Savor the Moment: A Perfect Malbec Pairing with Grilled Skirt Steak
Date: March 07, 2025
Spring is calling, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a glass of wine and a plate of food that sings with flavor. Recently, I picked up a bottle of the **2022 Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec** from Time for Wine Tampa (www.timeforwine.net), a gem from their curated collection of over 170 global wines. This Mendoza-born red, crafted by the legendary Susana Balbo, is all about vibrant fruit and smooth elegance—think cherries, blackberries, and a whisper of mocha spice.
Enter: Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri and Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges. This pairing isn’t just a meal—it’s a mini-vacation to Argentina, right in your backyard. Here’s why it works, plus a simple guide to recreate it at home.
The Wine: 2022 Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec
This Malbec is a love letter to balance. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza’s Uco Valley, it’s 100% Malbec with a twist—40% of it spends 8-9 months in used French oak, adding depth without masking its juicy soul. The nose hits you with violets and red fruit, while the palate delivers velvety tannins and a clean finish. It’s bold yet refined, earning a well-deserved 91+ from critics. Time for Wine’s knack for unique finds makes this a standout in their lineup—perfect for their tasting events or a quiet night in.
The Dish: Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri and Sweet Potatoes
Skirt steak is a natural partner for Malbec. Its rich, slightly fatty texture loves the wine’s tannins, while the grill’s smoky char plays off the subtle oak. Chimichurri—a zesty Argentine sauce of parsley, garlic, and vinegar—brings brightness that dances with the wine’s floral notes. Then there’s the roasted sweet potato wedges, caramelized and earthy, balancing the Malbec’s fruit with their natural sweetness. Together, it’s a symphony of bold and fresh.
How to Make It
- **Skirt Steak:** Rub a 1-lb cut with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Grill over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side (medium-rare is the sweet spot). Rest, then slice thin against the grain.
- **Chimichurri:** Mix 1 cup chopped parsley, 3-4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp oregano, 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Season to taste. Let it sit while you cook.
- **Sweet Potatoes:** Cut 2 large sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Plate it up: steak drizzled with chimichurri, sweet potatoes on the side, and a glass of that Crios Malbec poured at a cool 60-65°F. One bite, one sip, and you’re hooked.
Why It’s Perfect
This pairing is more than just food and wine—it’s a vibe. The Malbec’s fruit-forward nature complements the steak’s richness without overpowering it, while the chimichurri ties it to its Argentine roots. The sweet potatoes? They’re the unsung hero, grounding the dish with a touch of comfort. It’s casual enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for a dinner party.
Get It at Time for Wine
Swing by www.timeforwine.net to snag the 2022 Crios Malbec. Time for Wine’s team knows their stuff, and their passion for unique bottles shines through. Pair it with this dish, and you’ve got a winner.
So, fire up the grill, pour a glass, and let this Malbec magic unfold. What’s your go-to wine pairing? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears!