As wine buyer for Gaucho, I have been responsible for the evolution of our 180 bin list over the last 8 years. When asked to take a look at the list in 2000, I decided that the obvious thing to do would be to make the offering 100 % Argentine. This was not so easy, since there were few wineries represented in the U.K. from Argentina at that time.

Our first list consisted of around 25 wines, with a number of the important grape varieties represented. Torrontes, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda and Malbec to name but a few.

The next year, we decided to produce a fine wine list from Argentina to supplement the main list. This really took off ( those were the days ! ) and since then I have changed the list every 6 months to try and reflect the beauty and diversity of the World’s fifth largest wine producer.

Of course, Argentina’s other claim to fame is Beef. Not just any beef, but Pampas reared and grass fed beef that has made Argentina and Gaucho famous for its quality and flavour.

The wines of Argentina reflect the quality of the beef too. Argentina has the highest consumption of meat per capita of any nation in the world. Those people involved in the wine – making process are part of this national palate too, and so make their wines to compliment the traditional Asado, the essential meeting point of family and society. It is the most important part of the social fabric of Argentina.

I am convinced that one of the truly great food / wine matches of the world is Argentine beef with Argentine wine. But can any red wine go with any steak? Well, this is a question that cannot be really answered with any true answer. But the key to this match is the combination of tannin, protein and fats.


Argentina is in an enviable position in that the tannins in their red wines are able to achieve a state known as ‘physiological ripeness ‘. This is where the tannins (which are tough and can be very astringent) are able to ripen and become soft and supple. This is due to the difference between day and night temperatures (the Argentine side of the Andes is a desert) and the length of time that the grapes get to ripen on the vine. Lack of rain during vintage also means that you really can pick when the grapes are at their peak.

Big ripe tannins in wine compliment fat – so a cut like Bife de Ancho (Rib – eye) is perfect with a big Malbec from Mendoza, for example. The leaner cuts tend to compliment lighter styles of wine, such as Sangiovese and Pinot Noir, since the tannins are not so big.

The Bife de Quadril (rump) is the leanest cut of all, and has very earthy flavours. I find that the wines from Patagonia (amongst the most southern vineyards in the world) compliment this earthiness very well, since the soils in this region are very mineral and the climate cool.

Here are some suggestions of wines
to go with the four cuts at Gaucho:

Bife de Lomo
(Fillet- the softest and most tender of the cuts)

Terruno Tempranillo
this grape originates from Spain, and is the main variety of Rioja. In Argentina it is an important grape, and tends to be very ripe and soft, with juicy tannins.
£20.50

Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir
a great favourite with our guests from an iconic wine family in Mendoza. Superb quality and value for money.
£31.95

Bife de Ancho
(Rib-Eye – deep and intense flavours)

Pascual Toso Malbec
with the benefit of some American Oak, and soft round tannins and a sweet velvety finish. £34.75

Finca Decero Petit Verdot
I am convinced that Argentina is one of the few places in the world that can do justice to this big and powerful grape. Rich, harmonious and intense. £41.50

Bife de Chorizo
(Sirloin- identified by the belt of fat around the outside)

Finca Sophenia reserve Merlot
The Uco valley region in Mendoza is perfect for Merlot. Rich, soft and ripe plumy flavours and raisin spice on the finish. £29.50

Cassone ‘ Obra Prima ‘ Malbec
From Lujan de Cuyo, the best place for old vineyard Malbec in Mendoza. Rich and sweet tannins with a touch of spice on the finish. £17.00

Bife de Cuadril
(Rump - packed with earthy and gamey flavours and low in fat.)

NQN "Malma" Reserva Malbec
Very mineral with slightly harsher tannins combine perfectly with this steak. £16.45

Humberto Canale "Black River"
Rich and dark pinot with huge colour and complexity, along with a mineral finish. £17.90


Visit Gaucho’s wine shop at http://www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk/wineboutique