2019 BenMarco Malbec Wine From Argentina - A Delicious Full-Bodied Red

Exploring the 2019 BenMarco Malbec Wine

The 2019 vintage of the BenMarco Malbec wine has received excellent reviews and developed quite a following among wine enthusiasts. As a full-bodied red wine made from 100% Malbec grapes grown in Mendoza, Argentina, it delivers the rich flavor profile the varietal is known for. Let's take a closer look at what makes the 2019 BenMarco Malbec so special.

BenMarco Winery Background

The BenMarco winery was founded by Italian native Marco Bonfanti in 2006 and is located in Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo at the foot of the Andes Mountains. Marco inherited his passion for winemaking from his family, who have grown grapes in Italy for over 150 years.

At BenMarco, Marco uses that Italian heritage to produce unique single vineyard wines that utilize modern winemaking techniques. The higher altitude vineyard allows the grapes to ripen slowly, concentrating flavors. Marco oversees every step of production from vineyard to bottle.

Details on the 2019 Vintage

The 2019 growing season in Mendoza experienced normal temperatures and low rainfall. This allowed the Malbec grapes to slowly reach optimal ripeness and full phenolic maturity. The harvest took place on April 15th.

The Malbec grapes were hand-picked and sorted to remove imperfect bunches. After gentle crushing and destemming, the must underwent a 10 day cold soak before being inoculated with selected yeasts. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks and punchdowns were done several times per day.

Winemaking Process

After primary alcoholic fermentation, the 2019 BenMarco Malbec underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels. Approximately one third of the barrels were new French oak. The wine then aged for 12 months in barrels and was manually stirred biweekly.

The wine remained unfiltered and unfined before bottling. This allowed the full expression of flavors and texture achieved during barrel aging to remain intact. Approximately 6,600 bottles were produced.

Tasting Notes and Reviews

Noted wine critic James Suckling awarded the 2019 BenMarco Malbec 93 points. In his tasting notes, he describes the wine as follows:

"A fresh and juicy red with crushed-berry, chocolate and hints of walnut. Medium body, tangy acidity and a flavorful finish."

Another reviewer calls the wine "vibrant and aromatic" with notes of violet and herbs complimenting dark cherry flavors. The vibrant acidity and firm, fine tanned tannins provide excellent structure.

BenMarco Malbec Food Pairings

With its rich fruit flavors and balanced tannins, the 2019 BenMarco Malbec can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. Lean red meats like filet mignon, lamb chops, roast pork tenderloin will all work wonderfully.

Grilled and Smoked Meats

The wine's smoky oak notes make it a natural fit for smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork and sausages hot off the grill. Roasts and steaks benefit from a reverse sear or time in a smoker as well.

Pasta Dishes

For heartier pasta dishes like Bolognese with beef and pork, rigatoni with sausage, porcini mushrooms and tomato, or lasagna, the BenMarco Malbec can handle the richness and intensity of flavor.

Other Suggestions

The herb and pepper aspects of the wine means it will pair with spicy Latin foods like chimichurri skirt steak or empanadas very nicely. Hard cheeses like parmesan, aged cheddar and gouda make nice pairings at the end of a meal.

Where to Purchase the BenMarco Malbec

The 2019 BenMarco Malbec typically retails around $25-30 USD per 750ml bottle. Distribution is still somewhat limited, but a few stores carry the wine:

• Astor Wines & Spirits - New York, NY
• KL Wine Merchants - New York, NY
• Arleston Fine Wines - Venice, CA
• Mister Wright Fine Wines & Spirits - Chicago, IL

You may also be able to order the BenMarco Malbec directly from the winery itself. Check the BenMarco website for availability and to join the mailing list.

Based on the exceptional quality and value it offers, interest in the 2019 vintage of BenMarco's Malbec will likely continue growing. Be sure to try a bottle soon and enjoy the superb example of what Argentinian Malbec has to offer.

FAQs

What grapes are used to make the BenMarco Malbec?

The BenMarco Malbec is made from 100% Malbec grapes grown in the winemaker's estate vineyard located in Agrelo, Mendoza.

What aroma and flavor notes does the wine have?

Reviewers describe aromas of fresh mixed berries, violets and herbs. On the palate, flavors of cherry, chocolate and a hint of oak from aging in French barrels come through.

What foods pair well with the BenMarco Malbec?

The full body and ripe fruit flavors make this Malbec very versatile for food pairings. Grilled or smoked meats, pasta dishes, Latin foods like chimichurri, empanadas and hard cheeses are some suggestions.

Where can I buy a bottle of the 2019 vintage?