Wine Box Experience - Dustin Mangas

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 Zuccardi Aluvional Los Chacayes Malbec, a summer-grilling champ built to match the sultry heat of the season. Hailing from high-altitude vineyards in Argentina’s Uco Valley the wine brings a burst of ripe blackberry, cherry, and plum, lifted by fresh herbal and violet notes. Its lively acidity and fine-grained structure make it an ideal partner for la parillada. I suggest you take it to another level by pairing it with char or smoke grilled meats, especially lamb or beef, while its textured finish holds up beautifully on a summer cookout table. In short, this Malbec isn’t just another Argentinian wine—it’s your asado companion in a bottle.

For your second serving, loosen your belt a notch for the Nicolás Catena Zapata. This is a standout example of grilling season glamour—bold, elegant, and built for fire. This acclaimed Bordeaux-style blend showcases intense flavors of blackberries, cassis, with lifted notes of dark chocolate, violets, eucalyptus, and pepper. All beautifully balanced for both depth and drinkability. To experience this vino at its peak expressions pair with grilled ribeye, beef brisket, or smoky lamb chops. It doesn’t just stand next to the flames; it thrives beside them while elevating every charred bite. It’s a bottle that embodies the spirit of the 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.