. High in red wine, beer, aged spirits.
Polyphenols Very High ▾
Plant compounds with antioxidant activity. Slightly protective at low doses but at high concentrations may worsen hangover via tannin/quercetin reactions.
Sulfites High ▾
Preservatives (SO₂) added to wine and some beers. Common trigger of headaches, asthma, and allergic-type reactions.
Tannins Very High ▾
Astringent polyphenols from skins, seeds, barrels. Bind proteins, slow alcohol clearance, and aggravate dehydration-style symptoms.
Sugar Low ▾
Residual sugar amplifies hangover via blood-sugar swings and dehydration. Liqueurs and cocktails are the main offenders.
Additives Moderate ▾
Colorants, flavorings, glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbates. Cheap spirits and ready-to-drinks often hide these in trade-secret formulas.
Malbec hits the polyphenol meter as hard as anything in the wine aisle. Bold flavor, bold chemistry.
Malbec questions
Is Malbec gluten-free? ▾
Yes. Malbec is made from grapes. There is no wheat, barley or rye at any stage.
Does Malbec give you a bad hangover? ▾
Malbec scores 8/10 on the SpiritFacts Hangover Index, against 8/10 for red wine overall. The main drivers are its histamines, polyphenols, sulfites and tannins.