BenMarco Cabernet Franc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- BenMarco Cabernet Franc honors the unique terroirs at the foothills of the Andes. Through minimal intervention winemaking, they preserve the pure expression of the grapes and their origin.
- BenMarco Cabernet Franc is made from grapes sourced from Paraje Altamira in Valle de Uco, at 1,150 meters (3,780 feet) above sea level.
- The calcareous soils, along with warm days and cool nights, allow the grapes to develop ripe, fresh flavors while maintaining good acidity and structure.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Elaboration: Grapes are hand-harvested and undergo cold maceration at 8°C (46°F) for 48 hours. Fermentation with selected yeasts occurs in stainless steel tanks at 12°C (54°F) with two daily push-downs. The maceration lasts 26 days, and malolactic fermentation is completed in barrels. The wine is aged for 11 months in second-use French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Red color and purple hues. It displays aromas of spices and dry grass with a slight earthy character, such as chalk. It also has a subtle vegetable trace in the mid-palate, complemented by fine, precise tannins. It is a wine of great aging potential, and it is better to let it air for a while in the glass before drinking.
PRESS
2021 – 93 Vinous | 92 Wine Advocate
2022 – 92 James Suckling | 90 Vinous
2023 – 92 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
BenMarco Wines, a project of Susana Balbo Wines, focuses on showcasing Mendoza’s diverse terroirs through minimal intervention winemaking. With over 3,000 acres of vineyards in Argentina, Edgardo “Edy” Del Popolo, the General Manager and head winemaker, expertly highlights the region’s unique land and soils.