29 Apr 2025
I’ll find any excuse or celebration to mark the opening of a bottle of wine to two! This week it was time to indulge in one of the most beloved culinary traditions – National Steak Day . Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium, or well-done, this day is all about savouring the rich flavours and textures of a perfectly cooked steak.
I hosted steak night with my family on Friday evening and presented steak boards, featuring fillet, sirloin, rump, tomahawk and picanha. This cut is less well known in the UK but popular in South American cuisine and is known for its rich flavour and tenderness. Picanha is typically cut from the top sirloin cap and is often grilled or roasted, making it a favourite for barbecues.
While we may have missed Malbec Day, which was on April 17, there are still plenty of reasons to pop the cork and enjoy a glass of wine with your steak. The robust and fruity notes of Malbec pair wonderfully with the savoury and juicy cuts of steak, making it a match made in culinary heaven. Apart from Malbec there are many other wines that complement steak beautifully and so I’m also including an Argentinian Cabernet Franc.
All four recommendations are from Zuccardi, a distinguished wine producer from Mendoza, Argentina. The winery was established in 1963 by Alberto Zuccardi, who initially aimed to showcase the effectiveness of his irrigation system. Over time, this vision transformed into a deep passion for winemaking, leading the Zuccardi family to cultivate vineyards in Maipú, Santa Rosa, and the Uco Valley.
Today, under the leadership of Sebastián Zuccardi, the winery continues to explore and understand the diverse factors that influence wine quality. Their commitment to research and development has been instrumental in producing wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of the Uco Valley.
Among Zuccardi’s impressive range of wines, their Malbecs and Cabernet Franc are particularly noteworthy. Here are three Malbecs and a Cabernet Franc from Zuccardi that you should definitely try with your steaks:
Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2023 (RRP £14.00 from TESCO)
The Zuccardi Serie A line showcases the diverse wine regions of Argentina, with the ‘A’ representing the “Argentina Series”. The Serie A Malbec is crafted from grapes grown in the Uco Valley, known for its high-altitude vineyards. This wine is characterised by vibrant acidity and intense fruit flavours, with notes of blackberry, black cherry, and subtle oak. It offers a well-structured palate with a delightful balance of fruit and velvety tannins.
Zuccardi Q Malbec 2023 (RRP £14.00 from Majestic and OCADO)
The Zuccardi Q series represents the best parcels of Zuccardi’s vineyards. The 2023 Q Malbec is sourced from select vineyards in Paraje Altamira and Los Chacayes in the Uco Valley. This wine is known for its rich, fruity character, featuring notes of red plum, red cherry, and a hint of spice. It is aged in concrete and used oak barrels, which enhances its complexity and depth. Can be uncorked now or cellared for up to 10 years.
Definition by Majestic Malbec 2022 (£9.99 from Majestic)
Crafted exclusively for Majestic by Zuccardi, the Definition Malbec 2022 showcases the best of the Uco Valley. The vineyards, situated between 800 and 1,400 meters above sea level, provide the ideal conditions for this grape variety.
Half of the wine is aged in French oak for 10 months, while the other half is aged in concrete egg vats to preserve the purity of the fruit. This Malbec features aromas of wild blueberry and blackcurrant, with flavours of plum and spice. It pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye (other meats are available) and roasted vegetables.
Zuccardi Apelación Paraje Altamira Cabernet Franc 2020 (RRP £19.99 from Oxford Wine Company, Harvey Nichols, Latitude Wines, Noble Grape Wines)
The Apelación Paraje Altamira Cabernet Franc 2020 is produced from grapes grown in the Paraje Altamira region of the Uco Valley. It boasts bold, enticing notes of blackberries and blackcurrants, combined with hints of spices, cedar, and wild herbs.
The wine has a robust structure with firm, well-integrated tannins and a long, elegant finish. It is aged in French oak barrels, adding a layer of sophistication. This Cabernet Franc is known for its smooth texture and lush balanced acidity, making it a versatile and enjoyable wine. Will keep for several years and in addition to steak it pairs brilliantly with spicy foods and all kinds of roasted vegetables.
So, fire up the grill, prepare your favourite steak recipe, and pour yourself a glass of wine. Cheers to good food, great wine, and wonderful company!
