This article is brought to you by Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec from the exceptional Uco Valley. With more than 150 years of history, Graffigna is the 3rd oldest winery in Argentina.
Argentinian Malbec is loved all around the world for its comfortingly full body, velvety texture and notes of chocolate dipped, ripe berries. We’re finally getting our heads around Argentinian Malbec in this country and realising that there are different styles to enjoy, even from within the most famous region itself: Mendoza. The vertiginous Uco Valley there produces more concentrated, aromatic and mineral styles of Malbec than the sweeter and more fruit forward styles from the warmer plains. Here are some classic Argentinian Malbec and food pairing ideas:
Malbec & Meat
Tender cuts of grilled meats and steak are always a go-to pairing for any Malbec, but it can take on some more interesting flavours too. Don’t be afraid to do your beef ribs with barbecue sauce or go full on decadence with a venison wellington. It can handle it, especially the more concentrated, bolder styles of Malbec. Fruit and meat can be a wonderful match as well, so don’t discount your tagines either, especially with prunes. Younger, fruiter, lighter styles of Malbec work very nicely with duck and plum sauce too.
Malbec & Vegetables
Malbec loves a vegetable, especially if it’s grilled or has a hint of bitterness or juiciness about it. Earthy beetroot is a surprisingly good pairing, whereas any kind of mushroom is a more natural choice. Roasted peppers can sing with Malbec as can baked aubergines and moussaka. Fruity, young Malbecs often fit the bill a little better than heavily oaked, older versions here.
Malbec & Fish
Fish is a trickier match with Malbec, but if you are going to pair them, aim for something grilled, smoked or barbecued like halibut or smoked eel. Malbec can handle fattier, fleshier fish too though, especially if in a fruity, sweet sauce. Try teriyaki salmon or grilled swordfish with a mango sauce.
Malbec & Cheese
Aged Gouda is a great match for an Uco Valley Malbec, like Graffigna Reserve. The moreish salt crystals bring out the fruit and the tangy, nuttiness of the cheese seems to enhance the baking spice and chocolate notes too. It’s a harmonious match where the result is greater than the sum of its parts! Also try an extra mature Cheddar, which would work well with either a high altitude, heavyweight Malbec or a fruitier one. If you can find it, Provolone also makes a classic Argentinian dish called Provoleta, where it’s warmed up to melt and go deliciously gooey.
Malbec & Chocolate
Dry wine and chocolate are not generally happy bedfellows, as the fat in the chocolate can strip fruit from the wine and leave it tasting metallic or dull. Very dark chocolate however, is another matter. Try a bittersweet, 70% plus dark chocolate with a particularly fruity Malbec so you’re not left with a mouth full of tannin. For more concentrated Malbec, chocolate truffles are an absolute winner.
Which Malbec Should I Try?
If you’re looking for the perfect bottle of Malbec to pair with these delicious dishes, try Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec, (£9 from Sainsburys £7.50 when on promotion).
Want to get to know the story of Malbec? Check out this article! Want to take a deep dive into more wine and cheese matching? Take a look at this one.