Susana Balbo BenMarco Malbec 2022

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1999 by Susana Balbo, Dominio del Plata is a family-owned winery located in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina. Susana Balbo, the first female enologist in Argentina, established the winery after two decades of consulting for various wine projects both domestically and internationally. Dominio del Plata encompasses several labels, including Crios, BenMarco, Susana Balbo Signature, and Nosotros, each representing different expressions of Argentine terroir. The winery is committed to sustainable practices and has received ISO 22000 certification, reflecting its dedication to quality and environmental responsibility. 

Producer and Winemaker

Susana Balbo, often referred to as the “Queen of Torrontés,” is a pioneering figure in the Argentine wine industry. With a background in enology and extensive experience in both domestic and international wine production, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as winemaker. Her son, José Lovaglio, also plays a significant role in the winery, contributing to both viticulture and winemaking processes. Together, they focus on crafting wines that express the unique characteristics of their vineyards, with an emphasis on balance, elegance, and varietal purity.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The 2022 BenMarco Malbec is sourced from the Los Chacayes vineyard in the Uco Valley, Mendoza, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters above sea level. The vineyard’s sandy and rocky loam soils provide excellent drainage and limit vine vigor, leading to concentrated fruit flavors. The high-altitude, continental climate of the Uco Valley, characterized by warm days and cool nights, promotes slow ripening, preserving acidity and enhancing aromatic complexity in the grapes. 

Vinification & Aging Methods

Grapes were hand-harvested and underwent a 30-day maceration period to extract color, flavor, and tannins. Fermentation was carried out in stainless steel vats using selected yeasts to maintain varietal purity. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for 11 months in second-passage French oak barrels, which impart subtle oak influences without overpowering the fruit character. 

Tasting Notes

The 2022 BenMarco Malbec exhibits a deep, bright ruby color. The nose offers a harmonious blend of blackberry and violet aromas. On the palate, the wine is rich and full-bodied, featuring flavors of black fruits, cocoa, and spices. It displays pronounced acidity, firm tannins, and a long, elegant finish, showcasing the wine’s balance and complexity. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Malbec pairs excellently with a variety of dishes, including grilled red meats, roast pork, pasta with meat sauce, and hard cheeses. Its bold structure and rich fruit flavors complement the savory and umami elements in these foods, making it a versatile choice for hearty meals. 

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the wine at 16°C to 18°C (60°F to 64°F) in large, tulip-shaped red wine glasses to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and balance. Decanting for 30 minutes prior to serving can help open up the wine’s bouquet and soften its tannins, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. While the 2022 vintage is approachable now, it has the potential to age gracefully over the next 5 to 7 years. With time, the wine’s tannins will soften, and its flavors will evolve, offering additional complexity and depth.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

100% Malbec

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

14.5% 

Scores

• Wine Spectator: 90 points