IF you were to consider great combinations of France, Argentina and Portugal, you'd probably think of the 2016 UEFA Team of the Year when Griezmann, Messi and Ronaldo were named up front.

Well, you would if you were into your football.

As it happens, however, we've just come across another magical mix of French flair, Argentinian extravagance and Portuguese panache, and it's nothing to do with the FIFA World Cup but rather the world of wine - and a particular Malbec on the shelves at Waitrose.

Come to think of it, the Malbec grape actually has some similarities to the World Cup itself in that it has origins in France and arguably found its spiritual home in South America (albeit in Argentina rather than Brazil, where the original Jules Rimet Trophy resides).

So anyway, the variety was first introduced in Argentina from France in the mid-19th Century, although it wasn't until the late 20th Century that it truly came to the fore there, as the Argentine wine industry shifted much of its focus from jug wine for thirsty natives to premium wine for export.

(A bit like their football industry began to win the World Cup and start to export such greats as Ardiles, Maradona and Batistuta.)

Indeed, the quality of the grapes that grow in the eastern foothills of the Andes, as characterised by a deep almost inky colour, intense fruity flavours and velvety texture, saw Malbec become the most widely planted red variety in the country.

(A bit like Messi shirts are now the most widely purchased.)

But where does Portugal come into all this?

Well, significant investment from Portuguese owners Sogrape allowed Argentinian winemaker Luis Cabral de Almeida to expand his excellent vineyard, as well as experiment, innovate and excite (a bit like Messi and Ronaldo on the football pitch).

And the Finca Flichman Reserve Malbec that is effectively an end product of all this is a quality tipple, especially for its price.

Rich and full-bodied, with vibrant cherry fruits, smoky chocolatey notes and an agreeable palate, it is excellent value at its normal £10.69 at Waitrose - and even more so until June 5 with its discount price of £7.99.

Have it with steak or lamb chop, or perhaps white meat with fries or a Sunday roast. Stock some up, too, for this summer's World Cup.

If you've got a few more quid to spare, there's another Malbec currently on discount at Waitrose which is well worth visiting - the Luigi Bosca Malbec Seleccion de Vistalba, which is down from £17.99 to £13.99 until June 5.

Like the above, it also hails from the famed Mendoza region of Argentina, coming in slightly stronger at 14 per cent and receiving excellent reviews.

The ageing in oak barrels gives the tipple a nice toasty feel, to complement cherry and ripe plum aromas, spiciness and coffee and blackberry notes.

There's a lovely structure and nice round texture which makes it lovely on its own, but it would also be a go-to wine to have with a quality steak, and would probably pair well with a cheeseboard for afters too.