MALBEC World Day, which was earlier in the month, slipped me by this year. Had I been on the ball I would have suggested a wine to mark the occasion.

Malbec and steak are two words that have become synonymous with each other. They are, I agree, natural partners, but we shouldn’t rule out other red wines when looking for a good pairing. So this week, I’ve picked three wines that I think would be ideal if you are serving up a juicy steak.

Chile might not be the first South American country you think of when the malbec grape is mentioned, but you should try Pérez Cruz Cot Reserva Limited Edition 2010. Cot is another name for malbec and is used here in homage to the great ‘black wine’ of Cahors.

This is a rich and full-bodied creation from the Maipo Alto region of the country. It has balance, length and a nice freshness too. It doesn’t skimp on juicy fruit flavours either; think blackcurrant, brambles and black cherry, with floral notes, some toasty oak influence and sturdy tannins.

Syrah is also a classic steak match. On offer at Waitrose, starting on Wednesday, is a good example from the Languedoc in the sunny sud de France, Pierrick Harang Cuvée Balthazar Syrah 2010, Pays d’Oc.

Full of bramble flavours spiced with liquorice and black pepper, this is a robust, concentrated and earthy wine that would also match really well with lamb.

Or head to the Castile-La Mancha region of Spain for another red I reckon will go nicely with your steak, Finca Constancia 2010, Castilla. This is a blend of half a dozen different grapes: tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, syrah, petit verdot and graciano.

The result is a very appealing, approachable, smooth wine, brimming with raspberry, cherry and plum fruit. There are peppery spices too, notes of dark chocolate, subtle oak notes and fine tannins.

• Pérez Cruz Cot Reserva Limited Edition 2010, £12.99 at Virgin Wines 17/20

• Pierrick Harang Cuvée Balthazar Syrah 2010, Pays d’Oc, £8.79 down from £10.99 at Waitrose 17/20

• Finca Constancia 2010, Castilla, £10.50 from Ocado and Tesco Wine 18/20