Wine Box Experience - Izzy & Kevin

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 Santa Julia La Oveja Torrontés Natural. This is a spirited and refreshing Argentine white wine that shines when paired with summer grilling fare. Its vibrant acidity and floral aromas (think orange blossom, honeydew melon, and tangy citrus) cut through the richness of la parillada. I suggest you take it to another level by pairing it with grilled seafood, chicken, or zesty vegetable skewers. Light-bodied and lively, this wine acts like a cool breeze between bites, making it a perfect foil for smoky, charred flavors. Regardless of what you’re grilling, this Torrontés is the crisp, aromatic match you didn’t know you needed.

For your second serving, loosen your belt a notch for the Catena Cabernet Franc Appellation San Carlos. A standout example of why Argentine wine deserves its moment in the spotlight, especially when the grill is calling. This Cabernet Franc leans into juicy raspberry and cassis fruit with fresh herbal notes, and wrapped in a subtle spice creating a savory, food-friendly profile that’s built for bold flavors. To experience this vino at its peak expressions pair it with grilled meats like chimichurri-coated flank steak or chili-rubbed lamb, and smoky, savory dishes like stews or roasted vegetables. 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.