Bodega Benegas Single Vineyard Malbec
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Selection of the best parcels from estate vineyards Finca La Encerrada (1450 meters above sea level), located in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, Mendoza.
- The vines were planted 88 years ago by the Benegas Family.
Varietal Composition: 100% Malbec
Elaboration: Pre-fermentation cold maceration. Fermentation in a tank at 25°C. Post fermentation maceration for two weeks. Racking and natural malolactic fermentation. Aged for 12 months in (15%-20% new) French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: Intense ruby red with violet reflections. Clean and bright. Strong presence of red fruits, with floral notes such as violets; typical of the cold regions of the Uco Valley. The thermal amplitude generated in these high altitude vineyards gives the wine a deep color and a great aromatic intensity. Wine of medium intensity, with soft and round tannins that develop through the mouth. Juicy and very pleasant on the palate with a subtle minerality. Elegant and long finish on the palate.
PRESS
2017 – 91 Vinous | 93 James Suckling | 94 Wine Advocate
2018 – 93 Vinous | 94 James Suckling | 94 Wine Advocate
2019 – 90 Vinous
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
In 2010, Bodega Benegas acquires Finca La Encerrada, located in Gualtallary, Tupungato in Uco Valley at 1400 meters above sea level. Finca La Encerrada is among of Mendoza’s 1% of highest vineyards.
It is in the authentic Appellation of Origin Gualtallary, the street name that went up to a Monastery. Today, the name was “expanded” to include other vineyards that are far away from the original Gualtallary. As the Appellation of Origin was broaden, Patricio Tapia (Descorchados, Wine & Spirits) speaks of the original area as “Gualtallary Monasterio”, considered Uco Valley’s “diamond”.
Finca La Encerrada has 40 hectares of planted vineyards under drip irrigation.