When I was invited to this event, wanting to learn more about Wines from Mendoza, Argentina, I knew the afternoon would be educational. I didn’t expect a complete revelation.
Riley’s Fish & Steak is the kind of Michelin-recommended room that understands the profound impact of a thoughtful first impression, a truth telegraphed immediately by the decadent lobster oil served alongside the warm bread basket. It provided a fittingly polished stage for the Mark Anthony Group to orchestrate an intimate afternoon with José Zuccardi, the director of Familia Zuccardi and a true titan of the Uco Valley. Zuccardi has fundamentally reshaped the global perception of Mendoza, championing extreme, terroir-driven winemaking that leaves the heavy-handed oak of the past far behind.
A great pairing requires a seamless conversation between the glass and the plate. The Jumbo Prawn Cocktail arrived as a pristine expression of a steakhouse classic, its delicate, chilled sweetness marrying effortlessly with the bright, welcoming pour of the Zuccardi El Camino de las Flores 2024.
Having my eyes opened at this wine pairing lunch at Riley’s, I was able to experience the sheer brilliance of his Malbecs firsthand. The Zuccardi Concreto 2023 remains an absolute standout. Fermented in concrete amphorae and aged for 11 months in uncoated concrete tanks with zero oak influence, it is a masterclass in texture. This unmasked, natural expression of the fruit captures the raw identity of the vineyard, making it an exceptionally nimble and exciting wine to pair with food.
The crescendo of the afternoon, however, belonged to two legendary pours: the Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal 2022 and the Supercal 2022. Often commanding flawless 100-point scores, these single-parcel (lieu-dit) 100% Malbecs are masterfully crafted by winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi from the iconic Finca Piedra Infinita estate in Paraje Altamira. Though both are extreme expressions of high-altitude limestone and stony soils, their distinct micro-plots yield completely unique flavor profiles. They demand a serious plate, which Riley’s delivered with a perfectly cooked 7-oz Prime Beef Striploin.
The primal char and rich, beefy depth of the prime striploin completely unlocked the profound, stony minerality of the extreme-altitude Malbecs – a pairing of pure, unadulterated terroir.
When an agency like the Mark Anthony Group bridges the gap between visionary winemaking families and Michelin-caliber kitchens, you don’t just get a lunch; you get a lasting education in modern gastronomy.
The Menu
Reception Wine
- Zuccardi El Camino de las Flores 2024
Appetizer
- Wagyu Beef Carpaccio: Smoked tomato jam, onion rings, Parmigiano, chimichurri toast – OR –
- Jumbo Prawn Cocktail: Poached prawns, cocktail sauce, lemon – OR –
- Kale “Caesar” Salad: Baby kale, crispy chickpeas, lemon, parmesan vinaigrette, brioche
- Wine Pairings: Zuccardi Concreto 2023 & Zuccardi Polígonos San Pablo Cabernet Franc 2020
Entrée
- Steak & Frites: 7oz prime beef striploin, foie gras butter, red wine jus, rocket & parmigiano salad – OR –
- Grilled Branzino: Fennel, roasted heirloom cherry tomatoes, fried parsley, ‘nduja vinaigrette – OR –
- Truffle Risotto: Cultivated mushrooms, truffle tapenade, arugula, parmigiano
- Wine Pairings: Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Gravascal Malbec 2022 & Zuccardi Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal 2022
Dessert
- Lemon Tart: Basil oil, crème fraîche, raspberry – OR –
- Devil’s Chocolate Cake: Vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate sauce
- Wine Pairing: Zuccardi Aluv Paraje Altamira 2018
