How do you tell Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec apart in a blind tasting?

The clearest separator between Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec is acidity: Cabernet Sauvignon is Medium(+) while Malbec is Medium. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.

Is Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec higher in acidity?

On the WSET ladder, Cabernet Sauvignon is Medium(+) and Malbec is Medium for acidity.

Are Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec red or white?

Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are both red grape varieties.

Cabernet Sauvignon vs Malbec — how to tell them apart

Structure compared

Structure compared	Cabernet Sauvignon	Malbec
Acidity	Medium(+)	Medium
Tannin	High	Medium(+)
Body	Full	Full
Alcohol	Medium	Medium
Color intensity	Deep	Deep
Aromatic intensity	Medium(+)	Medium(+)

Signature aromas

Cabernet Sauvignon

blackcurrantcassiscedar

Malbec

black plumblackberryviolet

Common questions

How do you tell Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec apart in a blind tasting?: The clearest separator between Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec is acidity: Cabernet Sauvignon is Medium(+) while Malbec is Medium. Lead with that to resolve the blind call.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec higher in acidity?: On the WSET ladder, Cabernet Sauvignon is Medium(+) and Malbec is Medium for acidity.
Are Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec red or white?: Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are both red grape varieties.