Red Wines of Argentina Play Well with Your Next Barbecue

With summer in full swing, not only are the neighbors firing up their grills on a regular basis but I am too. The aromas of burgers, steaks, shish kabobs, barbecued chicken, vegetables and shrimp wafting into my kitchen each night are mouthwatering to say the least! Of course, I have a wine (or two) for pairing with anything that has been pulled off that grill. Which wines, you may ask? I’ve been pouring those from Argentina, a country with a rich (if not tumultuous) history, a fascinating food culture, beautiful snow-capped mountains, and views of the ocean.   Find your inner Argentine and pour one (or all) of these well-priced wines (received as samples) at your next barbecue with friends and family. Enjoy!

From Mendoza is Trapiche Medalla Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($20). The Trapiche Medalla collection is considered Argentina’s first premium wine and was created to celebrate Bodega Trapiche’s 100-year anniversary in 1983. All wines in the collection are 100% single varietal wines aged in new French oak. This Cabernet Sauvignon was complex and bold with aromas and flavors of juicy plums, blackberries, spice and green peppers resting on moderate acidity and ripe tannic structure. My favorite pairing from the grill? A good ‘ole cheeseburger with all the trimmings.

Another taste sensation from Mendoza is Lamadrid Single Vineyard Reserva Cabernet Franc ($20). Notes on the bottle state that the wine is an homage to the mother of Guillermo Garcia LaMadrid, Wine Grower. In his words, “she opened the door to give me the chance to live and unfold my wings to enjoy the magic of life.” This 100% Cabernet Franc is from the La Suiza Vineyard in Agrelo, Mendoza and is aged for 14 months in French oak. Intense aromas of leather, spice and earth led to flavors of dark cherries and plums, chocolate and espresso. Moderate acidity and firm tannins helped provide structure and balanced to the expressive wine. Complement your favorite shish kabob and rice pilaf with Lamadrid Cabernet Franc that overdelivers in every way.

Mendoza is the primary wine region in Argentina. In fact, 80% of the country’s wines are produced there. Over 400,000 acres of vineyards are found and Malbec alone comprised 85% of those. Thanks to high altitude, diurnal temperature shifts, low humidity, sunshine, scant rainfall and irrigation from pure waters from the Andes Mountains, grapes in Mendoza’s vineyards thrive.

Calchaqui Valleys is the home to El Esteco Don David Reserve Malbec 2019 ($15). All wines in the Bodega El Esteco Don David portfolio are sourced from estate owned vineyards that are 3000 feet above sea level and some are above 6000 feet! Sunshine, little moisture and few pests are factors that help create wines that are concentrated and pure. This memorable Malbec, the flagship red wine of Argentina, was indeed intense and concentrated with red fruits, black cherries, jam, herbs, oak, spice and cassis on both nose and palate. Precise acidity and moderate tannins framed the wine that spent 9 months in the cellar in a combination of French and American oak. Consider the Malbec a luscious pairing with barbecued ribs falling right off the bone.

The Calchaqui Valleys are a system of mountain valleys formed 5 million years ago. It’s the “most prolific” wine region in northern Argentina and is one of the highest in the world. Malbec is dominant, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Torrontes, Merlot, Tannat, and other varieties are cultivated. Salta is the main center of production with 60% of the vineyards. Although, the area only produces around 2% of Argentina’s wines, they’re known for high concentration and brilliant acidity.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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