02. Arraigo // OLD VINES // BLEND
ORIGIN | OLD VINES | BLEND
From the oldest vines of Benegas we produce this unique wines, aged in new French oak for 18 months.
CHARACTERISTICS
Varietal Composition: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot.
Grape Origin: Grapes from our own vineyards located in Finca Libertad, Mendoza Upper River Bank , Cruz de Piedra, Maipú, Mendoza (850 meters above sea level; 2800 fts); Grapevines planted from 1899 to 1956 by the Benegas Family.
Harvest Time: Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the second half of April, Merlot at the end of March and Petit Verdot in the second half of March.
Winemaking Process: Cold maceration. Fermentation in tank at 25° C (77° F) with native yeast. Post fermentation maceration for 20 days. Malolactic fermentation in the new French oak barrels, each varietal by separate. In the case of the Cabernet Franc it’s aged in 500 it French oak barrels. After 12 months ageing in wood, the blend in created and it goes back to oak barrels for another 6 months.
Ageing: 18 months in French oak barrels and another 12 months reposing in bottle.
Technical Data: Alcohol 14.5%, Sugar 2.17, PH 3.53, Acidity 6.51 gr/lt.
Tasting Notes:
-Colour: Brilliant red vermillion colour with orange hues.
-Nose: The complexity of the varietal composition exhibits in the nose aromas of red and black fruit, spices like white pepper, clove and cardamom. Herbal notes of eucalyptus, thyme and rosemary. The wood ageing renders cocoa and vanilla notes.
-Mouth: Strong presence in the entrance. It reaches the maximum volume with a high impact in the mid palate, showing round tannins resulting from the blend of the four varietals. Long and lingering finish with delicate herbaceous notes.
Ageing Capacity: 15-20 years.
Drinking Temperature: Serving temperature 17°/18° C (62°/64° F)
Food Pairing: Due to its strong character and complexity, this wine pairs excellent with game meats slowly cooked.