Guide to Argentine Wines and Malbec: What to Drink with Your Asado

Argentine wines paired with asado

Argentina is the fifth-largest wine producer in the world, and its wines, especially Malbec, have become global icons. But Argentine wine culture runs much deeper than a single grape variety. From the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza to the aromatic whites of Salta, Argentina produces wines that are as diverse and passionate as the country itself.

And nowhere do these wines shine brighter than alongside an asado. The pairing of bold Malbec with smoky grilled beef is one of the world's great culinary combinations. This guide covers everything you need to know about Argentine wines, whether you're visiting Buenos Aires, planning a wine trip to Mendoza, or choosing a bottle for your home asado.

Malbec: Argentina's Signature Grape

The Story

Malbec originated in France, where it was a minor blending grape in Bordeaux. In the 1850s, it was brought to Argentina by French agronomist Michel Pouget. What happened next was extraordinary: a grape that was unremarkable in France became world-class in Argentina.

The combination of high altitude (many vineyards sit above 1,000 meters), intense sunlight, dry desert air, and dramatic day-night temperature swings gave Malbec exactly what it needed to thrive. Today, Argentina produces over 75% of the world's Malbec.

What Malbec Tastes Like

Argentine Malbec is known for:

Deep purple color - Almost opaque, darker than most red wines
Dark fruit - Plum, blackberry, black cherry
Velvety texture - Softer tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon
Spice notes - Vanilla, cocoa, violet from oak aging
Juicy acidity - Keeps the wine fresh and food-friendly

Malbec and Asado: The Perfect Match

There's a reason Malbec and asado are inseparable. The wine's bold fruit and soft tannins complement the smoky, charred flavors of grilled meat without overwhelming them. The fat in beef rounds out the tannins, while the wine's acidity cuts through richness.

Best Malbec pairings at an asado:

Ojo de bife (ribeye) - The classic pairing. Rich, marbled beef with full-bodied Malbec
Colita de cuadril (tri-tip) - The wine's dark fruit enhances the beef's deep flavor
Chorizo - The spice in the sausage plays beautifully with Malbec's peppery notes

Beyond Malbec: Argentine Wines You Should Know

Torrontés

Argentina's signature white wine and one of the most underrated wines in the world. Torrontés is grown primarily in the northern provinces of Salta and La Rioja, where extreme altitude produces a wine with:

Intense floral aromas (roses, jasmine)
Crisp citrus flavors (grapefruit, lemon)
Refreshing acidity
Dry finish despite the aromatic nose

At an asado, Torrontés is the perfect welcome wine. Its crispness and aromatics prepare the palate for the rich meats to come. It also pairs beautifully with empanadas and lighter starters.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Argentina's second most important red grape produces wines that are more structured and tannic than Malbec, with notes of cassis, eucalyptus, and cedar. Mendoza's top Cabernets rival the best in the world.

With asado: Cabernet's firm tannins and dark fruit stand up to the richest cuts. Excellent with the final course of premium beef.

Bonarda

Argentina's hidden gem. Bonarda is actually the most widely planted red grape in Argentina (more than Malbec), but it's rarely exported. It produces juicy, fruit-forward wines with soft tannins and excellent value.

With asado: Bonarda's approachable fruit and lower tannins make it a crowd-pleaser, especially with chorizo and lighter cuts.

Malbec-Cabernet Blends

Many Argentine winemakers blend Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon, combining Malbec's velvety fruit with Cabernet's structure. These blends are often the flagship wines of top producers.

Argentina's Wine Regions

Mendoza

The heart of Argentine wine, producing over 70% of the country's total output. Key sub-regions include:

Luján de Cuyo - The traditional home of premium Malbec
Valle de Uco - High-altitude, cooler climate producing elegant, complex wines
Maipú - Historic area with excellent value wines

Salta (Cafayate)

Home to the world's highest commercial vineyards (up to 3,000 meters), producing distinctive Torrontés and high-altitude Malbec with incredible concentration and freshness.

Patagonia (Río Negro and Neuquén)

Argentina's southernmost wine regions produce cool-climate Pinot Noir and Malbec with bright acidity and elegant fruit. A rising star in the wine world.

San Juan

Argentina's second-largest wine region, known for powerful Syrah and value-oriented wines.

How to Drink Wine Like an Argentine

At an Asado

Wine flows freely at an Argentine asado, and there are some unwritten rules:

Start with white, end with red. A crisp Torrontés with the appetizers, then transition to Malbec with the main cuts
Share the bottle. Wine at an asado is communal. The host typically pours for everyone
Don't rush. Argentine wine is meant to be sipped over hours, not gulped. The slow pace of asado is matched by the slow pace of wine drinking
Pair boldly. Argentine wines are built for food. Don't save the good bottle for later. Open it with the meat

In Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has an incredible wine bar scene, particularly in Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood:

Wine bars offer by-the-glass tastings of premium Argentine wines
Many restaurants have sommelier-curated wine lists focused on small producers
Wine shops in Palermo offer tastings and incredible prices on bottles you can't find outside Argentina

Wine and Your Asado Experience

At Betty and Marcelo's asado dinner in Palermo Soho, wine is integral to the evening. We serve a curated selection of Argentine wines throughout the experience:

Torrontés - As your welcome drink, setting the stage with its aromatic brightness
Malbec - Argentina's signature red, flowing alongside the main courses
Cabernet Sauvignon - A bold finish to complement the premium cuts

Betty shares the stories behind each wine, the regions they come from, and why certain pairings work together. It's a wine education alongside your asado education.

We cap the evening with fernet with cola, Argentina's beloved after-dinner digestif, which is its own fascinating cultural story.

U$D 104.00 per guest, all wines included - Book your asado experience →

FAQ: Argentine Wine

What is the best Argentine wine?

For many, Argentina's best wine is a premium Malbec from Mendoza, particularly from the Valle de Uco or Luján de Cuyo sub-regions. But "best" depends on your palate. Torrontés is world-class among white wines, and Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon is increasingly excellent.

Is wine expensive in Buenos Aires?

No. Buenos Aires offers incredible value for wine. A quality bottle of Malbec costs $5-15 USD at a shop, and even premium wines rarely exceed $30-40 USD. In restaurants, by-the-glass pours of excellent wine start around $3-5 USD.

What wine goes with asado?

Malbec is the traditional choice and the gold standard pairing with asado. Cabernet Sauvignon also works well with richer cuts. Start the evening with Torrontés for the appetizers and transition to reds with the meat. Read our guide to asado for the full dining experience.

Should I visit Mendoza for wine tasting?

Absolutely. Mendoza is one of the world's great wine destinations, with stunning scenery, world-class wineries, and incredible food. It's a 90-minute flight or a scenic 12-hour bus ride from Buenos Aires. Allow at least 2-3 days to experience the wine region properly.

What is fernet and why do Argentines drink it?

Fernet is a bitter Italian herbal liqueur that Argentina adopted as its own. Mixed with Coca-Cola, fernet con cola is the country's unofficial national drink, especially popular among younger Argentines. It's traditionally served after an asado as a digestif. Branca is the most popular brand.

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