Today we raise our glass in a toast to the little grape we love from below the Equator that has made a big splash across the globe. Cheers to Malbec World Day!

Why we love this wine: Malbec is a full-bodied red wine known for smoky, dark fruit flavors like blackberry, plum and black cherry. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods and is generally a great value at the store.

Fact: Argentina grows the most Malbec grapes, growing more than 75% of all the acres in the world.

Malbec has a much shorter finish than another affordable red you may love, Cabernet Sauvignon. This makes it a wonderful pairing with lean red meats and dark poultry meat. It’s also lovely with slow-cooked meats like beef brisket or pork shoulder.

Don’t fear the funk. Malbec does a great job of pairing with complex flavors like funky blue cheese or earthy mushrooms. Give Malbec a try on your next Meatless Monday paired with roasted veggies and dark leafy greens.

Open the infographic below for more fun facts about this fabulous grape!

Along with those listed above, we suggest you give these delicious pairings a try:

Girl & Dragon Malbec with Garlic-Crusted Rack of Lamb

If lamb is on your Easter menu, we suggest picking up a bottle of Girl & Dragon Malbec. Consider this recipe for Garlic-Crusted Rack of Lamb from Food & Wine. Your guests will be asking for seconds!

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Tall Dark Stranger Malbec with a Bacon and Blue Burger

Grilling season is finally here! Organize a fun DIY burger night at home complete with toppings that pair beautifully with Malbec, like bacon and blue cheese. This recipe for Bacon and Blue Cheese Burgers from Creme de la Crumb would make a fantastic pairing with Tall Dark Stranger Malbec.

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Middle Sister Wild One Malbec with Argentinean Empanadas

Empanadas are another fabulous treat hailing from South America and just as versatile as Malbec. You’ll find different versions throughout Latin America, but we think it’s only appropriate in this case to make an Argentinean version. We think this empanada recipe from Bon Appétit has Middle Sister Wild One Malbec’s name written all over it.

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