Elsa Bianchi Malbec 2020
Overview
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Attractive deep purple color, typical of young Malbec wines. Aromas of ripe red fruit predominate, with floral touches of violets. Intense, aromatic, and fruit-forward, accompanied by a subtle minerality that adds further liveliness. On the palate, there is a sweet entry, round and soft tannins, balanced acidity, and medium structure, with an elegant mouthfeel. |
Wine Facts
Winemaker Notes
The grapes come both from family vineyards as well as from associated producers in San Rafael. At 820.21 yards above sea level. The Bianchi vineyards – Finca Dona Elsa and Finca Asti – are grown on sandy, calcareous soil of alluvial Origin. These poor soils, with a loamy-sandy texture, have some calcareous sediment, which provides mineral notes in the wine. Hand-harvested, the grapes are destemmed and the whole berries are placed directly into stainless-steel tanks. Cold maceration takes place, lasting 2-3 days, after which typical fermentation occurs, with pump-overs specially-designed for young Malbecs. The must is tasted daily to check its evolution, and after 4 to 5 days, is injected with specially selected yeasts. The wine undergoes maloactic fermentation at controlled temperatures, with 7-10 days maceration. Finally, the wine spends three months in the bottle before release.
Interesting Facts
Elsa Bianchi wines are named after Dona Elsa, the late grandmother of the current Bianchi owners, who started the winery with her husband. Her first home, a small “casa,” still sits among the vineyards that also bear her name.
Serving Hints
Pair with roasted meats, pork, beef, salmon, or flavorful fish.
The grapes come both from family vineyards as well as from associated producers in San Rafael. At 820.21 yards above sea level. The Bianchi vineyards – Finca Dona Elsa and Finca Asti – are grown on sandy, calcareous soil of alluvial Origin. These poor soils, with a loamy-sandy texture, have some calcareous sediment, which provides mineral notes in the wine. Hand-harvested, the grapes are destemmed and the whole berries are placed directly into stainless-steel tanks. Cold maceration takes place, lasting 2-3 days, after which typical fermentation occurs, with pump-overs specially-designed for young Malbecs. The must is tasted daily to check its evolution, and after 4 to 5 days, is injected with specially selected yeasts. The wine undergoes maloactic fermentation at controlled temperatures, with 7-10 days maceration. Finally, the wine spends three months in the bottle before release.
Interesting Facts
Elsa Bianchi wines are named after Dona Elsa, the late grandmother of the current Bianchi owners, who started the winery with her husband. Her first home, a small “casa,” still sits among the vineyards that also bear her name.
Serving Hints
Pair with roasted meats, pork, beef, salmon, or flavorful fish.
Producer: Bodegas Bianchi
Region: San Rafael, Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Wine Composition: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 5.2 G/L
Residual Sugar: 2.0 G/L
pH: 3.70
Region: San Rafael, Mendoza
Country: Argentina
Wine Composition: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: 5.2 G/L
Residual Sugar: 2.0 G/L
pH: 3.70
Press Highlights
2013: 'Best Buy'” - Wine & Spirits, June 2014
2012: 'Best Buy' - Wine Enthusiast, Apr 2014
2011: 90 Pts - Wine Advocate #203, Oct 2012
2011: 'Best Buy' - Wine Enthusiast
2010: 'Best Buy' - Wine Enthusiast, Nov 2012
2008: 'Best Value' - Wine Spectator, June 2009
2008: 'Best Buy' - Wine Enthusiast, Aug 2009
2008: 'Top 100' - Wine & Spirits, Oct 2009