From: Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Varietal: Malbec, Cabernet Franc
Taste: The wine presents a deep ruby-red hue with violet undertones. The aromatic profile is characterized by elegant notes of plums, cherries, and violet flowers, with scents of ripe strawberries and dark red fruits. The wine delivers notes of ripe strawberries and dark fruits on the palate, complemented by well-integrated tannins and a subtle oak influence. The finish is full-bodied and balanced.
Pairing: “This blend can pair with a handful of dishes but a few we highly recommend trying are: baked ham with a honey, Dijon and thyme glaze or an old fashioned meat loaf.” - Producer Recommendation
A baked ham with honey, Dijon, and thyme glaze is an excellent choice, as the savory-sweet combination complements the wine’s dark fruit notes. Similarly, a classic meatloaf with a tomato glaze harmonizes with the wine’s fruit-forward profile, adding depth to its rich, comforting flavors. Grilled lamb chops seasoned with rosemary and garlic offer a tender, aromatic pairing that matches the wine’s full-bodied character. For a vegetarian option, eggplant Parmesan, with its layers of roasted eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese, pairs well with the wine’s acidity and ripe fruitiness. A seared duck breast with a fruit/berry reduction highlights the wine’s dark fruit notes while balancing its subtle tannins. Beef empanadas, with their flaky, spiced meat filling, are another excellent match, as the wine’s integrated tannins and fruit flavors cut through the richness of the dish. Finally, a creamy polenta with roasted wild mushrooms and fresh thyme provides earthy and savory elements that beautifully complement the wine’s depth and full-bodied finish.
Maple-Glazed Meatloaf
Recipe from Carrie Brown, John Werner and Michael McLaughlin
Adapted by Susan Guerrero, NYT Cooking
About. Belasco de Baquedano is a distinguished winery in the Luján de Cuyo region of Mendoza, Argentina, renowned for its exceptional Malbec wines. The winery's origins trace back to the Belasco family from Viana, Spain, who have been involved in the spirits and wine industry since 1831—initially, the family specialized in producing Pacharán, a traditional sloe berry-anise liqueur. In the late 1980s, Juan Ignacio Belasco expanded the family's ventures into winemaking by acquiring vineyards and establishing a winery in Spain's Navarra region.
In the early 1990s, Juan Ignacio developed a profound interest in the Malbec grape variety. Collaborating with renowned wine consultant Bertrand Bourdil, former head winemaker at Mouton Rothschild, they embarked on a decade-long exploration of Argentina to find exceptional vineyards suitable for producing high-quality Malbec wines. Their search culminated in acquiring 222 acres of old-vine Malbec vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo region, previously owned by an Italian family.
Construction of the Belasco de Baquedano winery commenced in 2003 under Juan Ignacio's guidance, with the facility becoming operational and releasing its inaugural vintage in 2008. Following Juan Ignacio's passing in 2017, his son Mikel Belasco continued the family's dedication to producing some of the world's finest Malbec wines.
The winery is situated at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, benefiting from the region's unique terroir. Situated 3,346 feet above sea level, the natural growing conditions are ideal for producing premium wines. Cool nights offset warm days, plunging by as much as 45ºF. With very little rainfall throughout the growing season, the vines still benefit from the proximity of the Andes fueling the Mendoza River. Grown at the base of the Aconcagua Mountains (the highest peaks in the Americas), their vines harness the melted snow of the Andes to provide natural irrigation. For dryer years, we still maintain complete control of our growing techniques and are able to use drip irrigation from our on-sight reservoir. The vineyards, planted in 1910, are characterized by alluvial soils with pebbly subsoil and sandy-silty-clay sediments. This composition, combined with high planting density and meticulous vineyard management, results in low yields of top-quality grapes that embody the Malbec variety's distinctive characteristics.
Wine Notes: “LLAMA as its namesake, this wine embodies the distinctive spirit of our vineyards, spanning the foothills of the Andes. This blend brings together two of its most renowned varieties Bonarda and Malbec, Each are aged individually for six months on 3-year-old French Oak Barrels and then blended together to age for a minimum of six additional months in bottle.” From the Producer