Wine Box Experience - Karen Joiner

Fire & Flavor: Hot Grill Summer (Gaucho Style)

July is National Grilling Month, and there’s no better time to turn up the heat… on the grill and in your glass. Few things go together like smoky, flame-kissed food and a perfectly paired bottle of wine. Whether it’s charred vegetables, seared meats, or juicy skewers, the bold flavors of the grill crave wines that can hold their own. Argentina steps in as the ultimate grilling partner, offering a lineup of vibrant reds and refreshingly food-friendly whites that are tailor-made for outdoor cooking.

Grilling isn’t just a pastime in Argentina, it’s a cultural ritual known as the asado, where open flames and long lunches define the art of gathering. Wines from this region are built for this kind of eating. Malbec, Argentina’s flagship grape, is the king of the grill with its smoky black fruit, plush tannins, and peppery bite which are perfect for anything from burgers to ribeye. Bonarda brings juicy red fruit and soft spice that pairs beautifully with sausages or pork ribs, while Cabernet Franc adds herbal lift and structure for lamb or grilled mushrooms. On the white side, Torrontés is a floral, citrusy stunner that cuts through grilled seafood or zesty marinades, and Chardonnay (especially unoaked versions) offers crisp refreshment alongside grilled chicken, corn, or halloumi.

This month we’ll climb high into the Andes to explore some Argentinian wine selections that are sure to take any grilling you’ll be doing this summer to another precipice. Let the ascend begin.

We start things off with the Catena White Clay Appellation Lujan de Cuyo. It’s a brilliant, summer-ready expression of Argentina’s terroir and winemaking heritage. This dry white blend of Semillón and Chenin Blanc is a wine that’s both deeply aromatic and refreshingly vibrant. In the glass, expect lively notes of pear, lemon, melon, and white peach. I suggest you take it to another level by pairing it with grilled white meats, seafood, pastas, or fresh salads. Complex, expressive, and built for heat, this bottle is a standout companion and an ideal Argentinian option that pairs effortlessly with the flavors of verano.

For your second serving, loosen your belt a notch for the Viña Cobos Felino Malbec. A quintessential Argentine red that practically begs for a spot next to the grill. Bold yet beautifully balanced, it delivers rich blackberry, plum, and dark cherry flavors wrapped in velvety tannins and a touch of smoky spice… perfectly echoing the char and depth of grilled meats. To experience this vino at its peak expressions pair it with burgers, steaks, or chimichurri-covered ribs. This Malbec brings the muscle and finesse to stand up to the heat. It’s a bottle that embodies the spirit of asado culture and makes grilling out taste that much better.

To sum it up, Argentinian wines and grilling go together like tongs and flame—made for flavor, built for fire. From bold reds that mirror the sizzle of the coals to aromatic whites that refresh and revive, wines from Argentina bring the perfect pour to every grilled bite. This summer, channel your inner asador and let your wine game rise with the smoke.