Everyone loves a good BBQ. From the food, to the wine to the easy clean-up, Canadians literally BBQ year round! As we look to be inspired in our kitchen these days and entertain at-home the BBQ is the perfect way to make gatherings and dining fun and exciting. Food and wine are always the best ways to enhance an experience and make it feel like you’re traveling from your backyard. So let’s open up our culinary and liquid passports and be transported to Argentina. In Argentina, a barbecue also known as an “Asado” is not just a way of cooking meat; it is an art form – just like wine! Every chef and BBQ master has his own personal secret and rhythm when it comes to the heat of the fire and coals, the ratio of coal to wood,and the precision of their cooking methods. An Argentinian Asado is a historic and very traditional activity in Argentina, and it’s one to explore and conquer!
Below are 3 steps to hosting the perfect Argentina Inspired at-home BBQ:
Step 1: Design your Menu & Wine List
Once you’ve decided to host an Argentina BBQ you’ll need to decide on a menu and wine list. These two go hand in hand. To make things simple (because real fun doesn’t have to be complicated), choose a white wine and a red wine to serve to your guests. An easy-going, refreshing light white wine like Graffigna Pinot Grigio is the perfect go-to bottle for a delicious crowd pleaser. For a true Argentina wine and food experience, serve up the superstar red grape – Malbec. Our recommendation is Graffigna Malbec. Argentina Malbec is a truly wonderful tasting red wine that many wine enthusiasts appreciate and love. Originally from France, Malbec can come in an easy going fun and fruity style and also in premium styles as well. Full of violets, cherries and a hint of spice, it’s sure to be loved by all o f your guests.
When it comes to food don’t be afraid to use the wine you’re serving in your cooking. You can use it in salad dressings as a vinaigrette, as a red wine bbq sauce, or a red wine marinade! So whether you’re grilling up steaks on a charcoal grill, or planning for lunchtime sausages, lamb chops with chimichurri sauce or wild boar – decide on some great meat dishes to pair with that delicious Graffigna Malbec. Depending on your preferences add in some mushroom and cheese croquettes, grilled shrimp and /or octopus, gazpacho, grilled veggies and even some ceviche if you’re feeling adventurous (another great way to use the wine!). These are all great pairings with Graffigna Pinot Grigio.
Step 2: Bring the Theme to Life
Step up your gathering a notch by bringing by integrating some Argentinian culture. Get to know some fun things about the region for great conversations and general education. Impressing your guests with facts about Argentina. Is always a great way to be a wonderful host!
Here is a good place to start: Argentina is a beautiful country located in South America at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. With over 400 years of Winemaking history it is the land of wine and asado (meaning BBQ). The region is a Unique habitat for the creation of cutting edge wines, with high altitude vineyards. The Andes mountains act as a barrier from Pacific Ocean influence and Mendoza’s growing region is 1,200 km away from the Atlantic ocean. It is a dry and continental climate, lots of sunshine produce naturally natural wines, with limited annual rainfall contributing to organic vineyards and the purity of snowmelt mountain water to help fuel the vines and grapes.Vineyards extend from 23° to 45° southern latitude, which allows winegrowers and winemakers to play with various wine styles, including; young and light to full-bodied and structured reds, dry, fruity and aromatic whites and more!
Step 3: Select Your Guests, Light Your BBQ and GO!
Next-up, set your guest list and start inviting your family and friends for a socially distanced themed gathering. Tempt them with your food and wine pairings, a sunny afternoon of great conversation, fun music and the happiness of getting together.
Make sure you’ve got enough wine for everyone to enjoy 3-4 glasses of wine each, and you can even get your friends to contribute to the BBQ and tell them to bring a bottle of wine to share as well. Start everyone off with a nicely chilled glass of Graffigna Pinot Grigio or Graffigna Malbec (technically you can start with the white and move into the red). If it’s a hot day, you can also keep the Malbec chilled, serving the red wine slightly chilled will bring out the fruit and aromas.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning!
But don’t wait, you can pick-up these Graffigna wines at the LCBO NOW:
Graffigna Pinot Grigio
750 mL bottle | LCBO#: 164756 | $12.95
Pale straw yellow colour; aromas of fragrant melon, apple, citrus and honey with light pear and floral tones; dry, light to medium bodied, soft with balanced acidity, flavours of citrus, apple, pear fruit and citrus flavours with a nice stream of acidity and good finish. This light and fruity wine is perfect for your afternoon BBQ, or time spent under the sun.
Graffigna Malbec
750 mL bottle | LCBO#: 230474 | $13.95 $11.95*
Deep ruby colour; dark plums, blackberries, vanilla and spice notes; dry; medium – full body; dark fruit and coffee flavours with smooth tannins to finish. Pairs well with a dim-lit, date night in. Or let’s be honest, even just a date night with your wine glass and a remote, or a virtual chat for that matter too.
*For a limited time only.
Here’s a quick alternative way to enjoy Graffigna wine in a delicious sorbet, shared by the amazing Monica Carbonell (@liqculture):
To learn more about Graffigna Wines, please visit the Wines of Argentina website, and the LCBO for availability.
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