Via Blanca Malbec - 2012
Via Blanca Malbec 2012 is a 100% Malbec from San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, produced by Bodega Iaccarini in a standard 750ml bottle. This vintage earned a Silver medal at the Inte rnational Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), reinforcing its standing among quality Argentine Malbecs from a high-altitude sub-region that remains underappreciated relative to Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Quick Facts: Varietal: 100% Malbec | Origin: San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina | Vintage: 2012 | Producer: Bodega Iaccarini | Elevation: 850 meters above sea level Production & Heritage Bodega Iaccarini sources fruit for Via Blanca from vines over 15 years old planted at 850 meters elevation in San Rafael, a southern Mendoza sub-region known for wide diurnal temperature swings that promote balanced acidity alongside ripe fruit concentration. Grapes are hand-harvested in small 20-kilogram boxes — a practice that preserves berry integrity and reduces oxidation before vinification. The result is a wine that highlights the varietal purity of Malbec without heavy-handed extraction. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with fresh plum and red berry fruit, supported by subtle violet florals. There is a lively, youthful quality to the aromatics that leans toward bright, primary fruit rather than oak-driven complexity. Taste: The palate echoes the nose closely, with plum and mixed red berries arriving on entry and carrying through the mid-palate. The fruit character is ripe without being jammy, and the overall structure is balanced, with moderate tannins providing shape without excessive grip. Finish: The finish is persistent and well-balanced, with lingering red fruit and a clean, smooth exit. There is no harsh dryness or astringency, making the wine approachable even at a decade of age. How to Drink Via Blanca Malbec Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). At over a decade old, this wine benefits from 15–20 minutes of breathing time, either poured into a wide-bowled glass or briefly decanted. While primarily a wine for sipping alongside food, it also works well in wine-forward cocktails. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) uses the fruit-forward profile to good effect in a casual setting. A Sangria built around this Malbec gains depth from its plum and berry notes without needing excessive added sugar. A New York Sour — a whiskey sour floated with red wine — benefits from the persistent fruit and balanced acidity. Best For Introducing a friend to high-altitude Argentine Malbec from outside the usual regions Pairing with a weekend asado or grilled red meat dinner Adding an aged-vintage South American red to a wine collection Gifting a Malbec enthusiast something from a lesser-known Mendoza sub-region Frequently Asked Questions What does Via Blanca Malbec taste like? Via Blanca Malbec 2012 is a fruit-driven red dominated by ripe plum and red berry flavors with a persistent, balanced finish and moderate tannins. How does Via Blanca Malbec compare to Alamos Malbec? Both are 100% Malbec from Mendoza, but Via Blanca sources exclusively from San Rafael at 850 meters elevation, while Alamos draws from multiple Mendoza sub-regions. The Via Blanca 2012 also carries an IWSC Silver medal for this specific vintage, underscoring its competitive quality. Is Via Blanca Malbec good for sipping on its own? Yes — its ripe fruit character, moderate tannins, and balanced finish make it approachable neat, especially after a brief decant to let the 2012 vintage open up. Where is Via Blanca Malbec made? Via Blanca Malbec is produced by Bodega Iaccarini in San Rafael, a sub-region in the southern part of Mendoza, Argentina, at approximately 850 meters above sea level. What foods pair well with Via Blanca Malbec? Grilled beef steaks benefit from the wine's ripe fruit and tannin structure. Lamb chops with rosemary echo the dark berry notes. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego complement the moderate tannins. Empanadas filled with spiced beef match the wine's Mendozan roots. Dark chocolate desserts play well against the plum and berry finish. What sizes does Via Blanca Malbec come in? Via Blanca Malbec 2012 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format. Is Via Blanca Malbec worth the price? Via Blanca Malbec 2012 positions as an accessible, entry-to-mid-level Argentine Malbec that punches above its weight — the IWSC Silver medal and hand-harvested fruit from old vines at altitude represent genuine quality markers uncommon at this value tier. Why Via Blanca Malbec? San Rafael remains one of Mendoza's quieter sub-regions, often overshadowed by the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, yet its 850-meter elevation and significant day-to-night temperature shifts produce Malbec with a distinct freshness that avoids the overripe, high-alcohol profile common in warmer zones. The 2012 vintage earned IWSC Silver recognition — a meaningful credential from one of the wine world's longest-running competitions. Hand harvest in small 20-kilogram boxes signals a level of care in the vineyard that preserves fruit quality from vine to cellar. For anyone seeking varietal-pure Argentine Malbec with genuine provenance and a proven track record from an established Mendoza bodega, this bottle delivers.