Malbec and Carmenere are two Bordeaux varieties that have experienced a renaissance in South America. However, have you heard of another Bordeaux castaway in Argentina called Bequignol.
Bequignol was used as a blending grape in Bordeaux and still exists in parts of Southwest France. Written records of this variety date back to the 18th century in France. However, it’s now more common in Argentina, where it’s also typically a blending grape to go with Malbec and Cabernet to add color.
As a wine explorer, once I saw a monovarietal version, I pounced on it. By itself it’s generally a light-bodied, easy drinking wine. It fits the style more people are drinking nowadays.
Tasting Notes
2021 Escala Humana Livvera Bequignol Uco Valley
Escala Humana is a relatively new producer in Mendoza who focuses on less common varieties like Malvasia, Sangiovese and Bequignol. However, the winemaker has lots of experience in Mendoza, including working with Matias Michelini. They are sustainable and low intervention.
100% Bequignol from a single vineyard in the El Zampal region of the Uco Valley. Old vines. 100% whole cluster. Aged in used oak barrels. This is quite Pinot, Gamay or Grenache-like but in a more low-intervention style. Similar to a Mendozan Cereza I had not too long ago. In the same genre as the easy to drink criolla reds they have in Argentina. Fruity with ripe red berry fruit, floral, light-bodied. Medium-acid. Soft tannins. No major sense of oak but some savory notes. Easy to drink a lot of and pair with different foods. 90