Valentin Bianchi
The Bianchi family winery was founded in 1928 by Italian immigrant Valentin Bianchi...
It now covers 350 hectares of vineyard, situated 750m above sea level in San Rafael, about 240km south of Mendoza city. This is a cooler area than Mendoza’s major vineyard areas of Luján de Cuyo and Agrelo because it is further south, which helps the flavours and perfumes develop more gradually, resulting in more aromatic wines. The estate is now run by the third generation of the family and has undergone a gradual transformation in the past few years, modernising both the winery and the vinification processes. Finca Los Primos comprises a range of excellent value varietals. Famiglia Bianchi, Particular and Enzo are each a step up in concentration and depth of fruit, from older and lower yielding vineyards.
Vineyards
Grapes for this wine came from the Doña Elsa vineyard in the village of Rama Caída in San Rafael, Mendoza, around 760m above sea level. One of the coolest areas in San Rafael, the soil in Rama Caída is of sandy calcareous composition and alluvial origins.
Vinification
The grapes were hand harvested. Prior to maceration, a small portion of the juice was bled off the skins to increase skin to juice ratio. The must was crushed and fermented at temperatures of 20-30ºC in stainless steel tanks and inoculated with selected yeasts. Very gentle, periodic pumping over was carried out, with seven days total maceration and natural stabilization. There was minimal oak ageing with French oak inner staves, in an effort to keep fruit fresh, lively and prominent, with a further month`s ageing in bottle.
Tasting Notes
The classic Malbec aromas of ripe plum and violets are evident on the nose, with hints of vanilla. Combining a rich, weighty mouthfeel with a soft silkiness and a pleasing fruit character, this wine ends with a persistent, aromatic finish.
Vintage information
| Vintage | 2011 |
| Grape varieties |
100% Malbec |
| Region | San Rafael, Mendoza |
| Winemaker | Francisco Martinez |
| Alcohol (ABV) | 14.5% |
| Acidity | 4.87g/l |
| Residual Sugar | 2.53g/l |
| Wine pH | 3.72 |
Trade customers
Liberty Wines customers can order this wine directly from us.