Aromas are complex; imagine raspberries, black cherries, and plums, all very fresh, muddled together with a large mortar and pestle. The palate, too, is delicious and fresh, with ripe fruit and spice. Silky, moderately firm tannins do their job admirably. It is medium in body and length with elegant structure.

Bodega Fuego Blanco was founded in 2012 by the Millán family, owners of Bodega Toneles and other Argentine wine estates. It is located in the Pedernal (“flint”) Valley in San Juan province north of Mendoza at an altitude of 1650 m above sea level. The soil has a thick, stony texture with good drainage. Diurnal temperature swings during the growing season average 20° C, rainfall is scarce, and sunshine plentiful. All wines are made with estate fruit, including some unexpected varieties such as Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc. Two red blends are produced, a Syrah-Malbec, and this Cabernet Franc-Malbec.

This goal of this wine is to combine the spice of Cabernet Franc with the fruit of Malbec. To that end, the Cabernet Franc is harvested earlier than normal for this grape (sometimes even before the Malbec), and the two varieties are fermented together in concrete using natural yeasts. The fermentation lasts 30 days, allowing the flavors and aromas of both varieties to blend into a seamless whole. Half the blend is aged in older 1000-liter French oak casks, the rest in concrete. The two lots were blended and bottled in November 2017.

Charcuterie, Cheese, Duck, Grilled preparations, Mushrooms, Pizza, Pork, Red Meat, Roasted Root Vegetables, Slow-smoked Barbeque/BBQ Sauce, Tomato Sauce