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August 2012 Classic, Limited and Vintners Series Wine Tasting Malbec/Merlot, 2006. Benvenuto
Benvenuto de la Serna is located in premier wine region of Valle de Uco, Mendoza, where their single-estate, Vista Flores vineyard stands 3,400 feet above sea level, at the foothills of the Andes Mountains. Their winemaker is renowned enologist Angel Mendoza who was the driving force of Trapiche, one of Argentina's oldest and most famous estates for 25 years. The alluvial soil in this area is known for being extremely stony with a predominately high sand content. This allows the roots of the vines to reach incredibly deep into the ground while offering excellent drainage. Because of its semi-desert climate, the temperature spread between day and night in Valle de Uco can be up to 50 degrees. The high elevation and exposure to hot desert sun, develops fruit with ripe, rich flavors and deep colors, yet maintains a balanced acidity to complement the dense flavors. Our selection is 60% Malbec and 40% Merlot. Malbec was originally one of the minor blending varieties of Bordeaux, where it has now almost completely disappeared. Its new home is now Argentina, where it has become, after more than 100 years of nurturing, one of the biggest darlings in the international red wine arena. Malbec grapes are reasonably small, very dark, and juicy. Controlling the fruiting of the vines is important to ensure good concentration of flavors. Malbec, however, is fairly sensitive to its climate. In cooler conditions (in Mendoza, this normally means at higher altitude) it is a thick-skinned grape which develops high acid and high tannin levels giving rise to more robust wines. At lower altitudes the grapes have thinner skins, more juice, and produce wines that are lighter-bodied and more suited to drinking young. The best, as is our selection, is a combination of both. The Merlot adds the softness often needed with Malbec from this area. Our selection spent 12 months in new French oak barrels. This is what accounts for the spicy vanilla components and the round edges. It's a hearty wine for hearty foods like rich stews and the like. August 2012 Vintners Series Newsletter (.pdf) |
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