Your special someone will be swooning when you make Valentine's dinner all about the wine. Bring on the romance with these ideas about how to pair food and wine without busting your budget.
No Reservations Required
Forget that ooh-la-la place that books up months in advance. Stay home. If you have kids get rid of them, at least for the evening. Dazzle your beloved with wines from the country that created the ultimate in dirty dancing - the tango. Yes, wines from Argentina are just as hot as Buenos Aires itself. Why Argentina? Although the Argentines have a long winemaking tradition, it's only been about twenty years since they began exporting to the world market. For wines that are both excellent and affordable, Argentina is a rising star.
Malbec vines in the Andes foothills
Whites to Delight
While Argentines make some very fine Chardonnays and other whites, you may not be familiar with their signature white grape, Torrontes. The most spectacular come from the province of Salta, but very good examples are produced throughout the country. A dry, crisp white with a very floral nose and a medium weight, Torrontes tends to go well with delicate seafood or as an excellent counterpoint to spicy Asian food. If served as an appetizer wine, Torrontes matches well with goat cheese. Try a Crios de Susana Balbo for around $12 or for a couple of bucks more, tickle your sweetie's taste buds with a Colome Torrontes. If your wallet is a bit thin, for only $6 try a Santa Julia Torrontes. But the real jewels of Argentina are its reds, especially Malbec.
Malbec loves Meat
If you've never tried an Argentine Malbec, this robust red wine with smooth tannins and dark fruit flavors is an ideal match for grilled red meats. And inexpensive cuts like flank steak or sausages work very nicely. Serve some grilled onions on the side or if you're handy in the kitchen try making the popular Argentine condiment, chimichurri. This flat-leaf parsley, olive oil and garlic combo has a brilliant green color that will dress up even the most humble dish.
Friendly Wines at Friendly Prices
The majority of wine produced in Argentina comes from the western province of Mendoza. Tucked against the foothills of the Andes, with long hot days and cool nights, the Malbec grape that originated in the Bordeaux region of France has evolved into something special here. Good Malbecs start as low as $8 in the US and although spendy choices are certainly available, most are in the moderate $13-$35 range. Feeling flush? Try an Achaval-Ferrer Quimera which is a Malbec based blend or Luca Malbec. Feeling pinched? Go for a Punto Final Malbec or an Altos Las Hormigas Malbec. For vino in the $10 neighborhood these two really deliver on flavor.
A Breath of Air
Finally, a word of advice about serving these wines. Reds from Argentina profit from a little oxygen before serving. If you have time, open the bottle about one hour before consuming. If not, pour two glasses right away and let them sit for a bit. Getting a little air into these wines will reward you with better fruit flavors so when it comes to a serving glass, bigger is better for reds. Whites require chilling but do not serve them like they are soda pop or you will miss their complexities.
If you keep Argentina in mind this Valentine's Day, your sweetheart will be smitten and your budget won't be bitten.
