Argentinean BBQ and Malbec Make Perfect Summer Partners

MENDOZA, ARGENTINA--(Marketwire - June 12, 2009) - Red meat has long-been a prevalent part of the Argentine diet, and meat from the "asado" -- or grill -- is ubiquitous; in both restaurants and homes, grass fed steaks and beef ribs are common. Yet, despite its geography, Argentinean food bears a stronger resemblance to European cuisine than it does Latin American.

Summer is a great time to experiment with this country's diverse cookery. An easy place to start is making a simple Chimichurri, a traditional dipping sauce of herbs, garlic and vinegar. Chimichurri is used as a condiment to enhance the flavor of grilled meats, but also works well on chicken or vegetables.

Here's one iteration of the recipe, created by Pablo Ranea, executive chef at the restaurant Francis Mallman 1884 and Azafrán:

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of chopped garlic
1/4 cup of chopped parsley
1 chopped scallion (the green part only)
2 teaspoons of chili flakes
2 teaspoons of chopped thyme
3 1/2 ounces of wine vinegar or lemon juice
3 1/2 ounces of extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a bowl, adding the olive oil last. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours for integration of flavors. A full day would be better.

Malbec Wine: An Argentinean Tradition

Also like Europeans, Argentineans generally enjoy wine with every meal, including lunch, which is often the largest meal of the day. Try pairing the above recipe with a steak and rich, robust, affordable Malbec, such as one by prominent producer Don Miguel Gascón. A simple mixed green salad and store-bought Dulce de Leche ice cream can round out this easy South American meal.

About Don Miguel Gascón

Since 1888, Don Miguel Gascón has been synonymous with the fine wines from Argentina's Mendoza region. With high altitude vineyards at the foothills of the majestic Andes, Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón is renowned for bringing Argentine Malbec to the world stage. Gascón offers wines that reveal the rich tradition and contemporary culture of Argentina's wine capital. For more information visit, www.gasconwines.com.

Contact Information: Media Contact: Alison Fisker 503.546.7894