Taste: A ruby-red color with brownish edges and medium intensity. The wine greets the nose with herbaceous aromas intertwined with the freshness of red fruits like currants, raspberries, and plums. It presents an elegant entrance on the palate, evolving into a meaty mid-palate with ripe, round tannins, finishing in a long, silky finish. This wine, with an aging capacity of eight years, is best served between 59°F – 63°F.
Pairing: Its herbaceous and fruit-forward profile complements Italian and Greek dishes beautifully. Imagine it alongside a plate of pasta with rich tomato sauce or a gourmet pizza adorned with fresh ingredients. The wine's structure and tannins also make it an ideal partner for grilled meats, whether poultry, duck, or lamb, especially when seasoned with fine herbs. The wine's versatility extends to lamb dishes, its robustness harmonizing with the meat's rich flavors.
Lamb With Herb Paste and Spinach
By Mark Bittman
About: The tale begins in the 19th century when Mendoza with the Benegas family, primarily focused on alfalfa and wheat production, faced an economic downturn with the railroad's arrival. This pivotal moment marked a shift towards the wine industry, forever linking the Benegas family to the region's viticultural ascent. Don Tiburcio Benegas, a descendant of an influential Argentine family and a pioneer in the wine industry, played a central role in this transformation. His efforts in promoting irrigation systems, enacting water laws, and introducing French vine varieties profoundly impacted Mendoza's landscape. The family's dedication to viticulture was further inspired by Eusebio Blanco, Don Tiburcio's father-in-law and a constituent in the Argentine Constitution of 1853, who brought French Agronomist Michel Pouget to Mendoza.
In 1883, Don Tiburcio founded El Trapiche Winery, marking the beginning of a legacy that would see the Benegas name become synonymous with quality Argentine wine. The family's commitment to the industry continued through the generations, even after selling El Trapiche in 1970, ensuring the Benegas name remained a pillar in Argentine winemaking.
Bodega Benegas, nestled in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, is a remarkable blend of history, nature, and technology. Its historic building, constructed in 1901 and meticulously restored by Federico Benegas Lynch, combines traditional adobe walls and concrete pools with modern winemaking technologies. This unique environment reflects the family's dedication to excellence in winemaking, where tradition and innovation coexist.
The winery's vineyards, Finca Libertad and Finca La Encerrada offer a diverse terroir that contributes to the distinct identity of Bodega Benegas wines. Finca Libertad, the source of the Cabernet Franc grapes for this 2021 Estate wine, is located in an old riverbed and boasts ungrafted vines with genetic makeup from France's pre-phylloxera era. Finca La Encerrada, set in the high-altitude Uco Valley, is known for producing wines with vibrant colors and intense flavors. The diversity of soils, combined with meticulous vineyard management, results in wines that truly embody the essence of their origin.
The winemaking process, which includes careful grape selection, cold maceration, and aging in French oak barrels, results in a balanced and complex wine.
