Wine Suggestion for a BBQ: Argentine Malbec is the "Recession Red"
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 11:35AM 
Malbec grape harvest in Mendoza, ArgentinaWell, New York has caught on and that means bad news for those of us who have loved Malbec for years. According to an article on Bloomberg.com, these wonderful full-bodied, somewhat spicy, and best of all, value-priced red wines are all the rage in NY now that everyone is looking for quality wines at bargain prices. What does that mean for the rest of us? Now that it's so trendy, the prices most certainly will go up! Gee- thanks!!
Argentine Asado: Malbec, grilled meat and chimichurriI like to think of myself as an expert on Argentine wine and food. I've been there over a dozen times and have tried just about every Malbec available. :-) If you haven't tried Malbec, pick some up for your next BBQ. It's wonderful with grilled meat.
Malbec is one of the Bordeaux grape varieties. It is almost always used as a blending grape except in Argentina where it is used by itself. Stay away from spendy Malbecs; you don't have to go there. You can get a very good Argentine Malbec for $12-15! Here are some favorites-- I didn't indicate year, etc since you may have a difficult time finding a specific bottle but these winemakers produce a good bottle and usually, at a good price. Zolo, Catena, Trapiche, Bodega Colome, Norton, Susana Balbo and Hacienda del Plata-- get the 2004 Mendoza Zagal if you can find it.
Read my blog post: Argentine Asado and Chimichurri to get some fresh ideas for your next BBQ.