The Corkscrew Blog | Idaho Wine Commission

Idaho Malbec & Mushroom Bruschetta Pairing

Written by Idaho Wine Commission | Sep 8, 2025

Bold, fruit-forward Idaho Malbec finds its perfect match in savory mushroom bruschetta. Discover the recipe, pairing tips, and wineries to explore.

 

Idaho Malbec: Bold, Fruity & Food-Friendly

Malbec may be known as Argentina’s signature grape, but it thrives beautifully in Idaho’s unique landscape. This red grape prefers higher altitudes and climates with dramatic diurnal shifts— warm, sunny days followed by cool nights—which allow the fruit to ripen fully while maintaining balanced acidity.

In Idaho’s Snake River Valley and the rolling Eagle Foothills, Malbec finds a perfect home. Ample sunshine develops deep purple hues, velvety tannins, and lush fruit flavors like raspberry, rhubarb, and plum. A touch of oak aging adds hints of vanilla and smooth chocolate on the finish, making Idaho Malbec both elegant and approachable.

Idaho Wineries Serving Malbec

Many Idaho wineries are crafting outstanding expressions of Malbec worth exploring: 

Vizcaya Winery - 2019 Malbec

Rolling Hills Vineyard - 2020 Malbec 

Hat Ranch Winery - 2020 Malbec 

Sol Invictus Vineyard - 2020 Mountain Goat Malbec

Sawtooth Winery - 2020 Classic Fly Malbec

Williamson Orchards & Vineyards - 2021 Malbec

Dude DeWalt Cellars - 2021 Snake River Valley Malbec

Kerry Hill Winery - 2021 Migration Malbec Private Reserve

Huston Vineyards - 2022 Malbec 

Famici Wine Company - 2022 Estate Malbec

Fujishin Family Cellars - 2022 Malbec

Koenig Vineyards - 2022 Malbec

Indian Creek Winery - 2022 Malbec

Scoria Vineyards - 2022 Estate Malbec

Ste Chapelle Winery - 2022 Panoramic Malbec

Cinder Wines - 2023 Malbec

Pairing Idaho Malbec

The beauty of Idaho Malbec wines lies in their balance; bold fruit, smooth tannins, and just the right amount of richness. That makes Idaho Malbec  one of those rare wines that plays well with nearly everything on the table. It’s big enough to stand up to hearty meats, yet smooth enough to elevate roasted veggies or savory bites. In other words, this is a wine that loves to share the spotlight.

Here are a few pairings that let Idaho Malbec shine: 

  • Smoked meats like brisket or ribs
  • Hearty stews with beef or lamb
  • Grilled vegetables with balsamic glaze
  • Mushroom bruschetta topped with roasted red peppers

Mushroom Bruschetta Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer to pair with Idaho Malbec, this mushroom bruschetta is a little rustic, a little fancy, and totally irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a Tuscan garden—even if you’re just hanging out in your own backyard.

The earthy, umami depth of mushrooms cozies up beautifully to Malbec’s lush fruit notes, while sweet, smoky roasted peppers tease out the wine’s subtle spice. One bite, one sip, and you’ll see why this duo is a mouth-watering pairing.

Mushroom Bruschetta Ingredients

  • 4 Tomatoes
  • 1 White Onion
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 Red Bell Peppers
  • 1 Pound of Portobello Mushrooms
  • 1/2 cup of Red Wine Vinegar
  • A few bunches of basil
  • 1 baguette
  • Olive oil to finish

Instructions

  1. Start by dicing your tomatoes and onions, and mincing half your basil and the garlic. 
  2. Combine the vegetables with the vinegar, olive oil and salt to taste. 
  3. Roast your peppers either in the oven or over a flame to blacken and blister the skin. 
  4. Then, put your peppers in a bowl, cover, and let them steam themselves. 
  5. Meanwhile, season and sauté your mushrooms over medium high heat. Do not overcrowd your pan with mushrooms. Do them in batches, if necessary. 
  6. While they are cooking, hit them with a touch of lemon juice and butter. Set your cooked mushrooms aside, and grab your peppers. 
  7. Take a paper towel and rub all of the skin off. Then dice your pepper and add it to the bruschetta mixture. 
  8. Slice your baguette, drizzle the slices with olive oil and toast it in the oven. 
  9. Take your baguette slices, top it with the bruschetta mixture. Place a mushroom or two and an additional leaf of basil on each piece.
  10. Serve warm with an Idaho Malbec for the perfect pairing.

Love this pairing? Check out other great recipes for your next Idaho wine night:
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