Beef empanadas

Altos Las Hormigas (Spanish for 'the high ants') is one of the pioneers that helped put Argentine Malbec on the world wine map – and their Clasico bottling shows exactly why this grape and country fell madly in love with each other. Founded by Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini and partners in 1995, the winery focuses on expressing the unique terroir of Mendoza through minimal intervention winemaking. This Malbec strikes that perfect balance between fruit-forward accessibility and genuine complexity. It's not trying to be a powerhouse that knocks you over the head – instead, it offers layers of flavor that unfold gradually in the glass. The high-altitude vineyards provide natural acidity that keeps everything fresh despite the ripe fruit character. It's the kind of red that makes you crave a second glass before you've finished the first – dangerously drinkable but with enough depth to keep things interesting. Perfect for converting friends who think they only like white wine.

This Crianza represents the perfect middle ground in Rioja's aging hierarchy – enough time in oak and bottle to develop complexity but still showcasing vibrant fruit character. It's the Goldilocks of Spanish reds – not too young, not too old, just right. CUNE (pronounced 'COO-nay') has been crafting exceptional Rioja wines since 1879, making them one of the region's historic producers. Their Crianza spends one year in American oak barrels, giving it those classic vanilla and coconut notes that complement Tempranillo's fruit so beautifully. This wine offers an authentic taste of traditional Rioja at an everyday price point – perfect for tapas night, Sunday roasts, or whenever you want a wine with a bit more sophistication without breaking the bank.

Marques de Riscal has been producing exceptional Rioja since 1858 – they're practically part of the furniture in Spanish wine history. Their Reserva represents the classic style that put Rioja on the map, with traditional winemaking methods and extended aging creating a wine of remarkable complexity and finesse. This bottle strikes that perfect balance between fruit and savory development that makes aged Rioja so compelling. After spending about two years in American oak barrels and additional time in bottle before release, it arrives ready to impress but will continue to evolve gracefully. The winery's iconic gold wire netting (originally designed to prevent counterfeiting) makes it instantly recognizable, but it's what's inside that keeps wine lovers coming back decade after decade. It's like the comfortable leather jacket of the wine world – timeless, reliable, and always in style.

Priorat is one of Spain's most prestigious wine regions, known for producing powerful, mineral-driven reds from impossibly steep vineyards worked by winemakers with thighs of steel. La Cartuja (named after a Carthusian monastery in the region) offers a glimpse into this special terroir without the usual Priorat price tag – which typically requires a moment of silent reflection before purchasing. Made primarily from Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) grown in the region's distinctive llicorella slate soils, this wine captures the essence of Priorat: concentrated fruit, remarkable minerality, and a structure that means business. It's like getting the Priorat experience on a 'best of' highlight reel – maybe not as profound as the region's top cuvées but delivering far more character and complexity than its price suggests. Perfect for when you want a serious wine that punches well above its weight class.

Los Bocheros Malbec captures everything that made Argentina famous for this French transplant grape – bold fruit, velvety texture, and impressive depth at a price that makes French producers weep. From high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza comes this crowd-pleasing red that delivers serious bang for the buck. The name 'Los Bocheros' refers to players of 'bochas' (similar to bocce ball) – a popular Argentine pastime that, like this wine, brings people together in celebration. What makes this Malbec stand out in a crowded field is its perfect balance between power and drinkability. There's plenty of that lush dark fruit Malbec lovers crave, but with enough structure to keep things interesting through the whole bottle. It's the kind of red that makes weeknight dinners feel special without requiring a special occasion budget. Pair it with anything from the grill for a foolproof combination.