From: Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina
Varietal: Malbec
Taste: The 2019 Familia Bonfanti Estate Malbec from Lujan de Cuyo, Argentina, is a celebration of robust flavors and nuanced complexity. On the nose, it greets you with a tantalizing bouquet of ripe strawberries, aged leather, and fragrant tobacco, setting the stage for its striking palate. On tasting, this full-bodied Malbec enchants with a perfect balance of fruity and earthy notes. The initial splash of luscious strawberries evolves into earthy undertones of leather and tobacco, complemented by a minerally twang. The journey concludes on a high note, with a lingering, well-rounded finish that leaves a trail of its terroir-driven, bold character.
Pairing: This delicous Malbec pairs exceptionally well with hearty meat dishes due to its strong, full-bodied flavor profile. A prime rib roast or a well-seasoned lamb shank would perfectly match its robust, earthy undertones (see recipe below). This Malbec can also hold its own against rich, tangy cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola, making it an excellent addition to a charcuterie board. For a vegetarian pairing, consider a wild mushroom risotto or an eggplant Parmesan to play off the wine's earthy elements. Its versatility lends itself beautifully to both casual meals and sophisticated dining experiences.
Stuffed Standing Rib RoastRecipe from Bruce Aidells
Adapted by Julia Moskin
About. Today, we delve into a gem of Argentinian viticulture, the 2019 Familia Bonfanti Estate Malbec. This delightful 100% Malbec originates from a historic single vineyard nestled within Perdriel, a locality in the esteemed Lujan de Cuyo sub-region of Mendoza. The vineyard, named Terrada, boasts twenty acres of vines meticulously planted in 1915, basking in the high-altitude ambiance of 3,077 feet above sea level. The sustainability-focused Bonfanti family perpetuates the vineyard's century-old legacy, setting the stage for the wine's compelling narrative.
The grapes for this remarkable wine are manually harvested, reflecting the Bonfanti family's commitment to traditional winemaking practices. Winemaker Sebastian Bonfanti masterfully handles these hand-picked berries, letting them macerate for ten days before fermentation occurs in the barrel. The aging process comprises a year spent in French oak, splitting between 50% new and 50% second-use barrels. This meticulous process enhances the wine's body and complexity, an evident feature in each sip of the 2019 vintage.
On the technical side, the 2019 Familia Bonfanti Estate Malbec exhibits an alcohol content of 14.8%, with a yield of 3.5 tons per acre. The wine underwent no stem inclusion, light filtration through cellulose plates, and saw no lees contact, ensuring a pure expression of its origin. The production for this vintage was limited, yielding only 1500 12-pack cases, enhancing its allure for wine connoisseurs globally.
On the palate, this terroir-driven Malbec is nothing short of fascinating. It captivates with a harmonious fusion of strawberry, leather, and tobacco, with earth and mineral-driven elements offering a unique character. Its complexity echoes the sandy Franco soil from which it grows, underscoring a sense of place that sets apart the best wines from their counterparts.
Familia Bonfanti, a boutique micro-winery, is uniquely positioned in the Argentinean wine scene. Incepted in 1915 when the family patriarch planted the first Malbec vines, the winery has grown and evolved, completing its state-of-the-art facility in 2005. A true family endeavor, the vineyard management is handled by father Roberto, winemaking by son Sebastian, and business operations by son Alejandro. Their meticulous hands-on approach resonates in each wine produced, revealing an unwavering dedication to quality and authenticity.
Lujan de Cuyo, the birthplace of this Malbec, is a wine-producing powerhouse known for its bold, intensely flavored red wines, with Malbec taking center stage. From the small town of Luján de Cuyo, the viticultural area stretches southward between the Andes Mountains in the west and the Lunlunta hills in the east. This location offers a unique climate characterized by hot, dry days tempered by cool alpine winds at night, promoting prolonged ripening periods and full phenolic maturity without sacrificing acidity.
The soil, enriched over millennia by alluvial deposits from the Andes, is rocky and sandy, with low organic matter. While such conditions may seem harsh, they are perfect for viticulture. Their stress on the vines results in less foliage and smaller berries, thus fostering concentrated flavors—a characteristic beautifully echoed in the 2019 Familia Bonfanti Estate Malbec.
In conclusion, this exceptional wine embodies the spirit of Argentinian winemaking tradition, upholding the Bonfanti family's commitment to quality and authenticity. The 2019 Familia Bonfanti Estate Malbec is a testament to the allure of Mendoza's unique terroir, a delectable treat for the discerning palate.