Cookin’ on the Coast: A South American Sizzle
Escorihuela 1884 Malbec with Argentinian Chorizo Burgers
S14, E2
Things are heating up in the Cookin’ on the Coast kitchen for Episode 2! This week is all about family, fire, and massive international flavor. Chef Heidi brings a very special guest onto the set, her son, to help tackle a recipe inspired by the legendary street food of South America. In this episode, Chef Heidi serves up a masterclass in Argentinian street food by crafting heavily spiced, juicy chorizo burgers stacked with fresh, zesty ingredients.
The Beverage: Escorihuela 1884 Malbec
A dish with this much richness and personality needs a wine that can hold its own. Enter the Escorihuela 1884 Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.
Founded in 1884 by Spanish immigrant Miguel Escorihuela Gascón, this historic estate originally sat on the outskirts of town. The city expanded around it over the decades, turning it into the unique urban winery it is today, located right in the heart of the city. Cultivated in the high-altitude, mineral-rich soils at the foot of the Andes Mountains, this is a 100% single-vineyard, organic, and biodynamic Malbec. Pour it into the glass, and you are immediately hit with a deep violet color and aromas of ripe black cherries, plums, and wild mountain herbs.
In the glass, this Malbec features a robust, medium-to-full body balanced by beautifully velvety tannins. It is incredibly fruit-forward, offering plush notes of dark fruit and subtle spices that provide a perceived sweetness, even though it remains a deliciously dry wine.
A Legacy in Every Glass
When you drink Escorihuela Gascón, you are drinking literal wine history. Founded in 1884 by visionary Spanish immigrant Don Miguel Escorihuela Gascón, it is the oldest continuously operating winery in Mendoza.
These folks are true trailblazers. In the 1940s, they became the very first producer to bottle a 100% pure Malbec, effectively establishing the grape as Argentina’s signature varietal. Today, their historic gravity-defying winery building still stands tall, featuring a traditional bocce court, a bicycle polo field, and world-class organic farming practices.
Ready to recreate the pairing at home? Head to your nearest Liquor Plus liquor store to pick up a bottle of Escorihuela 1884 Malbec!
The Dish: Chef Heidi’s Argentinian Chorizo Burgers
If you think you know burgers, get ready to rewrite the playbook. Inspired by the classic South American Choripán (a grilled chorizo sandwich), Chef Heidi’s recipe swaps standard ground beef for juicy ground pork mixed entirely from scratch with cayenne, smoked paprika, and garlic.
But a burger is only as good as its condiments, right? This one is an absolute powerhouse. It’s loaded with a creamy avocado aioli, a bright and tangy Salsa Criolla (packed with diced bell peppers, red onion, and vinegar), and a generous hit of herbaceous chimichurri. Sandwiched between a toasted, buttered ciabatta or baguette with melted provolone cheese, this sandwich is a masterclass in balancing rich, smoky, and acidic flavors.
The Perfect Pairing: Why It Works
As a general rule in the culinary world, what grows together goes together, and the hearty, meat-centric cuisine of Argentina is the absolute perfect match for a local Mendoza Malbec. Here is why the Escorihuela 1884 Malbec makes these Chorizo Burgers sing:
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No Oak, Pure Fruit: Unlike many heavy red wines, this specific Malbec is aged entirely in stainless steel and the bottle – zero oak. This preserves its vibrant acidity and fresh, juicy fruit notes (like blueberries and plums). That dark fruit sweetness is the ultimate cooling contrast to the cayenne and smoked paprika in the pork sausage.
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Cutting the Fat: Ground pork, melted cheese, and avocado aioli bring a ton of rich, mouth-coating fats to the table. The wine’s refreshing mid-palate and lively acidity act like a knife, slicing through the richness and cleansing your palate for the next bite.
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Herbal Harmony: Look out for the subtle notes of rosemary, thyme, and balsamic in the wine. These earthy, savory undertones latch perfectly onto the fresh herbs in the Chimichurri and the tangy bite of the Salsa Criolla.
- Juicy, Glossy Tannins: Because the wine isn’t heavily oaked, its tannins are incredibly smooth and glossy rather than dry. This is crucial, harsh tannins will clash with the vinegar in the salsa, but this soft, medium-bodied Malbec glides right alongside it seamlessly.
Ready to transform your weekend grilling routine? Stop by your local Liquor Plus to grab a bottle of Escorihuela 1884 Malbec, pick up your fresh ingredients from Country Grocer, and stream Season 14, Episode 2 to see the magic happen on screen.
Grab the full recipe here: Chef Heidi’s Argentinian Chorizo Burgers
Liquor Plus Sponsors Cookin’ on the Coast
Each week, Liquor Plus sponsors the Pairings segment of Cookin’ on the Coast on CHEK. The show features unique food and drink pairings offered by BC suppliers, with recipes created by Chef Heidi Fink and sponsored by Country Grocer. All of the beverages featured on the program can be found in Liquor Plus stores across Vancouver Island.
