We always talk about meat and Argentine asado in this blog, but let’s not forget about chicken, another protagonist in the Argentine table. If you want to take your experience from “meh” to “marvelous”, let’s talk about some killer wine pairings. From bold Malbecs to Torrontés, get ready to uncork a new experience and enjoy your roast chicken even more.
While beef is usually the star of Argentine grilling, roast chicken is also a big thing, as it’s easy to grill and goes well with different sauces and accompaniments. You can spice it up with chimichurri sauce, herbs, or keep it simple with salt and pepper, and then enjoy it with friends and family.
Roast chicken, with its familiar taste and ability to please everyone, helps bring people closer. Whether paired with a robust Malbec or a light Torrontés, roast chicken will certainly add something special to your Argentine asado, in addition to different meat cuts.
In addition to their delicious asado and desserts like chocotorta, Argentina is known all over the world for its high-quality wines. Among the most celebrated is Malbec, a red wine grape that thrives in beautiful places like Mendoza, and Chardonnay. Malbec, with its deep, fruity flavors, has become synonymous with Argentine wine.
Other notable varietals include Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Let’s talk about these wines in the next section.
Now, let’s talk about how to pair the best Argentine wines with your roast chicken, whether you prefer red or white. Here are some of my top suggestions:
Malbec wines are well-known for being the centre piece of Argentine wine culture. This premium wines features plum, oak and blackberry undertones. This grape variety thrives mostly in Mendoza, where the combination of the sunlight and breeze of the Andes Mountains cultivate grapes of incredible quality.
What makes the Malbec grape remarkable is its versatility, capable of producing wines that span from fruit-forward and to bold. All in all, these tannins make it a natural companion for roasted chicken.
If you’re looking for a Malbec alternative, try pairing roast chicken with Torrontés. This white wine from Argentina has a fresh, fruity flavor that contrasts nicely with the meat, smelling like citrus fruits and flowers, like jasmine.
Unlike Malbec, which is bold and heavy, Torrontés is more delicate and refreshing, although both offer different but equally enjoyable options to accompany your roasted chicken.
Bonarda is another excellent choice for complementing roast chicken, thanks to its medium-bodied nature and velvety tannins. Malbec is strong and Torrontés is fresher, but Bonarda stands right in the middle, offering a great option that bridges the gap between red and white wines. It has moderate body and well-rounded fruitiness that make it an ideal companion for your chicken.
In addition to Malbec, Torrontés, and Bonarda, you should explore other excellent Argentine wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. You won’t regret it!
Pairing wine with roast chicken doesn’t have to be rocket science, but a little know-how about Argentine wines can take your chicken from “meh” to “wow.” Here are some practical tips from my own experience:
If your roast chicken is seasoned with bold spices or herbs (for example, with Tandoori marinade), opt for a wine with enough backbone to stand up to the flavors without getting lost in the mix. Look for a Malbec from Mendoza, like Catena Zapata Tinto.
If you’re preparing your roast chicken with a sauce or gravy, consider how it will interact with your wine selection. A creamy sauce might call for a wine with a bit of acidity to cut through the richness (such as Catena Alta Chardonnay), while a tangy sauce might pair perfectly with a wine that offers a touch of sweetness (such as Colomé Torrontés).
Also, don’t forget to consider the texture of your roast chicken when selecting a wine. If your chicken is juicy and tender, a wine with velvety tannins (such as Alamos Malbec) can enhance its taste.
But if your chicken has crispy skin, a wine with a bit of acidity (such as Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda) can help cleanse your palate between bites.
At the end of the day, wine pairing is as much about personal preference as it is about rules and guidelines. If you’re unsure what wine to choose, go with your gut (or your taste buds, in this case 😆).
After all, the best wine pairing is the one you enjoy the most – and if all else fails, just pour yourself a glass of whatever beverage you like (Fernet, anyone?) and raise a toast to your Argentine Asado!
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Special Bonus: Sign up now and get a FREE guide: "5 Secrets to Perfect Asado Every Time"